by Don McCann
In a previous post, I mentioned about my recent Avalon Waterways cruise on the Seine River to the Normandy Region of France. On our itinerary, the first port of call was the quaint town of Vernon, the gateway to Monet’s home at Giverny. I think most of us probably envision lily pads on a tranquil pond when we hear the name “Giverny” and that’s JUST what we were lucky enough to see that first morning!
Vernon on a quiet Sunday morning
Our tour departure time allowed us enough time to disembark and wonder the little town of Vernon before we boarded the motorcoach for the short drive to Giverny. Being a Sunday morning, Vernon was noticeably quiet and made for a delightful early walk as we quickly explored what charming & historic sights the village had to offer. As is true with so many European locations, the church was the dominant landmark and it was a very short distance from our ship.
As we arrived in Giverny, the anticipation grew with each phase of the tour. First, a walk from the parking lot to the outer area of the village, then into the gardens themselves, next into Monet’s home, and finally a short walk to the far end of town to the cemetery for Monet’s grave. In the gardens, on the path, over the famed arched bridge, it all seems as though the paintings of Monet have come to life and you are directly ‘in the thick of it’! It is an area of impressive beauty and its preservation seems to have been successful to maintain an authentic “Monet experience”. I could say more, but the photos say it best, take a look…
Giverny lily pads
Giverny, France foot bridge
Giverny area map
Giverny, France gardens
Monet home in Giverny
Monet’s bedroom at Giverny
Monet’s grave in Giverny
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