Giverny: This Weekend, Immerse Yourself in Monet’s Gardens and the Must-See Exhibition at the Musée des Impressionnismes
There are certain places that, with the first rays of sunshine, remind you 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 I can tell you that now, right as the fruit trees are about to burst 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 excellent reasons to make the trip.
Monet like you’ve never seen him before 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 the talk of the town. We all know the master of water lilies, but this time, they’ve had a stroke of genius: turning back the clock to focus on his early years in the Eure, a time when he was discovering the local light, just before he embarked on the famous series we know so well. Insiders tell me the curation is exceptional. It features works rarely seen in this region, with a design that truly immerses you in the view from his studio window. If you think you know everything about Impressionism, think again – this exhibition will prove you wrong.
The Artist’s Garden, a spectacle that reinvents itself every spring
Of course, the heart of any 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 beginning to cascade over the famous Japanese bridge, and the apple blossoms lend an almost unreal, bucolic charm. Monet’s house, with its studio and iconic yellow kitchen, is of course open to visitors, but my advice: arrive early in the morning. That’s when you’ll get the best light for photos, and more importantly, you’ll have the luxury of hearing the birdsong without the buzz of the crowds.
To make the most of your day out, here are three key things to keep in mind:
- The magic hour: Aim to visit the gardens between 9:30 and 10:30 am. The crowds usually arrive after 11 am, especially on a bank holiday weekend.
- The smart shopping stop: A few kilometres away, McArthurGlen Paris-Giverny is the perfect spot for a lunch break or a spot of shopping at the end of your day, particularly if the weather turns a bit cloudy.
- Finish on a high note: End your day at the Musée des Impressionnismes. The light there is beautiful 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 days out in France, but Giverny is a reliable favourite that reinvents itself every year. The area is expecting a surge of visitors this weekend, and for good reason: the forecast is mild, and poppies are starting to timidly show their faces in the fields around the village. It’s the perfect backdrop for a stroll, blending art history with the simple pleasures of the Norman countryside. So, if you’re still hesitating about making the trip, let me be frank: the red carpet is rolled out, the gardens are at their glorious best, and the exhibitions are of a calibre rarely seen. All that’s left for you to do is hop on the train or jump in the car.