Visit Giverny Gardens, Normandy

Giverny is situated in the Normandy countryside about half-way between Paris and Rouen. It is best known as being the place where the renowned impressionist painter Monet lived for 43 years until his death in 1926.

During those years Monet forever immortalised the gardens in some of the most famous of his paintings, and the 'Monet gardens at Giverny' are now one of the most popular and most visited attractions in France.

Why visit Giverny?

The gardens at Giverny are carefully preserved much as they were 100 years ago and it is impossible to visit without the gardens evoking the memory of the famous paintings.

Because of this, the gardens attract both garden enthusiasts and also enthusiasts of the impressionist art movement. For enthusiasts of Monet a visit to the gardens at Giverny is as much a pilgrimage as a 'garden visit', giving an insight into the life and surroundings of Monet himself.

Of course, first time visitors all want to see the waterlily pond and the bridge across the water, and the water gardens are still the highlight of a visit, but the rest of the gardens are also very lovely and of course meticulously maintained.

There is something different to see each time and each season that you visit, from the tulips and daffodils of spring to the dahlias of early autumn, and much else in between...

Manet's house is also open to the public and you can see the lounge, kitchen and other rooms all beautifully furnished in 'country style'.

The colourful decor inside the house wouldn't be out of place in a modern home even now 100 years later, and the rooms give the impression that Monet might just have stepped out for a while, perhaps to paint the garden, but could walk back in at any time.

The house and gardens are open every day from the beginning of April to the end of October, basic admission price eight euros.

Museums

There are two related museums at Giverny - the Musée de Vernon and the Musee des Impressionismes Giverny.

The Musee de Vernon is the only museum in the area where you can see a genuine Monet painting. The museum has two paintings that were donated by Monet and his wife: Nymphaeas, a round painting of waterlilies, and also 'sunset at Pourville, painted on the Normandy coast. The museum also features paintings in a similar style by other local artists.

The Musee des Impressionismes Giverny (Museim of Giverny Impressionists) has various exhibits explaining the lives and works of the impressionist painters. During the summer months exhibitions of works by other artists are often held at the museum. The museum is also surrounded by an attractive garden.

Additional entry charges apply - you can buy combined tickets giving access to the gardens and museums

Other information

Important note: while the Monet gardens at Giverny are very lovely do remember there are other fine gardens to visit in France! A photographer told us that there was no longer any demand for his photos of gardens in France unless they were of Giverny!

See Normandy and Eure (the region and department for Giverny Gardens) for more travel ideas...

Suggested places to visit near Giverny Gardens, France

Distances shown are direct, driving distances will be greater.

Giverny Gardens tourist information: sights and attractions nearby

Jardin de Claude Monet - remarkable garden (0km) : Jardin du musée d’art américain - remarkable garden (0km) : Les jardins du château de Saint-Just - remarkable garden (8km) : Domaine de Villarceaux - remarkable garden (12km) : Domaine du château d'Ambleville - remarkable garden (15km) : Les jardins du château de Miserey - remarkable garden (20km) : Vexin Francais - regional natural parc (27km) : Saint-Gervais-Saint-Protais de Gisors (Gisors) - religious monument (29km) :

See more places and a map at places near Giverny Gardens