Giverny: This Weekend, Step Into 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 us exactly why we 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, the perfect time to visit is right now, just as the fruit trees are bursting into a riot of colour. Claude Monet's House and Gardens have reopened for the season, and this year, there are not one but two compelling reasons to go.
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 property, has just unveiled an exhibition that is set to be the talk of the town. We all know the master of water lilies, but this time, the curators have had a brilliant idea: turning back the clock to focus on his early years in the Eure, a time when he was discovering the local light, just before embarking on the iconic series we all know. Insiders at the institution have hinted that the exhibition layout is simply superb. You'll find paintings rarely seen in this region, set within a scenography that makes you feel like you're peering straight out of his studio window. If you think you've exhausted the story of Impressionism, think again—this exhibition will prove otherwise.
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 awakening in full glory. Tulips are bursting into bloom everywhere, wisteria is beginning to cascade over the famous Japanese bridge, and the flowering apple trees lend it an almost surreal countryside charm. Monet's house, with his studio and the iconic yellow kitchen, is naturally open to visitors, but here's my tip: arrive early in the morning. That's when the light is perfect for photos, and, more importantly, you'll have the luxury of hearing the birdsong without the usual hum of tour groups.
To make your trip flawless, here are three key things to keep in mind:
- Golden hour: Aim for a slot between 9:30 AM and 10:30 AM for the gardens. The crowds usually roll in after 11 AM, especially on Easter weekend.
- Shopping strategy: A few kilometres away, the McArthurGlen Paris-Giverny outlet is the ideal spot for a lunch break or a shopping session to round off your day, particularly if the weather turns a bit cloudy.
- 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 back.
Why this weekend is the ideal time to go
With the Easter holidays in full swing, there's no shortage of unique outings across France, but Giverny is a tried-and-true gem that reimagines itself each year. The region is expecting a surge of visitors this weekend, and for good reason: the forecast is mild, and the poppies are just beginning to shyly peek through 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're still on the fence about making the trip, let me be frank: the red carpet is rolled out, the gardens are in their prime, and the exhibitions are of a calibre rarely seen. All that's left for you to do is hop on the train or hit the road.