Happy France Week!
Today’s travel post is a little special, well it’s a lot special, actually.
It’s special in that it’s about a really magical part of France (well, what part isn’t magical?) and that it’s from a place that we only spent a few hours in.
That’s right! This is a post that you will enjoy whether you’re looking for excursions from Paris, you are a fan of Claude Monet, or you just like to look at beautiful places.
Welcome to Giverny!
This quaint, quiet French town is where Monet lived and created the beautiful pieces we know and love.
Giverny is a quick trip (under 2 hours) from the heart of Paris.
We went on a day excursion to Giverny and Versailles with ParisCityVision, and I would highly recommend the tour! I was worried that it would be too touristy, but it really was quite nice. We hopped in a comfy bus, enjoyed the views in the countryside, and we got to learn more about Monet and the history of Giverny from our tour leaders.
MONET’S HOME & GARDENS
This is probably the most well-known thing (and main reason) to visit Giverny, though it seems like the cutest little town.
Admission to the gardens is about 10 Euros, and there is plenty to spend a few hours wandering around. It’s not actually a huge property, but it just draws you in with the peaceful water garden (which you’ve seen in his water lilies paintings).
Then, you get to walk through his wild, colorful and incredibly beautiful gardens. There were so many different, new types of flowers, and I love how they grew alongside each other yet still felt so organic.
You’ve just got to go to experience all of the feelings!
Then, you can walk through Monet’s home to see where he painted, slept and cooked. I really loved the bright pastels of the dining room and kitchen.
It was so surreal for my husband and I to be at Monet’s home, since he’s one of our favorite painters. It’s hard to explain the feeling of being in the same place where such expressive art was created. So much inspiration and so much peace in one place!
If you ever get a chance to travel to Giverny, I would highly recommend it. And whether you rent a car or travel with some other international visitors, get out there and explore.