I am a travel writer for both print and social media.  Increasingly, sharing travel via social media is sharing visual sound bites.  My recent visit to Monet’s home in Giverny was magical for capturing these sound bites!

Visiting Monet’s Giverny, France  home and gardens in early November was a surprising treat.    I had visited many times in the spring when the blooms were in full glory, but little did I realize that in the softer light of fall the dimming colors of his gardens presented  the full impressionist vision.  This is why I travel.

A short hour’s drive from Paris, you can enter the world of Belle Epoque France.  Giverny is also a stop on most river cruises down the Seine.    The entire village of Giverny is little changed from the years that Monet lived there, from 1883 until his death in 1926.  He spent 43 years perfecting his home and most particularly his gardens.  The pleasures of walking around the gardens in almost complete solitude in early November was luxury travel at it’s best.  From the familiar bridges to lily ponds, to meandering rivers,  the sense is that you are walking through his paintings.  Living your day as he lived his. I found my inspiration through my camera and I share some of my photos below, but the experience of walking the grounds and visiting his home cannot be replicated, without visiting in person.  Giverny rates as one of my top 20 must see worldwide stops.  More to come…..

 

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Familiar Bridge from his paintings
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Monet’s Lily Pond in Fall Colors

 

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Arbors still dramatic without flowers
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Peeking at Monet’s home

 

 

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Meandering and tranquil  Is that a painting in the background or real life?

 

 

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Even the chickens match the leaves

 

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Magical lighting….is the background a picture or a painting……

 

Please note: These photos were taken with my Samsung Galaxy Camera and my Nokia Lumia phone. I find both essential travel tech tools!  Thank you #VZWBuzz for the introduction to these two cameras.  Love them.

 

 

3 thoughts on “Impressionist Inspiration at Monet’s Giverny

    1. Thank you So much! It was a magical visit. Have just preordered your exciting new book “Monet’s Palate”! Can’t wait. Let’s connect next time I am there.

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