Places of Interest in Normandy
- Giverny

For any art lover, a visit to Giverny is akin to a pilgrimage. This picturesque village sitting on the banks of the River Seine was the home of Claude Monet for over forty years until his death in 1926, and virtually everything you see here is in some way connected to his memory.

The Home of Monet

Both Monet's house, and the incredibly beautiful gardens he created, are open to the public from the beginning of April to the end of October. The house certainly allows an excellent insight into how the man lived and worked, although it has to be said that most of his original paintings are on permanent display in Paris, and only reproductions of his work are on display here. Original works that you can see in the house however, hanging exactly as he left them in almost every main room, is Monet's huge personal collection of Japanese prints.

Monet's Garden

For many people though, the biggest attraction of all is Monet's garden. Considered by a large number of the artist's friend's to be his greatest masterpiece, he planted it in such a way that a different colour is allowed to dominate each month. Each section is lovingly tended to preserve the full glory of his intentions. In fact, as you stroll around the different levels, you will see many of man's most famous works come vividly to life. It is hardly surprising that this is reputedly one of Alan Titchmarsh's favourite places.

Musée d'Art Américain

Only a few minutes' walk away from the house is the Musée d'Art Américain, a spacious and well-lit gallery displaying work by American artists residing in France during Monet's lifetime. Some of these became part of Monet's intimate circle, although he never accepted any formal pupils as such.