Giverny

In Giverny, Claude Monet, one of the founders of Impressionism, spent the last 43 years of his life, from 1883 until his death in 1926. You visit his former home, with studio, kitchen, and his collection of Japanese woodblock prints. Also, there are the two gardens he designed himself: the vibrant Clos Normand in front of the house and the Water Garden with its water lily pond, Japanese bridge, and weeping willows. Here, the motifs for the Water Lily paintings defining Monet's late work originated. The gardens were restored according to his plans starting in the 1970s. Our tip: Arrive right at opening in the morning or late afternoon. Tulips and irises bloom in April and May; and from June, the water lilies. The house and gardens are only open from late March to early November.

The Japanese Bridge in Giverny is a central element of Claude Monet's famous garden and an iconic motif in his art. You'll find it in the Water Garden, which Monet himself designed inspired by Japanese gardens and prints. The green wooden bridge, often entwined with wisteria, spans a pond full of water lilies, which played a dominant role in Monet's later works. This bridge is not merely an architectural detail, but a living testament to his artistic vision and his fascination with Japanese aesthetics, which he developed through his extensive collection of Ukiyo-e prints. It offers you a direct insight into the source of inspiration for many of his most famous paintings. Our Tip: The best time to visit the bridge is early morning right after opening or late afternoon to avoid the largest crowds and capture the tranquil atmosphere for photos of the water lilies and the bridge itself. Pay attention to the changing light conditions that Monet loved so much.

Just a few minutes' walk from Monet's Garden, the museum is dedicated to Impressionism and its legacy. Temporary exhibitions feature works by Monet, his contemporaries, and the American painters who settled in Giverny from the 1880s onwards. Open from spring to autumn.