Monet's nymphéas (water lilies), irises, etc... may seem a tad tired to some of us these days, probably because we've seen them on too many umbrellas, place mats, mugs, t-shirts, and so on... While I don't get too excited when I spot another bit of "Monet merchandise", I always have been, and probably always will be, excited with the prospect of viewing any of his original work firsthand -- maybe, it has to do with the simple fact that I love color... color excites me to no end!....
So, when I first thought of what I would like to see on this trip to Paris, I immediately thought of Monet's Giverny garden, especially since June is such a great month to view the garden. Given that Giverny is not in Paris itself but 87 km west of it, I though that the pilgrimage to Giverny would make a great day-trip when we felt ready to take a break from the bustle of Paris -- and so it did...
We took the train to Vernon, and then right next to the train station, we rented bikes and rode the 5 km to Giverny along a lovely bike/foot path in the countryside. The little town of Giverny is charming beyond charming with all its country houses and gardens, and Monet's estate (house, studio and garden), well... what can I say, the photos above tell the whole story -- what a treat it was for me to be there after having seen so many pictures of it! Beautiful roses, clematis, phlox, etc.., in full bloom and Monet's water lily pond -- such an enchanting spot, perhaps smaller than I imagined, but so much more intimate... Ah! what I would give to enjoy it in solitude and not with a zillion tourists swarming all over!
I was so touched by Monet's little bit of paradise that, upon returning to Paris, I insisted that we visit the Musée de l'Orangerie, which used to be a greenhouse for the Tuileries Gardens, but now houses massive murals of Monet's ethereal water lily pond (all the above photos of paintings were taken at this museum). The museum recently underwent extensive renovations which saw the gutting of its second floor, thereby opening Monet's murals to natural light which comes from skylights in the ceiling; because the light which hits the paintings filters through a gauzy fabric laid just under the skylights, it is very diffuse, without any harsh shadows. I would recommend viewing the murals on a partly sunny/cloudy day as we did, because every time the sun hides behind a cloud and then re-appears (you can see this happening through the gauze on the ceiling - very cool!), the mood of the nymphéas change as they suddenly get darker, and then lighter, just as they would in Monet's pond...Wow! an absolutely breathtaking experience for me! Now, if I only could have been there on my own, without all those pesky tourists, so I could truly savor the peacefulness of this moment!..
P.S. We have been holidaying in the interior of British Columbia, enjoying long summer days on Lake Okanagan, so I've been quite removed from blogging, e-mailing etc... I'm finishing up some ruffle skirts which I hope to show you soon.... Last installment of "my Paris" coming up soon...
Absolutely wonderful photos and post. It is one of my places on my "to see/visit" list. Cn't beleive I've been to France twice but have not done it yet....Kathryn.
Posted by: kathryn | August 05, 2008 at 02:01 AM
Hi there, Monet's garden is somewhere that I have always wanted to visit but probably never will. Thanky you for sharing those gorgeous pictures with us all. Regards Dev X
Posted by: The Fairy Glade | August 05, 2008 at 06:28 AM
Monet is good but I'm still loving those polka dot shoes! And the green tiered skirt is gorgeous! What an amazing green on the paintwork - sets all the flowers buzzing!
Posted by: Kitschen Pink | August 05, 2008 at 07:28 AM
Gorgeous photos!!! I love Monet and I would LOVE to visit Paris!!
Michelle
Posted by: Michelle | August 05, 2008 at 08:00 AM
Wow - the gardens look amazing! I love that you took bikes and cycled there!! Such fun.
I agree, seeing the paintings in the "flesh" really takes your breath away! Looking forward to the final installment!!
Posted by: Di | August 05, 2008 at 09:59 AM
Do those ruffle skirts come in "big girl" sizes ie aged 36?!
Posted by: Joanna | August 05, 2008 at 11:57 AM
Wow..what amazing colors. I adore Monet, overdone or not.
Posted by: Muralimanohar | August 05, 2008 at 05:29 PM
I like how the "ruffled skirts" are thrown in here and there.... sort of like the chasing the white rabbit down the rabbit hole! Cute! Your pictures are lovely.
Posted by: Jean C. | August 05, 2008 at 06:30 PM
Oh my golly..I didn't think you'd be able to come up with any more beautiful photos..and then you give us these! Fabulous!!;-)
Posted by: Sal | August 06, 2008 at 11:41 AM
What a wonderful place!!!!
btw, I love impressionism!
Posted by: Zee | August 07, 2008 at 09:24 AM
Beautiful!
Posted by: munchkinsandmusic | August 07, 2008 at 06:17 PM
Talk about gorgeous! You HAVE had a wonderful summer! Sounds like you are still enjoying! The Okanagan is gorgeous.
Love the twirly skirt!
Posted by: Laurie | August 07, 2008 at 07:47 PM
These last three posts have been breath- taking, is it truly that beautiful in real life...it seems like something out of a fairytale.
And enjoy your vacation at the lake.
Posted by: chelle | August 08, 2008 at 06:35 PM
So funny, I was in Paris last June as well, and also went to Giverny... it is beautiful, the colors amazing... lovely! Also went to La Droguerie, and Entrée des fournisseurs. AGree completely that Droguerie has the most beautiful selection of ribbons... I have never seen anything like that... (also came w/ empty hand).... I like to knit, so bought beautiful buttons in both placess... Have you been to La Droguerie/mercearie at Le bon marche (they have some other stuff over there, worth checking next time - hope you will be back soon!)
This is my first visit to you blog, for sure will be back many other times!
Posted by: Patricia Fontes | August 09, 2008 at 05:59 PM
So funny, I was in Paris last June as well, and also went to Giverny... it is beautiful, the colors amazing... lovely! Also went to La Droguerie, and Entrée des fournisseurs. AGree completely that Droguerie has the most beautiful selection of ribbons... I have never seen anything like that... (also came w/ empty hand).... I like to knit, so bought beautiful buttons in both placess... Have you been to La Droguerie/mercearie at Le bon marche (they have some other stuff over there, worth checking next time - hope you will be back soon!)
This is my first visit to you blog, for sure will be back many other times!
Posted by: Patricia Fontes | August 09, 2008 at 05:59 PM
So funny, I was in Paris last June as well, and also went to Giverny... it is beautiful, the colors amazing... lovely! Also went to La Droguerie, and Entrée des fournisseurs. AGree completely that Droguerie has the most beautiful selection of ribbons... I have never seen anything like that... (also came w/ empty hand).... I like to knit, so bought beautiful buttons in both placess... Have you been to La Droguerie/mercearie at Le bon marche (they have some other stuff over there, worth checking next time - hope you will be back soon!)
This is my first visit to you blog, for sure will be back many other times!
Posted by: Patricia Fontes | August 09, 2008 at 06:00 PM
Oh! All the photos are so beautiful, I especially love the way you have the little girl's pics amongst the garden ones with those amazing skirts, so bright and pretty. Lovely blog, keep up the good work.
Posted by: Rosy | August 14, 2008 at 06:33 AM
It's so great to see these pictures! It brings back good memories of a great vacation and visiting this garden and house (10 years ago)!
Posted by: heleen | August 15, 2008 at 12:11 PM
wow so much color and inspiration. no wonder monet was such an amazing painter! i can't wait for the ruffle skirts! i want one. well, two. one for k and one for me!
Posted by: nathalie | August 15, 2008 at 12:35 PM
Bonjour !
Vos photos sont très belles ! j'ai la chance d'habiter à Vernon à 3 kilomètres de Giverny. C'est un endroit magnifique !!!
A très bientôt...
Posted by: Miss Sarah | August 19, 2008 at 07:07 AM
Oh! Such a wonderful collection of beautiful photographs! Thank you for sharing these moments.
Posted by: Juddie | August 21, 2008 at 04:20 PM
YOur recap of Paris is every bit as I remember it. The photos are gorgeous. It almost makes me cry when I see the Monet's Garden photos...we were suffering from severe jet lag and totally over slept the day we were supposed to go to Monet's garden, so it will have to wait until next time. ;)
I've really enjoyed Paris through your eyes and all the happy memories your posts brought back.
Posted by: s.HOPtalk | August 24, 2008 at 09:56 PM
Didn't you just love Monet's house and garden at Giverny? We were there two years ago and I would love another trip.
Love your photos.
Posted by: Christy | August 28, 2008 at 03:29 PM
Oh... I love that place, you made such apretty collage with all these pictures. I agree with you on the tourist part, so much better without them.
Posted by: erika | September 14, 2008 at 10:27 AM
Wow, this looks beautiful, I would so love to go. Your photography is great, on this and the other posts of yours I've managed to go back through. Looking forward to discovering the rest.
Best wishes
Hen x
Posted by: Hen | September 22, 2008 at 10:34 AM
I went to Giverny 2 years ago, your pictures make me go back in time...
Together with Charleston Farmhouse in the UK, one of the most enchanting places I have ever seen!
Posted by: sabine | September 29, 2008 at 02:31 PM
I was in Monet's garden a few years ago, in August, when the garden wasn't at it's best, and there were literally hoardes of tourists. I'd love to go back at a better time of year............ like in your magical photos!
Love Vanessa xxx (do you mind if i knit)
Posted by: vanessa | May 11, 2009 at 04:40 PM