Monet’s Home

The village of Giverny is synonymous worldwide with artist Claude Monet who came to live in the village in 1883. Monet converted the barn into his studio, where he loved to paint, smoke, and reflect on his work. Now it’s a visitors’ center and gift shop selling all things Monet from posters of his masterpieces to key-rings. The walls are hung with reproductions of some of his larger canvases and photos of the famous artist at work. Monet’s sun-washed peach stucco home with green shutters is decorated much as it was when he lived there—the walls hung with Japanese-style paintings and family pictures. From the striking blue-and-yellow dining room with its matching china, through his bedroom, to the cozy tiled kitchen, you get a feeling for the home life of this famous artist. The magic of a visit to Giverny is the gardens, a multicolored tapestry of flowers, meandering paths shaded by trellises of roses, and the enchanting oasis of the water garden, whose green waters are covered with lily pads and crossed by Japanese bridges hung with white and mauve wisteria. Monet loved to paint outdoors and it is memorable to search out just the spot where he stood and painted a masterpiece. There is only one problem: you are not alone in your endeavors—Giverny attracts a multitude of pilgrims. However, the influx of tourists also means that this tiny village has a surprising number of facilities, including cafés, restaurants, and gift stores. (Open Apr to Oct, closed Mon.)