Every visit to Monet’s home and gardens in Giverny proves a unique experience in what can be considered a floral paradise. My first visit to Monet’s masterpiece was shortly after moving to Paris, my Italian in tow. I couldn’t wait to return, but next time I planned to bring my mom. I knew her artistic soul would find inspiration among the endless blossoms. How better to spend a mother/daughter day than frolicking in the gardens of one of the world’s most revered painters? Plus, Mother’s Day was just around the corner. The perfect gift.
During her recent visit we set off for a guided tour of Giverny with Paris City Vision in the comfort of a luxurious bus, avoiding the hassle of metros, trains and taxis. En route we were presented with information about Claude Monet’s life, exactly how he ended up living in Giverny, his love of flowers and gardening, and the many phases his home underwent following his death. An ideal history lesson while driving through the bucolic French countryside. Upon arrival we were able to skip the line and enjoy more time with Monet.
As soon as we entered the property, my mom’s eyes widened in awe of the hundreds of tulips before us, each section color coordinated and perfectly manicured, just as Monet would have liked. Our tour guide led us along the paths from one garden to another, with many an anecdote to share. Gray skies are not uncommon in Normandy but luckily for us, blue skies prevailed and temperatures were reminiscent of a hot summer day.
Led by our guide, we made our way from Monet’s home and flower garden Clos Normand, to his Japanese inspired water garden, stunning in its own right. Here we discovered the Japanese bridge that appears in many of his paintings, majestic weeping willows and the famous nympheas which continue to bloom throughout the summer. What a setting!
We walked through the gardens, recalling many of Monet’s works hanging in Paris’s Musée de l’Orangerie, vowing soon to return for another look. Meanwhile, what inspired these works blossomed before our eyes, in every hue imaginable. And to think, the gardens had only begun to show off their kaleidoscope of colors! Following tulips come roses, in gardens that continue to reveal their radiant blooms for months to come.
Having been eager to visit Monet’s home and gardens ever since she and my dad first traveled to Paris so many years ago, my mom was thrilled that we took this guided tour of Giverny with Paris City Vision. And I was thrilled to make one of her travel dreams come true.
With Mother’s Day coming up, take my advice and hop aboard Paris City Vision to Giverny. You’ll thank me!
We have enjoyed visiting this garden a couple of times. It was a dream then and your pictures make me want to visit again.
I hope you’ll be able to visit on your next trip to Paris, Susan!
I’ve been to Giverny many times over 20+ years of renting my apt. in Paris. I don’t take the touristic “City Vision” bus-prefer to take the SNCF and wander through Monet’s lovely home and garden on my own…it’s far more relaxed and I know a great deal about the paineter so no need for a guide.
I agree that if you go often and know the route well, a train and taxi is fine as it allows for more time to explore the gardens and the village. But for the best in comfort and for those who have less time, Paris City Vision is ideal. This was a perfect option for my mom’s visit.
I went a week after you and was in awe of all the flowers! My previous trip had been in November about 3 years ago – and what a difference going in the spring makes!
Wasn’t it magical, Andi? I could go every month and never tire of the ever changing blooms. So happy you made it to Giverny on this trip!
Beautiful gardens. Will definitely have to go next time we are in Paris!
You will absolutely love Giverny!
I have always wanted to visit Giverny! I’m glad to know it’s such an easy day trip from Paris, I’ll definitely be headed there the next time I’m in town.
It’s a perfect day trip, especially this way via bus. You’ll become completely enchanted!
These are such beautiful gardens! You can definitely see how Monet got some much inspo from here. Would love to visit!
These gardens tell so much about Monet and his love for nature and flowers.
I would love to visit Giverny. It looks so pretty with all the flowers!
It’s a must visit next time you are in Paris! Simply gorgeous!
I love our trip via this comfy bus! thank you Kasia ! GIverny is Absolutly a must!
I loved it too! So happy we could visit this magical place together!!