Giverny: Claude Monet's Home & Garden

As a fan of both beautiful gardens and the art of Impressionist painter Claude Monet, a visit to his home in Giverny was a highlight of my trip to France. The day dawned cool and rainy but overcast skies softened the shadows and enhanced the watercolour hues of the irises, roses and peonies at the height of spring bloom.

Claude Monet's House in Giverny

The grounds are divided by a roadway, with a walled garden nearest the house and a water garden on the other side of the road (accessed via pedestrian tunnel).

The Water Lily Pond is featured in many of Monet's paintings. The pond is framed by large weeping willows and has a green Japanese bridge.

The Walled Garden surrounds a grand alley that leads to Monet's house and is framed by a rose-covered arbour.

One room in the house is filled with reproductions of Monet's paintings and the windows overlook his beloved garden.

The building which is now the gift shop was originally the studio where Monet painted his water lilies. This famous series of paintings is now displayed at the Musée de l'Orangerie in Paris.

The Water Lilies Studio

Musée de l'Orangerie, Paris

But Monet's garden isn't the only impressive one in Giverny – another gift shop just outside the walls of the estate was awash with beautiful blooms. And I'm sure the shop selling umbrellas in a water lilies print did brisk business that day.

For more information about Claude Monet, his house and gardens, visit the Fondation Monet website.