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The famous water lily ponds and colourful gardens created by the Master of Impressionism, Claude Monet, at his home in Giverny, gave him his greatest artistic inspiration and have made this tiny Seine-side village celebrated all around the world. 

Don’t miss

Fondation Claude Monet (Monet’s House and Gardens): The home of the Master of Impressionism has retained the colours, furniture, Japanese prints and china that Monet so loved. Facing the house and studio, the Clos Normand walled garden displays a breath-taking palette of flowers and colours. The water garden, with its Japanese bridge, water lilies, wisteria and azaleas instantly bring to mind the brilliant interpretations of them painted by Monet time and again. French President Georges Clemenceau, a friend of Monet, once rightly declared that Monet’s gardens counted among his masterpieces.

Maison de Claude Monet à Giverny
© Fondation Claude Monet, Giverny

Musée des Impressionnismes: The main aim of this art museum is to promote the international nature of the Impressionist Movement, paying particular attention to the Giverny colony and the artists of the Seine Valley. The museum also traces the history of Impressionism and Post-Impressionism, and highlights their influence on subsequent movements in the 20th century.

Musée des Impressionnistes, Giverny
Musée des Impressionnistes, Giverny © Nos Coeurs Voyageurs

Hôtel Baudy: When Monet was alive, artists including the likes of Cézanne and Rodin poured into Giverny to get close to the Master of Impressionism. Many stayed at this boarding house, which became a place frequented by artistic legends. The Ancien Hôtel Baudy is now a café and restaurant.

Church of Sainte-Radegonde de Giverny: Head up the main street in Giverny, Rue Claude Monet, and in ten minutes you’ll reach the 16th-century church that Monet attended and where he and his family are buried. The Monet family grave is behind the church, a white marble structure topped by a cross, and Claude Monet’s tombstone is at the front.

nearBY

Vernon and its old mill: Floods of tourists heading for Giverny pass through the pretty historic town of Vernon on the banks of the River Seine. Vernon boasts a particularly picturesque old mill, and its fine arts museum, the Musée de Vernon, holds some interesting pieces including a few lesser-known paintings by Monet.

Eure Valley Railway: Combine your visit to Giverny and Vernon with a ride on a 19th-century railway train, and enjoy a scenic tour of the Eure Valley.

Useful information

Nouvelle Normandie Tourist Office
12 rue du Pont, 27200 Vernon
cape-tourisme.fr