Les jardins de Claude Monet à Giverny — Attraction in Les Andelys

I recently had the opportunity to visit Claude Monet's house and gardens in Giverny, which have been transformed into a museum dedicated to the renowned artist. The experience was a mix of awe-inspiring beauty and a slight disappointment due to the overwhelming number of tourists.

Let me start by saying that the gardens surrounding Monet's house were absolutely stunning. The meticulously manicured flower beds, the vibrant colors, and the enchanting water lilies created a truly magical atmosphere. Walking through the gardens felt like stepping into one of Monet's famous paintings. It was a feast for the senses, and I couldn't help but feel a sense of tranquility and inspiration.

The house itself was a fascinating glimpse into the life of Claude Monet. The rooms were beautifully preserved, and it was a privilege to see the artist's personal belongings and the furniture that he lived with. The walls were adorned with his own paintings, giving visitors a unique opportunity to see his work within the context of his home. It was a truly immersive experience that allowed me to connect with Monet's art on a deeper level.

However, the one downside of my visit was the sheer number of tourists. The popularity of Monet's house and gardens attracts a large crowd, and at times, it felt like I was navigating through a sea of people. The narrow pathways and crowded rooms made it difficult to fully appreciate the beauty and serenity of the surroundings. I found myself longing for a more intimate and peaceful experience, where I could truly immerse myself in the nature and art without the constant hustle and bustle.

In my opinion, the museum should consider limiting the number of visitors allowed at any given time. By reducing the crowd size and allowing smaller groups to enter, visitors would have a better chance to fully experience the gardens and house in a quiet and subdued environment. This would enhance the overall experience and allow for a more intimate connection with Monet's art and the natural beauty that inspired him.

Despite the crowds, I would still recommend a visit to Claude Monet's house and gardens in Giverny. The stunning gardens, the immersive experience of the house, and the peaceful grounds make it a worthwhile destination for art lovers and nature enthusiasts alike. Just be prepared for the crowds and plan your visit accordingly to make the most of...

I was quite conflicted both during and after my visit, hence the 3 stars. Let’s start with the good, the flower blooms are lovely and colourful particularly around Monet’s house and even though it was raining we got some great shots. There is also an exceptional gift shop, probably one of the best I’ve experienced, there are many options to choose from and there is lots of stock.

Now the downside…. Please don’t visit the gardens expecting a tranquil and peaceful experience. First of all the grounds are split into divided by the main road of a Giverny…. Yes, you can stand on the famous lily pond bridge to the sounds of large trucks driving by. And you need to access the Lily ponds via a pedestrian path that goes under the road. Secondly, there is wall to wall people, you will be lucks to get any photos without someone else in them, especially on the Lily pond bridges. Whilst tickets are on a timed entranced, they seem to just let anyone in at any time. We had tickets for first thing in the morning in the hope to avoid the tour bus crowd, but on arrival at 9.05 there were already two tour groups inside with a line of about 30 people waiting for their photo on the bridge.

Despite that there were less people there than later on the day so I would still recommend going as early as possible. I would also recommend pre-purchasing your tickets in advance. By doing this you have entry to the closets gate to the Lily ponds, which is 1 bis. If you do this, the closest parking is Parking De La Prairie, which is about a five minute walk away.

My suggestions for improvement would be to only allow tour buses to access between certain times of the day, this would ease congestion and everyone would be able to enjoy their visit. Alternatively, charge more to get in and limit the number of visitors per day.

I do feel that a large majority of visitors are there to just get their photo on the bridge for their social media pages and not necessarily celebrate the man and his contribution to the art world, As few visitors made the effort to walk to his grave at the local church or visit the Musée of...

The downside with this museum is getting there (see below). But once inside it is a beautiful haven of gardens, the famous lily ponds and the house where Claude Monet spent his final years. You will recognise many scenes from some of his most iconic paintings. The gardens are wonderfully cared for, with colour-coordinated beds alive with blooms. Although it is popular, the gardens are large enough that you do not feel totally on top of each other. It can get crowded around the lily ponds; go early and/or be prepared to be patient to get the perfect view. And definitely worth booking a ticket in advance so you can jump the queue (if you can find the unobvious entrance). The house has been restored as closely as possible to how it was when Monet lived there, with reproductions of the many famous paintings that adorned his walls, by him and his fellow artists. All tastefully and thoughtfully done. If you do not have a car, getting there is tricky. There is a roughly hourly train from Paris Gare St Lazare to Vernon-Giverny. From there your options are to walk (75 minutes each way but a very pleasant stroll), hire a bike in the town (many available, reasonable priced and a 30 minute ride), or wait for the so-called shuttle. This last proved immensely unreliable and, reading other reviews, has caused people to miss their timed entries or their return trains. Highly frustrating. The staff at the museum seem to know nothing about it and to care even less. Sad that they can't do more to lessen the reliance on cars. However you get there, take time to wander the village of Giverny itself - a delight. Look out for the gorgeous...