Monet’s garden in Giverny

Monet’s Garden in Giverny (Jardin de Claude Monet)

Monet’s Garden at Giverny, the place where Claude Monet lived, is known for its beautiful garden and house. It is located on the north bank of the Seine in the village of Giverny.

General information

Impressionist painter Claude Monet lived in Giverny for 43 years, beginning in 1883. He first saw the place from a train window and literally fell in love with the area. Although the world knows Monet as a stunning master of Impressionism, the artist himself considered his true masterpiece to be the wonderfully planned gardens that run down to the Epte River.

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The house itself is long, low, with green shutters and steps, painted with pink paint. Inside, everything remains exactly as it was in Monet’s time – he lived here with his sweetheart, whom he later married, and his eight children. There are no original paintings by the artist in the house-museum, but marvelous Japanese prints still hang on the walls.

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Gravel paths lead from one part of the garden to another. At each turn, a new view opens up, and the light changes too, not only due to the sun moving, but also depending on the weeping willows and rhododendrons planted there. It was this change of light that fascinated Monet, and he painted his garden over and over again.

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The wisteria over the Japanese bridge blooms in May through June, but no matter when you visit, the garden will be magnificent. The lily pond is charming in late July and early August, but there are more than 100,000 perennial plants, and almost as many annuals are planted each year, so the park is a veritable profusion of flowers, fragrances, and butterflies.

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The museum is open April through October, on all days except Sunday. From 9.30-18.00; admission until 17.30, no advance ticket sales; house and gardens €5.50, gardens only €4.

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How to get there

Take the train from Paris Saint-Lazare station to Vernon, then change to a bus to help you cover the remaining 6km to Monet’s garden. Alternatively, rent a bike for 12 euros at the Café du Chemin de Fer, opposite the station, or walk. From the station, cross the river and then turn right onto the D5 road. Be careful: when you get to Giverny at the fork, turn left, otherwise you will have to go around the garden.

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