Giverny: This Weekend, Immerse Yourself in Monet’s Gardens and the Must-See Exhibition at the Musée des impressionnismes
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, now—right when 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 reasons why it’s an absolute must.
Monet Like You’ve Never Seen Him at the Musée des impressionnismes
The Musée des impressionnismes Giverny, just a stone’s throw from the property, has just unveiled an exhibition that’s set to be a major talking point. We all know the master of water lilies, but this time, they’ve had a brilliant idea: turning back the clock to focus on his early years in the Eure, when he was first discovering the local light, just before he embarked on the iconic series we all know. Insiders at the museum have told me the curation is masterful. You’ll find works that rarely make it to this region, with a staging that makes you feel like you’re looking straight out of his studio window. If you think you already know the Impressionist story inside and out, think again—this exhibition will prove otherwise.
The Artist’s Garden, a Spectacle That Reinvents Itself Each Spring
Of course, the heart of the visit is the property 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 popping up everywhere, wisteria is starting to cascade over the famous Japanese bridge, and the flowering apple trees give it an almost surreal, pastoral charm. Monet’s house, with his studio and iconic yellow kitchen, is open for visits, but my advice: get there early in the morning. That’s when you’ll have the best light for photos, and, more importantly, you can enjoy the birdsong without the noise of the crowds.
For a perfect outing, here are three things to keep in mind:
- The golden hour: Aim for a time slot between 9:30 and 10:30 a.m. for the gardens. The crowds usually arrive after 11 a.m., especially on Easter weekend.
- Shopping strategy: Just a few kilometres away, the McArthurGlen Paris-Giverny centre is the perfect spot for a lunch stop or a shopping spree at the end of your visit, especially if the weather turns a bit cloudy.
- End on a high note: Finish at the Musée des impressionnismes. The light there is gorgeous in the late afternoon, making it the perfect time to enjoy a drink on their terrace before heading home.
Why This Weekend Is the Perfect Time to Go
With Easter holidays in full swing, there’s no shortage of great getaways in France, but Giverny is a sure bet that reinvents itself every year. The region is expecting a big crowd this weekend, and for good reason: the forecast is mild, and poppies are just starting to peek out in the fields around the village. It’s the ideal setting for a stroll, blending art history with the simple pleasures of the Norman countryside. So if you’re still on the fence, let me be blunt: the red carpet has been rolled out, the gardens are at their peak, and the exhibitions are of a calibre you rarely see. All that’s left is to hop on the train or hit the road.