Monet's Garden, Paris, FRANCE
Airing Date: Sep 1st, 2006
Giverny has to be one of the most famous private gardens in the world. It's on the banks of the Seine 80 km from Paris, and is where one of the forefathers of Impressionism - Claude Monet, spent the last years of his life. Monet fell in love with the village and moved to Giverny in 1883 and remained there, painting it over and over until his death in 1926.
Monet planted the garden so that each month, a different colour would dominate. Similarly, each of the rooms, with his collection of Japanese prints hung exactly as Monet left them, were decorated in different colours.
Since Monet's time, the gardens have been re-planted to look as they did when they were inspiring his masterpieces. Visitors to Giverny can still see the Japanese Bridge and the Water Lily Pond. His house and studio have also been restored.
The best times to visit are May and June when the rhododendrons flower around the lily pond and the wisteria winds over the Japanese Bridge. Generally, any month from Spring to Autumn is a god time to come here.
FURTHER INFORMATION
Monet's House & Garden
Entry from $9 a person
Price includes taxes. Subject to fluctuation. Conditions apply.
Open 1st April - 1st November
Closed Mondays
www.franceguide.com
Prices correct at 1/9/06.
Further Information on France - Lonely Planet Guide Books: www.lonelyplanet.com
