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 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 with 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 you absolutely can’t miss it.
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, when he was first discovering the local light, just before embarking on the iconic series we all know. Word from insiders is that the curation is absolutely stunning. You’ll find works rarely seen in the region, with a staging that transports you straight into the view from his studio window. If you think you already 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 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 style. Tulips are popping up everywhere, wisteria is starting to cascade over the famous Japanese bridge, and the apple blossoms give it a bucolic, almost dreamlike feel. Monet’s house, with his studio and that iconic yellow kitchen, is open too, but my advice: get there early in the morning. That’s when you’ll get the best light for photos and, most importantly, you’ll be able to enjoy the birdsong without the crowds.
To make the most of your trip, 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 roll in after 11 am, especially over the Easter weekend.
- The shopping strategy: Just a few kilometres away, the McArthurGlen Paris-Giverny centre is the perfect spot for a lunch stop or a bit of shopping at the end of your day, especially if the weather turns a bit cloudy.
- End on a high note: Finish with the Musée des Impressionnismes. The light is gorgeous there in the late afternoon, making it the perfect time to enjoy a drink on their terrace before heading back.
Why this weekend is the ideal time to go
With the Easter holidays in full swing, there’s no shortage of great days out in France, but Giverny is a sure bet that reinvents itself every year. The area is expecting a big crowd this weekend, and for good reason: the forecast is mild, and the poppies are just starting to peek through in the fields around the village. It’s the perfect backdrop for a stroll, blending art history with the simple pleasures of the Normandy countryside. So, if you’re still on the fence about making the trip, I’ll be straight with you: the red carpet is rolled out, the gardens are in full glory, and the exhibitions are of a standard you rarely see. All that’s left is to hop on the train or hit the road.