We are visiting Paris in July and were thinking about doing a day trip to see Monet's Garden. I am interested in people's opinions as to whether it is worth visiting in summer as the garden may not be at it's best? We are travelling with two children aged 6 and 8 and I would love to hear from people who have visited with children. Is it worth the day travelling from Paris and what is the best way to get there (make our own way or join a tour?)
Any tips would be most appreciated.
I was there a number of years ago and I took a tour from Paris. The bus was full, my knees were in my face the whole trip there and back. We spent a couple hours there and yes the flowers are beautiful, God does good work. NONE of his paintings are there, just cheap copies in the souvenior shop. You can see some of his paintings back in Paris. The lily pond is nice, but with hundreds of tourist walking the paths it loses its charm. His flower gardens are planted in rows like a vegetable garden, but the purpose to Monet was to study the plants in different light conditions. There are a number of beautiful gardens in Paris I would prefer. His house was drab to say the best. I guess I could not figure how a man who could paint so well, could live in it. Some people are crazy about, but maybe they are crazy also. Take a look at this and you decide if you want to take a day out your life to see it. http://giverny.org/gardens/fcm/visitgb.htm
If you rent a car maybe as a detour to see other places on the way or in the area.
This is just my opinion, but I will tell you I could not wait to get off that bus. And with children that age, definitely not.
There are some beautiful gardens/parks in Paris your children may enjoy, areas in the Luxembourg Gardens being one.
I have been many, many times, with children and without. There is no reason at all to take a tour bus to get there. I never did. It's a breeze on the train. You are met by shuttles or you can choose to take a lovely walk for maybe 3 KMs to get there. Since they are constantly planting and replanting, there is no reason to believe that in July the flowers wouldn't be just as spectacular as they are any other time of year.
I have never found the house to be drab. Quite to the contrary, I was fascinated to learn how Japaanese art so heavily influenced him. Check out the book Monet's Table on Amazon to see photos of the dwelling (and gardens). And the official website, of course.
I will say that I tend not to go to such places in the heat of tourist season because of the crowds, but IMO it's a lovely place to visit. Just get there early, before the tour buses. You take the train to Vernon (and can enjoy that little town for a few minutes after you're done).
Such conflicting opinions! I have heard both go and don't go and now I am more confused! I have been to Paris a few times before but never to Monet's garden which is why I was thinking of doing it this time. I think if we go we will travel there ourselves and leave early to avoid the peak of the crowds. Thanks for the tips!
I agree with stcirq. It is lovely and worth a visit.
I have been twice, both times in September, and taken the local train and shuttle from Paris as stcirq suggests. I loved the house - I thought it was quaint, cosy, charming and somewhere a creative person would flourish.
The gardens may be better in spring but there is a beautiful structure to them that would be evident at any time of year. The hordes of tourists somewhat negates the tranquility of the lily pond but I don't think that is sufficient reason avoid it.
There are certainly other lovely gardens in Paris and many better suited to a day out with children perhaps...but don't go home wondering what you have missed :)
If that is what you want to do, then do it. Sorry I did not think to mention other options on how to get there. If you have no experience of a French train, then try that. I think I would prefer renting a cars and see other things of interest on the way.
Please understand this is MY opinion and I feel I could have done better with my time in Paris. Yes, there are people who like the visit, but it is not me.
Unfortunately in July I think there will be hordes of tourists everywhere! It's either monet's garden or Disneyland which I'm sure would be worse!
I appreciate all opinions, think we will do our research so we can go if we choose too but will see how we're travelling and take the weather into account.
Thanks for your replies they were all helpful.
It depends upon your interests and expectations. it's a small site with a handful of different painterly settings meant to look natural and wild. Before I went I had seen a short film about photographer Jacques Lartigue capturing Giverny through the lens, and I went with more than the usual fascination. I attempted recreating his images, so it was more interesting and time consuming for me than would otherwise have been the case.