Giverny: This weekend, immerse yourself in Monet’s gardens and the must-see exhibition at the Museum of Impressionisms
There are some places that, with the first rays of sunshine, remind you exactly why you love Normandy so much. Giverny is one of them. I know this little village in the Eure region like the back of my hand, and trust me—right now, just as the fruit trees are bursting into colour, is the perfect time to visit. Claude Monet’s House and Gardens have reopened for the season, and this year, there are two big reasons to make the trip.
Monet like you’ve never seen him at the Museum of Impressionisms
The Museum of Impressionisms Giverny, just a stone’s throw from Monet’s estate, has just launched an exhibition that’s set to get people talking. We all know the master of water lilies, but this time, they’ve had a brilliant idea: take us back to his early years in the Eure, when he was first discovering the local light, just before he embarked on the famous series we all know. Insiders have told me the curation is absolutely top-notch. There are works on display that you rarely get to see in this region, with a layout that makes you feel like you’re looking right out the window of his studio. If you think you already know everything about the Impressionist story, think again—this exhibition will prove you wrong.
The Artist’s Garden, a show that reinvents itself every spring
Of course, the heart of the experience is the estate itself. The Artist’s Garden at Giverny isn’t just a garden—it’s a living work of art. And right now, it’s waking up in full force. Tulips are bursting everywhere, wisteria is starting to cascade over the famous Japanese bridge, and the apple blossoms add an almost dreamlike, pastoral charm. Monet’s house, with his studio and the iconic yellow kitchen, is open for visits, but my tip: get there early in the morning. That’s when the light is perfect for photos, and even better, you’ll get to enjoy the birdsong without the buzz of the crowds.
To make the most of your trip, here are three things to keep in mind:
- The magic hour: Aim for a time slot between 9:30 and 10:30 am for the gardens. The crowds usually roll in after 11 am, especially over the Easter weekend.
- Shopping strategy: Just a few kilometres away, the McArthurGlen Paris-Giverny centre is the perfect spot for a lunch break or some retail therapy after your visit, especially if the weather turns a bit grey.
- End on a high note: Finish at the Museum of Impressionisms. The light there is stunning in the late afternoon, and it’s the perfect time to enjoy a drink on their terrace before heading home.
Why this weekend is the perfect time to go
With the Easter holidays in full swing, there’s no shortage of great day trips around France, but Giverny is a sure bet that reinvents itself every year. The region is expecting a big turnout this weekend, and for good reason: the forecast is mild, and the poppies are just beginning to peek out in the fields surrounding the village. It’s the perfect setting for a stroll, blending art history with the simple pleasures of the Normandy countryside. So if you were still on the fence about making the trip, let me put it plainly: the red carpet is rolled out, the gardens are in full glory, and the exhibitions are of a calibre you rarely see. All that’s left for you to do is hop on a train or hit the road.