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Giverny

The tiny country village of Giverny, 74km northwest of Paris, is a place of pilgrimage for devotees of impressionism, though the summer months herald the tour-bus crowds, who shatter the bucolic peace. Monet lived here from 1883 until his death in 1926, in a rambling house – surrounded by flower-filled gardens – that’s now the immensely popular Maison et Jardins de Claude Monet.

Note that the principal sights are closed from November to Easter, along with most accommodation and restaurants, so there’s little point visiting out of season, although you will have the streets and a few sights all to yourself.

Top attractions

These are our favorite local haunts, touristy spots, and hidden gems throughout Giverny.

  • Museum

    Maison et Jardins de Claude Monet

    Monet’s home for the last 43 years of his life is now a delightful house-museum. His pastel-pink house and Water Lily studio stand on the periphery of the Clos Normand, with its symmetrically laid-out gardens bursting with flowers. Monet bought the Jardin d’Eau (Water Garden) in 1895 and set about creating his trademark lily pond, as well as the famous Japanese bridge (since rebuilt). The charmingly preserved house and beautiful bloom-filled gardens (rather than Monet’s works) are the draws here.

  • Gallery

    Musée des Impressionnismes Giverny

    About 100m northwest of the Maison et Jardins de Claude Monet is the Giverny Museum of Impressionisms. It was set up in partnership with the Musée d’Orsay, among other institutions, and the pluralised name reinforces its coverage of all aspects of impressionism and related movements in its permanent collection and temporary exhibitions. Lectures, readings, concerts and documentaries also take place regularly. The audioguide is €4. Admission on the first Sunday of the month is free.

  • Church

    L'église Ste-Radegonde

    Dedicated to St Radegund, this church was originally built in the 11th and 12th centuries, expanded in the 15th century and then greatly restored between 2008 and 2010. The church is most noteworthy for being the resting place of Claude Monet, whose tomb can be found to your right as you follow the path around the east side of the house of worship, before you reach the graveyard proper at the rear of the church.

  • Sculpture

    Bust of Claude Monet

    Fans of the artist may want to visit this bust of Monet, sculpted by Daniel Goupil and gazing out over the fields.