2.8.2026
Like many, I’ve always admired Claude Monet’s Water Lilies. But for me, it was more than just an iconic painting – it was a dream. When I was a tween, I bought a journal with Monet’s lilies on the cover and spent hours dreaming of that gauzy, romantic world. In the fall of 2022, I was able to achieve that dream, and it was every bit as stunning as I’d imagined, especially for someone who loves gardens as much as I do.
Monet’s house is in the town of Giverny, which is in the north-west of France, in the department of Eure. According to the Normandy tourism site, Monet moved to Giverny in 1883 and remained there until his death in 1926. The cost of a ticket to Monet’s house is less than $30 per person, which is a steal in my opinion!
When you first arrive, you see manicured grass and a babbling brook surrounded by lush, wooded areas. Nearer to the house, you have the choice to go to the water garden, or the house garden. We made a beeline for the water garden, of course!
Stepping into the water garden felt like entering a living painting. Two bright green bridges arched elegantly over the pond, their reflections rippling in the water. Willow trees draped their branches like curtains, casting soft shade over clusters of delicate water lilies floating on the surface. The scent of damp earth and blooming flowers filled the air, and the peaceful hum of rustling leaves and birdsong made it easy to understand why Monet spent hours here, lost in brushstrokes and contemplation.
The house garden is a kaleidoscope of color, bursting with hundreds of blooms meticulously arranged by shade. As the sun moves across the sky, the garden transforms – soft morning light casts a gentle glow, midday brightness makes the flowers seem even more vivid, and golden-hour shadows stretch dramatically across the pathways. It’s a garden in motion, never looking quite the same from one hour to the next.
After the gardens, we explored the house. It was rather busy, but we got the opportunity to take some photos from one of the top windows, and even from his studio, which was honestly, a bit overwhelming. Finally, we had a laugh at the kitchen, where everything is a bright and sunny yellow – and I mean everything! The walls, table and chairs, furniture, and ceiling. Talk about color drenching!!
We finished our excursion with a visit to the gift shop where I bought a water lilies scarf and my husband got a T-shirt. There were many items to choose from – calendars, paintings, umbrellas, journals, and more. Although it was busy in the shop, the staff were extremely efficient, and we waited less than 5 minutes before our purchases were rung up.
As I reflect on our visit, I realize why I was drawn to Monet’s world in the first place – it’s the feeling his paintings evoke. Calm, peace, and a deep appreciation for the beauty that exists all around us. In the rush of daily life, we forget to pause—to breathe in the scent of flowers, to marvel at the way sunlight filters through tree branches, to simply exist in the present moment. Monet’s home and gardens remind us to slow down and savor the small joys around us. If you’re looking for a place that invites quiet reflection, I wholeheartedly encourage you to visit.
Have you ever been to Monet’s house in Giverny? If so, what was your favorite part? Did it live up to your expectations? What time of year did you visit? Drop your thoughts below!
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