Giverny, France

 

On the borders of Normandy in France lies a small village, the birthplace of impressionism, Giverny.  Claude Monet used to visit Giverny periodically as a country retreat, and it is here that he developed impressionism.  Monet noticed the village through a train window and decided to buy a house and land to set up a spectacular garden for him to paint.  Giverny had a population of 301 in 1883 when Monet discovered it, but has now experienced a boom in tourism due to the restoration of Monet’s house and gardens.

Another venue that showcases impressionist art is the American Museum in Giverny.  The museum was originally dedicated to American Art, but now provides the impressionists art from all around France and America, and links the pieces/movement with other art movements.  The museum also contains a bar/restaurant to stop in before or after your visit to the museum.

Monet’s grave and a World War II memorial are features of the Giverny Church.  Although the inside of the Giverny church is plain and simple, dating back many centuries, the stained glass windows are fairly modern.  The outside features a World War II graveyard where seven British airmen are buried after being killed near Giverny in 1944.  Monet and his family are also buried there in the midst of a large, beautiful garden.

Another interesting venue to travel to is the Natural Mechanical Museum, a collection of steam internal combustion engines founded in 1955.  Donations and purchased vintage engines have been collected, especially in 1982 when several workshops, factories, and mills closed.  The engines have been persevered as best as possible, allowing tourists to see the earlier development of engines.

Giverny can be accessed fairly easy and cheaply by car, train, or bus as only a short trip from Paris.  You can even rent a bicycle from a café outside the  Vernon train station, (signs indicate it for you), and the rental fee is around 12 Euros with the bike ride only being about 4 miles long until Giverny. 

A very affordable and unique place to stay is the Forest Farm, in Vernon just 4km north of Giverny.  This bed and breakfast stemmed from an old farm with a main farmhouse and several independent buildings, bordered by a 40 acre private forest, allowing guests to admire nature.  The price for a double room with breakfast is 60 Euros, tax included.

As the birthplace of Impressionism, Giverny cannot disappoint those who have an admiration for nature and beauty.

-Enjoy where you are for however long you’re there, Samantha