Giverny, a Journey to Monets Impressionist Garden

• PHOTOS

In 1883, the Impressionist painter Claude Monet sought tranquility and nature in the Normand village of Giverny. Over the next 43 years until his death, Monet's artist development flourished alongside the garden he cultivated with immense care. This five-hour excursion, in the company of an art historian, is a unique opportunity to discover his magnificent home and gardens.

Monet's career was intimately entwined with the course of the river Seine. He grew up in Le Havre where the river meets the English Channel, then settled at various locations upstream, including Argenteuil and Paris, before finally settling in the Normandy village of Giverny. By this time he was beginning to make a name for himself after many years of arduous struggle. Soon the peaceful village was overrun with young artists hoping to meet Monet or at least to be inspired by the same captivating landscape.

Once in Giverny we will start with a visit to Monet's house and gardens, which have been lovingly restored. F

In 1883, the Impressionist painter Claude Monet sought tranquility and nature in the Normand village of Giverny. Over the next 43 years until his death, Monet's artist development flourished alongside the garden he cultivated with immense care. This five-hour excursion, in the company of an art historian, is a unique opportunity to discover his magnificent home and gardens.

Monet's career was intimately entwined with the course of the river Seine. He grew up in Le Havre where the river meets the English Channel, then settled at various locations upstream, including Argenteuil and Paris, before finally settling in the Normandy village of Giverny. By this time he was beginning to make a name for himself after many years of arduous struggle. Soon the peaceful village was overrun with young artists hoping to meet Monet or at least to be inspired by the same captivating landscape.

Once in Giverny we will start with a visit to Monet's house and gardens, which have been lovingly restored. Fans of Monet's paintings and garden-lovers alike will be inspired by the changing dominant colors of Monet's gardens from month to month: blue and rose in April, lilac and white in May, rose and mauve in June, rose and red at the beginning of July. A visit to Giverny offers an insight into this fruitful period of his life when he was able to fully realize his aesthetic ambitions. Although there are no actual canvases in on-site, it can be said that the construction, layout and nurture of his gardens was as much a part of the artist's work as his paintings.

At the end of the visit you may either stay alone on in Giverny to visit the Musee des Impressionismes and enjoy lunch in the town, or return directly to Paris with your docent.