Giverny... Monet's home and garden

Just an hour drive from Paris is the small town of Giverny, famous as the home of impressionist painter Claude Monet.  For the last 43 years of his life, he lived here and painted his water lily series among other paintings.  The gardens and ponds are well-preserved and tended perfectly.  When we walked through his home, it was easy to imagine his day-to-day life here.  It's like time stood still, you could almost expect him to walk through the door with fruit, cheese and wine.  There are also many photos of him in and around the house, walking through the gardens, and entertaining his artist friends. 

This was one place at the top of my bucket list to visit.  It was even more amazing than I had imagined.  Even though it was crowded with summer tourists, you still got a peaceful and tranquil feeling here... much like his paintings. 



One of many paths through the arbored gardens



View of Monet's home

A stream running into the Lily pond

A bridge in front of the famous Lily pond

A familiar scene from Monet's paintings

The pond seen through willow branches

Hydrangea

Another famous site with a famous couple

A happy sunflower

...and a happy Mary

See you in Normandy,  Au Revoir!