Monet’s house and gardens in Giverny are more than just a beautiful destination—they’re a living testament to the genius of one of the world’s most beloved artists. It was here, surrounded by the vibrant colors of his gardens, that Monet painted some of his most iconic works, including the Water Lilies series. The gardens were his sanctuary, evolving with the seasons and providing endless inspiration.

Read on to take a closer look at how this magical place influenced his art and continues to inspire today.

The story of Monet’s house and gardens

Monet discovers Giverny (1883)

It was 1883 when Claude Monet first spotted Giverny from the window of a train. The serene beauty of the place captivated him, and he soon moved into a charming house with a modest garden. Little did he know, this peaceful corner of France would become his lifelong inspiration.

Monet’s first garden: Initially, the garden at Monet’s house was a simple kitchen garden and apple orchard.
A vision transformed: Monet, passionate about both art and nature, quickly set to work transforming the space into a magnificent flower garden. This became the legendary Clos Normand.

Monet’s life at Giverny (1883–1926)

Monet’s Giverny home wasn’t just a place to live; it was the canvas for his creative vision. He spent nearly four decades there, living with his second wife, Alice Hoschedé, and their blended family of eight children. The garden became his canvas, and the surrounding nature deeply influenced his art.

The house of Monet: The house in Giverny became a personal sanctuary. It was here that Monet crafted some of his most important works, from the Water Lilies to the Japanese Bridge series.
A creative legacy: After Monet’s passing in 1926, the house and gardens continued to inspire and captivate visitors from around the world.

Explore Monet’s gardens: A work of art

Monet’s gardens are just as iconic as his paintings. The Monet garden in Giverny wasn’t just a place for flowers to bloom—it was a living piece of art.

The Clos Normand: Monet’s colorful garden

When Monet first arrived in Giverny, he inherited a modest garden. But he quickly turned it into something extraordinary.

Designing the garden: Monet removed the boxwood trees and spruce trees to make space for his dream garden, replacing them with metal arches, still standing today.
A palette of color: Monet carefully selected flowers—roses, tulips, poppies, peonies—to create a visual masterpiece. He treated each flowerbed as a painter would treat a palette, blending colors and playing with perspective.

The Clos Normand remains one of the most beautiful and iconic gardens in the world.

The water lily pond: Monet’s tranquil oasis

In 1893, Monet expanded his garden across the train tracks, where he created the serene water lily pond that would inspire his later masterpieces.

The Japanese bridge: Monet built a Japanese bridge over the pond, inspired by his love of Eastern gardens. He chose to paint the bridge green to stand out against the vibrant colors of the flowers.
Water lilies: Monet planted water lilies, saying, "I love water but I also love flowers." This simple choice led to the creation of the now-famous Water Lilies series, which changed the course of art history.

This water garden became a symbol of Monet’s unique ability to capture the fleeting moments of nature.

Inside Monet’s home: A personal sanctuary

Step inside Monet’s home, and you’ll be transported to a world where art and life coexisted harmoniously.

The ground floor: Family life and creativity

The blue lounge: The little blue lounge is where Monet worked and hosted guests. The walls are adorned with Japanese prints, reflecting his deep love for Eastern aesthetics.
The studio: Monet’s first studio was restored to reflect the room as it would have been in the 1800s, filled with 60 reproductions of his paintings that recreate the artistic atmosphere Monet experienced.

The upstairs rooms: Monet’s personal space

Monet’s bedroom: The bedroom has been carefully restored, with items Monet loved, including artwork by his fellow Impressionists, Renoir and Cézanne.
Alice’s bedroom: Alice Hoschedé Monet’s bedroom offers insight into Monet’s life with his second wife and the family they raised together.

Dining room and kitchen

Dining room: The dining room is adorned with yellow walls and displays Monet’s collection of Japanese woodblock prints. It also features unique yellow-painted furniture and fine ceramic tableware.
Kitchen: The kitchen is a cozy, functional space, with blue Rouen tiles and copper cookware that makes you feel like Monet’s family is about to sit down to dinner.

Monet’s masterpieces: The art inspired by his garden

Water lilies: The heart of Monet’s legacy

Monet’s garden in Giverny was the core inspiration behind many of his masterpieces, most notably the iconic Water Lilies series. These paintings, created directly from the pond in his garden, pushed Monet’s art toward abstraction, using shimmering colors and reflections to evoke emotion and capture nature’s ever-changing beauty.

The Japanese bridge and other works

Works like the Japanese Bridge series reflect Monet’s obsession with capturing the interplay of light and water. His focus on these natural elements marked a departure from traditional landscape painting, paving the way for abstract expressionism.

Visiting Monet’s house and gardens: Your guide to Giverny

Opening hours: The Monet's Garden is open from April to October between 9:30am and 6pm. It remains closed from November to March.
Best time to visit: The best time to visit Monet's House and Gardens is in spring (April to June) for blooming flowers and wisteria, or summer (July to August) for vibrant gardens and water lilies. For fewer crowds, fall (September to November) offers a peaceful experience with autumn colors. Early visits or weekdays are ideal to avoid crowds.

By bus

Best for: Budget-conscious travelers
Travel time: 1 hr
Closest stop: Grand Val Bus Stop, Giverny
Timings: Bus leaves at 7:45am from Terminal Jules Verne in Paris.
Take bus 72 operated by TAM en Yvelines to the Grand Val bus stop, the closest to Monet’s House and Garden.

By train

Best for: Time-conscious travelers
Travel time: 45–55 mins
Closest stop: Vernon—Giverny train station
Timings: 6am to 10pm
Trains from Paris St-Lazare station to Vernon-Giverny station, with frequent services like TER 13165.

By car rental

Best for: Those exploring nearby attractions
Travel time: 1 hr 5 mins
Price: €90 to €150 per day
Renting a car allows flexibility to visit nearby spots. From Chateau de Bizy, it’s a 15-minute drive to Monet’s garden, with scenic stops along the way.

Visitor center
Restrooms
Gift shop
Café
Parking
Wheelchair access
Audio Guides
Cloakroom

Pets are not allowed inside the house or gardens, except for registered service animals.
Smoking is strictly prohibited throughout the house, gardens, and all visitor areas.
Personal photography is allowed in the gardens; flash and tripods are not permitted inside the house.
Visitors must remain on marked paths and avoid stepping into flowerbeds or restricted areas.
Picking flowers, leaves, or any plant material is strictly forbidden.
Eating and drinking are only allowed in designated picnic areas, not inside the gardens or house.
Do not touch any artwork, furniture, or historic objects inside the house.

Monet’s legacy: Influence on art and nature

Impressionism and artistic innovation

Claude Monet, the father of Impressionism, revolutionized art by focusing on light, atmosphere, and movement. His famous painting Impression, Sunrise (1873) defined the movement, shifting away from traditional styles. Monet’s series like Haystacks and Water Lilies explored how light and seasons transform a single subject, influencing future artists to experiment with perception and time.

Art and garden design: A symbiotic relationship

Monet’s garden design mirrored his artistic evolution. The changing landscape inspired his Water Lilies series, blurring the lines between painting and nature. His garden was not just a setting but an active part of his creative process, shaping his abstract and immersive later works.

Enduring inspiration for artists and gardeners

Monet’s influence extends to modern garden design, inspiring landscapes with rich plantings, color schemes, and natural pathways. Giverny remains a popular destination for artists and gardeners who seek inspiration from his fusion of art and nature

Modern impact

Monet’s art continues to be celebrated globally. His approach to capturing natural beauty helped shape modernism. Today, the restoration of Giverny ensures that his artistic and gardening legacy remains a vibrant source of inspiration.

Frequently asked questions about Moent’s house and gardens

Is there a recommended route through the gardens for the best experience?

Start your journey with a stroll through the "Clos Normand" garden, which is known for its colorful flowerbeds. Then, make your way to the Japanese water garden, where the famous lily pond is located. Lastly, visit the house and explore Monet’s studio, the living quarters, and the rooms adorned with his art collection.

What are the best spots in Monet's Gardens to take photographs?

Apart from the famous water lily pond, the garden’s wisteria-covered pergola and the vibrant flowerbeds in the Clos Normand are perfect photo spots. The reflections in the pond, especially during calm mornings, provide a unique angle to capture the beauty of the garden.

Can I buy prints of Monet's artwork at the gift shop?

Yes, the gift shop offers a wide range of prints and reproductions of Monet’s most famous paintings, including water lilies, the Japanese bridge, and other works inspired by the gardens. It’s a great way to take a piece of Giverny home with you.

What is the history behind Monet choosing to live in Giverny?

Monet moved to Giverny in 1883, drawn to the region’s natural beauty and peace. The village's lush surroundings and the Seine River inspired many of his masterpieces. The house and gardens he created in Giverny became central to his later works, particularly his renowned water lilies series.

Can I explore Monet's house by myself or is a guided tour necessary?

Due to space restrictions, guided tours are not allowed inside the house, and you will have to explore the insides on your own. However, you can book a guided tour of the gardens for a richer experience as the guide will share insightful stories about Monet’s life, his personal collection of art, and the design of the gardens, which you may miss without expert knowledge.

Is it possible to visit other nearby attractions after Monet’s House and Gardens?

Yes! Giverny is home to other attractions such as the Museum of Impressionism, which explores the broader context of the Impressionist movement and features works by artists influenced by Monet. You can also explore the beautiful town of Vernon, just a short drive away.