France: In the footsteps of Monet in the Normandy countryside

A great master of Impressionism, Claude Monet left an indelible mark on the art world. He owes this success in part to the refuge he found in the Normandy countryside, where he lived from 1883 until his death in 1926.

To truly grasp the timeless beauty of the landscapes that inspired his greatest paintings, a trip to Giverny is a must. It is in the very places where the artist's purest sensibility was expressed that visitors can immerse themselves in his imagination.

A house as dazzling as its owner

The tour begins (or ends, depending on your preferences) with the famous pink house with green shutters. From room to room, a vast palette of colors is revealed, combined with the works of artists whom Monet greatly admired.

It is also within the walls of this residence that you will be able to see the extent to which the master of light was passionate about Japanese art, particularly prints. Leaving behind the famous blue kitchen and its oven decorated with Rouen earthenware, you enter the favorite playground of the artist, but especially of the gardener.

A constantly changing environment

As in Monet's time, his garden-studio is divided into two sectors, revealing a constantly changing spectacle. First, the Clos Normand and its famous central path lined with plants and flowers unfold in front of the house. Then, crossing the railway line (now replaced by a country road and equipped with an underpass), you are immersed in the world of the famous Water Garden, which the artist created from 1893 and which inspired the Water Lilies cycle, painted during the last 30 years of his life.

Between early April and late October, the gardens take on a completely different look, depending on the blooms. Spring marks the season of tulips, peonies, and daffodils. The famous wisteria, mauve or white, gradually entwines itself with the Japanese bridge, another emblematic element of Monet's work. In summer, the roses and climbing clematis steal the show, and water lilies make their appearance in the pond of the Water Garden. Then, finally, in autumn, nasturtiums and dahlias bloom in abundance, and the dance of colors becomes more pronounced.

Every day, a dozen gardeners and landscapers caress this living canvas, each concentrating on their assigned area. Their magic is performed with the utmost respect for Monet's spirit, as well as for the environment, thanks in particular to a state-of-the-art watering system and the exclusive use of natural products.

Practical information

Claude Monet's House and Gardens in Giverny are open daily from April ^1st to November ^1st . You can combine your visit with a visit to the Museum of Impressionism, located a short walk away.

From Paris Saint-Lazare train station, you can reach Vernon-Giverny train station in less than an hour. Upon exiting, you can take the shuttle bus that runs back and forth between the station and the village of Giverny.

• For more information: claudemonetgiverny.fr

In addition

3 must-see places to admire Monet’s works in Paris

• The Musée d'Orsay , which showcases the great names of the Impressionist and Post-Impressionist movements.
• The Musée de l'Orangerie , which has been presenting the Water Lilies cycle, based on Monet's designs, since 1927.
• The Marmottan Monet Museum , which dedicates part of its name and its permanent collection to the artist, thanks to the inheritance of his son.