Many of French artist Claude Monet’s impressionist paintings were inspired by the beauty of his adopted home in Giverny, France. Amongst his most treasured oeuvres is the Lily Pond, which was inspired by the beauty of the botanical garden in his own backyard.
Today his house remains a popular tourist attraction, situated in a large compound known as the Claude Monet Foundation, which also houses souvenir shops and restaurants.
Giverny is one hour away by car from Paris, yet it exudes a quiet charm that is a world apart from the capital city’s hustle-bustle. Monet moved to Giverny in 1883 and rented this dream house. In 1890, having amassed a considerate amount of wealth from selling his paintings, the French artist purchased the house and the surrounding land, converting it into an exquisite botanical garden. But following his death in 1926, his estate was neglected and also left in dilapidation at the height of the ensuing World War II.
In 1977, Monet’s house was restored to its former glory. Since 1980, the Claude Monet Foundation has been welcoming over 500,000 visitors annually (it’s opened to public viewing for only 7 months every year).
The day we visited Monet’s house was cloudy and even had light drizzles. The lack of sunlight drained the colors of the scenery away, unfortunately. On a sunny day it would have been easier to see where Monet got his inspirations from.
The first part of his garden is the Le Jardin d’Eau (the water garden). Upon stepping into it, the sounds of frogs croaking echoed throughout the area. At first we wondered if it was a recording, but upon a close inspection we could see little living frogs hiding behind the lotus leaves. It was the first welcome to Claude Monet’s empire.
The late impressionist artist had a special fondness for Japan, despite never having visited the country in his lifetime. Therefore bamboos and other Japanese trees abound in combination with tulips, water lily and willow trees. The path takes visitors in a loop around the garden, over the green bridge that overlooks a lily pond – the very scene captured in his famous painting.
The path eventually ends at Monet’s actual residence, which faces a much smaller garden for personal enjoyment, called Le Clos Normand. Monet was most certainly a dedicated gardener.
Visitors can take a tour inside his house, where photography is strictly prohibited. Once again, his fascination with Japan is evident since his abode is decked with antique Japanese paintings. The windows at his bedroom on the second storey directly open to his small garden, showering him with many fresh inspirations. Some of his earlier sketches and paintings can be viewed here as well. He even had a small pen for raising roosters and chickens. He had liked living with nature.
Monet’s house was not a mansion, but a cozy abode that nurtured his creativity.
27620 – Giverny – FRANCE
Phone : 02 32 51 28 21
Fax : 02 32 51 54 18 http://www.fondation-monet.fr/uk/
genericdays 
Well done!
Marvellous piece!