All You Need to Know About Monet's Garden in Giverny

Nature and art intertwine in a symphony of colors at Claude Monet’s Garden in Giverny. Discover meticulously curated flowerbeds bursting with vibrant blooms. Cross the iconic Japanese bridge, surrounded by lush greenery and serene water lilies that inspired the French artist. Inside the house, explore Monet's private studio and learn all that you can about the founder of Impressionist paintings. With over 100 varieties of flowers and 3 areas to explore, the gardens are a treat to the senses, especially if you love nature or are an art enthusiast. 

Fun Fact: Did you know that Monet had a passion for gardening and was known to spend countless hours tending to his beloved plants? He carefully curated every aspect of the garden, selecting each flower for its color, texture, and ability to harmonize with the overall composition.

• Official name: Claude Monet's Garden 
• Address: 84 Rue Claude Monet, Giverny, France
• Date of opening: September 1980
• Timings: April 1 to October 31, 9:30 AM to 6 PM 
• Number of visitors per year: Over 500,000
• Size of the garden: Approximately 2.5 acres
• Flower Species: Over 100 flower species including tulips, irises, wisteria, and water lilies
• Function: Garden

• Blossoming Masterpiece: Immerse yourself in a living and breathing masterpiece, where vibrant flowers paint the garden with hues that inspired Monet's iconic paintings.
• Water Lily Symphony: Explore Monet's water lily pond, a tranquil oasis that evokes a sense of peace and serenity.
• Japanese Bridge Magic: Cross the picturesque Japanese bridge surrounded by wisterias planted by Monet himself. 
• Artist's Haven: Explore Claude Monet's house and studio, where he brought his visions to life, surrounded by his treasured collection of Japanese prints. 
• Colorful Seasons: Experience the ever-changing beauty of the garden throughout the seasons, from blooming tulips in spring to cascading wisteria in summer.
• Enchanting Water Garden: Discover the hidden oasis of the Water Garden, a sanctuary of floating water lilies and delicate reflections that transport you to a dreamlike realm. 
• Botanical Treasure Trove: Marvel at the vast variety of flower species, from vibrant tulips to delicate irises, all created by Mother Nature herself. 

In 1883, Monet settled in Giverny, captivated by the picturesque landscapes and the nearby River Seine. Inspired by the nature surrounding him, Monet set out to create a living canvas that would become his ultimate muse.

Monet's artistic vision came to life in the form of two distinct gardens. The Clos Normand, a vibrant masterpiece of flowerbeds and pathways, was meticulously designed by Monet himself. 

In the early 1890s, Monet expanded his artistic playground, transforming a nearby marshy area into the iconic Water Garden. This enchanting oasis featured a serene pond adorned with water lilies and punctuated by the iconic Japanese Bridge, a nod to Monet's fascination with Oriental aesthetics. This later served as the subject of his famous "Water Lilies" series, capturing the play of light and reflections on the water's surface.

During World War II, the gardens suffered from the absence of maintenance and care, as the war disrupted daily life in the region. However, after the war, efforts were made to restore the gardens to their former glory.

After Claude Monet's death, his son Michel inherited Giverny but it was his step-daughter Blanche who cared for the property. In 1977, curator Gérald van der Kemp and gardener André Devillers began restoring the garden. The pond was rebuilt, the Clos Normand adjusted, and Monet's discovered flower species replanted. Donations aided in the restoration of the house, furniture, and prints. Opened in 1980, Monet's Gardens in Giverny became a beloved attraction, showcasing the magnificent legacy of the artist and offering visitors a chance to immerse themselves in his world.