Parisian Places: Visiting Giverny

Giverny is one of the most beautiful places I've ever been. And - I don't know how to say this without sounding like I'm bragging - I've been lucky enough to have visited some very beautiful places (I mean, unless you don't think Big Sur, San Francisco, Nice, and Saint-Tropez are beautiful. You're entitled to your opinion. Weirdo.)

Anyway, Giverny. Well, look!

Water Lily Pond/Etang des Nympheas

What did I tell you?

                                 

      

                                       ...now?

Are you convinced?

Okay, if you're still not convinced of the beauty of Giverny, either you are made of stone or the photos aren't loading. Either way, moving on.

Oh, what is Giverny? Technically, it is a tiny village about an hour from Paris, but it's best known for Claude Monet's home and gardens (um... pictured.) You know his famous water lily paintings? They were painted here.

Monet's house

There are two main areas to visit: the water lily ponds and the gardens. In front of the gardens is Monet's house, which you can also visit (as long as you don't take any pictures inside). There are a few places to sit and enjoy the sunshine (because you should go when there is sunshine) and the beauty of the gardens. I could have stayed all day. (Like, walk around and take pictures until your feet hurt, and then sit on a bench and read or write or draw or just sit and think and enjoy this beautiful place.)

Practical Information

When should you go? When the weather is nice and the flowers are blooming. These photos were taken at the end of September. Giverny is open every day from March 29th to November 1st.

(What?! Somewhere in France open seven days a week? I can't believe it either.)

How do you get to Giverny from Paris?

You can drive or take the train - it's around an hour away. Look here for all the details.

You can buy tickets online or when you arrive. (Adult tickets are 9.50) There are also guided tours available - make an appointment.

Actually, for any additional information about Giverny, visit Giverny.org - they've got it all.

I recommend you save time for the gift shop, if you like that sort of thing - they have some lovely things. Your mom will like them.

If you're living in Paris and you haven't made it to Giverny, you absolutely must go ASAP. No excuses. If you want a photo of the famous Japanese bridge without any people on it... um... good luck. 

You might also like the Musée d'Orsay and the Musée de l'Orangerie - both showcase impressionist works by Monet, many of which were painted here. The Orangerie actually has a circular room with long water lily paintings going all the way around (except for where there are doors and stuff.)

Have you been to Giverny? What was it like when you were there?