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 inside out, and I can tell you that now—right as the fruit trees are starting to burst with color—is the time to visit. Claude Monet’s House and Gardens have reopened for the season, and this year, there are two compelling reasons to make the trip.
Monet as You’ve Never Seen Him at the Musée des Impressionnismes
The Musée des Impressionnismes Giverny, just steps from the estate, has just unveiled an exhibition that’s sure to get people talking. We all know the master of the 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 famous series we all know. Insiders have told me the installation is nothing short of brilliant. It features paintings rarely seen in the region, with a layout that puts you right in the scene, looking out 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 estate 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 bursting with color everywhere, wisteria is starting to cascade over the famous Japanese bridge, and the apple blossoms give it a storybook, pastoral feel. Monet’s house, with his studio and the iconic yellow kitchen, is of course open to explore, but my advice: get there early in the morning. That’s when you’ll have the perfect light for photos, and, best of all, you can enjoy the birdsong without the noise of the crowds.
To make your trip flawless, here are three things to keep in mind:
- The magic hour: Aim for a window between 9:30 and 10:30 AM for the gardens. The crowds usually roll in after 11 AM, especially on Easter weekend.
- The shopping strategy: A few miles away, the McArthurGlen Paris-Giverny center is perfect for a lunch stop or some shopping at the end of your day, 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, and it’s the perfect time to enjoy a drink on their terrace before heading back.
Why This Weekend is the Perfect Time to Go
With Easter holidays in full swing, there’s no shortage of great day trips 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 poppies are just starting to peek out 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, let me be frank: the red carpet is rolled out, the gardens are in full glory, and the exhibitions are of a caliber you rarely see. All that’s left is to hop on the train or hit the road.