We spent Thursday in Giverny, in Monet’s beautiful garden. We took the train from Paris (SNCF from Gare Saint Lazare to Vernon), where we rented bikes at a café across the street from the station (l’Arrivée) and rode the 5km (about 3 miles) to our destination. It was a very scenic but very cold ride. The morning temp today was just about 50F! The return trip was in the sun and was much more pleasant!
My last visit to Giverny was with Julie when she was 9. We brought along a book that we’d read about a little girl who visited Monet’s garden and we sat on the edge of the stream with our toes in the water and re-read the book. It doesn’t look much different now…maybe a bit more wild, but the flowers are lovely and the water lilies that poked their heads out were just as beautiful.
The gardens are always blooming…different flowers at different times of the year. It’s not hard to see why Monet loved this place and was inspired by it.
We tried to take a ‘selfie’ but couldn’t figure out how to do it AND get some of the garden in the picture, too. So, a sympathetic passer-by offered to take our picture with my phone…much better…
Lovely! We had that book also! I will have to look for it again! I’m enjoying your travel blog! Thanks for sharing.
Great report; keep them coming!
Awesome!
Sounds like a beautiful day! That’s one place I’ve never been and have always wanted to go. We are so glad you are healthy and can enjoy this part of your life together.
What a great start. The Monet gardens at GIVENY looks even more beautiful then when Phyllis and I last saw them about 15 years ago.
Stay well, stay dry and stay safe.
Joe
Hi Kathy, it’s Joanne, your partner in all things macarons! I just looked up your blog and Ill subscribe so I feel like I’m traveling with you. You should post your cooking adventures. The pictures I have are stunning. I’m leaving tomorrow but it’s been a great time. Only horror was I left my wallet on the metro (and subseqeuntly my ipad at the Franprix when I panicked realizing my wallet was gone). Both items were returned by kind people so I am thrilled to have my priceless items back. Enjoy your adventures and thanks for passing along all those wonderful travel tips and pictures of your adventures! I can’t wait to read your next posts! Safe travels!~
Joanne – It was good to be your partner as we learned about macarons. Glad your lost items didn’t spoil the end of your time in Paris.
The story of you and Julie and the beauty is an inspiration. Delight to wonder and appreciate your sharing it. Kathy
Hi Kathy! An artist friend of mine, Leoma Lovegrove, (Google her) spends each May in Giverny painting, teaching classes and last year she became the first American to have an exhibit on the premises. She’s invited me to come and visit next year so I’m hoping it works out. I’ve been to Paris twice but never Giverny. I am enjoying your blog so much! I received a text from Lish yesterday at 4:30AM asking me how she could sign up for your blog! Enjoy your adventure!!!
Thanks for sharing. We’ve never been to Giverny. You’ve rekindled the desire. OXO