GIVERNY

Taking a break from the city we traveled to Giverny, the home and flower-filled garden of the impressionist painter Claude Monet and his family, who lived here from 1883 to 1926.  It was here that he painted some of his most famous series, including Waterlilies.
The first impression upon entering the gardens is the scent of purple lilacs which grow in profusion throughout the garden.  Monet's pastel pink and green house is charming with rooms painted in soft blue and trim accented in a deeper shade of blue, soft green walls with lavender moulding and a sunny yellow informal dinning room.   No photos could be taken inside but the exterior of the home and the garden photos taken outside tell the story of beauty and inspiration.

 View of the gardens from the bedroom window of the house.

From early to late spring, daffodils, tulips, rhododendrons, wisteria and irises appear, followed by poppies and lilies.  In June, dahlias, sunflowers and hollyhocks.

We arrived at Giverny on the first train of the day and before the tour buses, making it possible to take photos with very few people crowding the scene.  It was a wonderful break from the busy streets of Paris and the sunshine is cooperating with our outdoor plans.  This was an unforgettable day!