GivernyFrance

The village of Giverny is intimately associated with artists, and with painting in particular, the famous Claude Monet having moved there in 1883. While other painters of various nationalities followed in his footsteps years later, Giverny now owes its fame and its appeal as a tourist destination to the fact that Claude Monet lived there.

Art lovers and budding artists will love visiting Giverny to admire the house and gardens of Claude Monet. With 627,000 visitors in 2014, it is the second most visited place in Normandy after Mont-Saint-Michel. The many facets of this site, listed as a historic monument since 26 April 1976, will amaze you, starting with its remarkable garden, consisting of the Clos Normand, a one-hectare space running alongside the house, and the water garden, which inspired one of his magnificent paintings: Water Lilies. You'll love the tranquillity and beauty of this Japanese-inspired garden, which sees waters from the River Epte flowing beneath bridges over water lily-covered ponds, near a large weeping willow, with bamboo and rhododendron-lined banks. A true masterpiece!

To remain immersed in the world of artists, you'll undoubtedly visit Giverny Museum of Impressionism, which is dedicated to Impressionism in all its forms, both in France and from elsewhere. Open from 25 March to 6 November, it hosts numerous exhibitions and art lovers will happily spend the day there, perhaps enjoying lunch in the museum's restaurant.

And because everyone has their own tastes, Giverny also offers stunning opportunities for walks in the Normandy countryside. The Lézard and Astragale paths in particular will guide you through a kaleidoscope of colours as you explore the typical landscape of the region, meadows dotted with sheep, where orchids grow here and there and murgers, mounds of rocks used by ancient farmers, can be seen.

Don't delay any longer: come and visit this charming village of artists, just near Paris.