Monday, June 12, 2006

Giverny

Since it finally decided to stop raining, I went to Giverny to see Claude Monet's house and gardens (http://www.fondation-monet.com/). Monet sort of retired to this village and it is where he painted many of his famous paintings. It is about a 2 hour train ride from Paris and definitely worth the journey. I wouldn't advising vacationing there as there is nothing much to do, but a visit is definitely in order if you visit Paris in the spring.

The house itself is not really worth visiting; it is just an old home, but the gardens...I have never seen anything like them. No wonder the man was inspired to paint. I was inspired to paint and I don't have an artistic bone in my body. There are flowers in the garden I have never seen before and the layout is fantastic!

The great thing about the gardens is that Monet's paintings are actually visual in the scenery. You can walk over the Japanese bridge, take pictures of the water lilies and see his little boats. There are a lot of tourists from all over the world, but not the normal brand of tourists. Most of the people I met there were either art or flower lovers.


Monet's gardens aren't the only reason to visit Giverny. There is also an American art museum which showcases art from American's who lived or studied in Europe. The layout is really interesting and after seeing the American artists next to the French artists, it is clear the American artists were greatly influenced by French Impressionists.

10 comments:

SB said...

hi!
checking your blog was a problem: the text didn't seem to be fully published. Blogspot is not on form at the mo. I've had problem too today.
Nice one about Giverny: I have to crack a joke: were there any triple-blossomed geraniums? ! :)))
sorry!

Lotus Reads said...

Beautiful pictures, Angela, and yes, Monet seemed almost obsessed with the water lillies.

Unknown said...

Seb-I love flowers; there is nothing wrong with that!

Lotus-After seeing the ponds and the lilies, I know why he was obsessed!

Anonymous said...

Angela, you have been going to some great places lately!

I would love to visit Giverny which I love although I only know it through photographs and Monet's paintings.

I'd also like to see the house as well as the gardens. I've always loved the dining room with its sharp yellow walls and blue and white china -- again something I only know through pictures.

Anyway, lucky you! I'm now officially jealous of all your travels.

Unknown said...

Julie, the kitchen was AWESOME. It was the only part of the house I would suggest seeing, but honestly, all the pictures I have seen of it do it justice!

Unknown said...

These pics are beautiful!

Elizabeth Tarney said...

Great pics - beautiful!

Unknown said...

Oh how beautiful! I didn't catch this last post because you most have posted it right after I left.

I love your new photo with the eiffel in it! Great job really...

Unknown said...

Oh I'm curious, how long does it take you to get into Paris? (obviously via train.)

Unknown said...

Expat-Thanks! It takes me about 45 minutes if there are no accidents.