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. 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 bursting into colour—is the perfect time to visit. The Claude Monet's House and Gardens have just opened their gates for the season, and this year, there are double the reasons to go.
A side of Monet you've never seen before at the Musée des Impressionnismes
Just a stone's throw from Monet's estate, the Musée des impressionnismes Giverny has just unveiled 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: turning back the clock to focus on his early years in the Eure region, when he was just discovering the local light, right before he embarked on the famous series we all know. Word from those in the know is that the curation is outstanding. You'll find works rarely seen in this area, with a display that makes you feel like you're looking right out the window of his studio. 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 the trip is the estate itself. The Artist's Garden at Giverny isn't just any garden; it's a living work of art. And right now, it's in full bloom. Tulips are popping up everywhere, wisteria is starting to cascade over the famous Japanese bridge, and the flowering apple trees give it a storybook, pastoral feel. Monet's house, with its studio and 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 more importantly, you'll get to enjoy the birdsong without the buzz of the crowds.
To make your day out perfect, here are three things to keep in mind:
- The golden hour: Aim for a slot between 9:30am and 10:30am for the gardens. The crowds usually start rolling in after 11am, especially on the Easter weekend.
- Shopping strategy: A few kilometres away, the McArthurGlen Paris-Giverny centre is the perfect spot for a lunch stop or a bit of retail therapy at the end of your day, especially if the weather clouds over a little.
- Finish on a high note: End your day at 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 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 in France, but Giverny is a sure thing that reinvents itself every year. The region is expecting a big turnout this weekend, and for good reason: the forecast is looking mild, and the poppies are just starting to peek through 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 were still on the fence about making the trip, let me be straight with you: the red carpet is rolled out, the gardens are at their peak, and the exhibitions are of a calibre you rarely see. All that's left for you to do is hop on the train or hit the road.