While I was in France in May, I visited Monet’s gardens in Giverny. Before I went I was hoping to see some early spring flowers and then use my imagination as to what the gardens might look like in full bloom. To my surprise and delight, there were flowers in bloom everywhere! I literally felt like a fashion photographer, one that continuously snaps photos in pursuit of the perfect shot. But in my case, I have to say it would have been difficult to take a bad picture of such a beautiful scene.
Although there were people everywhere, you could step off the main trail onto a secluded path and feel as though you had the garden to yourself. I was amazed by the size of the iris, the peonies and the roses. And of course the air was delicately scented with all these lovely flowers. Everywhere you looked, there were flowers. And each new view was just as beautiful as the last.
After taking continuous shots of every possible angle of (seemingly) every flower there, I made myself put my camera away and just experience the garden. When I went into the farmhouse, it was easy to imagine Monet himself flinging open the windows onto the garden, as he might have calculated the position of the sun and from which vantage point to begin a new painting.
The pond and water lilies was another interesting sight, particularly since Monet’s paintings of water lilies are my favorites. After I (somewhat successfully) kept my camera tucked away, it was easy to simply wander through the gardens and admire how many flowers were in bloom. The lavender also managed to add a distinctive fragrance.
I don’t even remember talking at all while I was at Giverny. It wasn’t necessary. It’s something that you just experience, and then remember later.
Meg Travels 
I missed out on seeing Monet’s garden, we ran out of time and the weather was quite miserable. Thank you for sharing your photos, the colours are beautiful and I always loved his waterlily paintings. Hopefully I’ll get back to Paris in the next couple of years, Giverny is definitely on my travel wish list.
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You will love it when you go there! The lily pond, the profusion of flowers and Monet’s farmhouse are all exquisite. I was there in May, and I was so happy that so much was in bloom!
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the photos of Monet’s garden are beautiful. Have you ever visited L’Orangerie?
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Not yet, but it’s on my to do list for my next trip to Paris. And thanks!
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This was great. I really want to take our photography people on one of the next photo trips to Giverny and then to see Monet’s work in Paris! Thanks for reminding me of that!
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You’re welcome! The garden was so lovely and fragrant, I didn’t want to leave! But the memories of it are still fresh…
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I remember a photo layout in a magazine inside of Monet’s kitchen. The yellow and oranges were breathtaking. Were you able to photograph inside of the house?
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I was there this past May and we were told not to take photos inside Monet’s house. So I bought a book about Giverny at the gift shop instead. And you’re right, the colors of the kitchen are exquisite!
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LOVE THESE PICTURES SO MUCH GLAD YOU SHARED THEM!
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Thank you! I’m so glad you like them… :)
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It almost goes without saying that these are gorgeous photos, it must have been quite difficult to choose which ones to include and which to leave out of this post but you’ve got a lovely selection here. They’re so uplifting, pictures of flowers in the sunshine. I can imagine it would be a beautiful place to visit.
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It was very beautiful! And I managed to put my camera away long enough to simply stroll through the garden and enjoy the flowers… :)
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Sometimes it’s a blessed relief not to be taking photos and you can just relax and enjoy your surroundings. Lovely.
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I agree! You said it perfectly… :)
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Still on my list!
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Good choice- I think you’d love it!
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Just came across your blog. How fortunate to visit Monet’s garden and lily pond! I have a book ‘Monet’s House’ and I happen to be painting a water lily pond in oils. Very nice travel blog!
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Thank you for stopping by! I felt like I was looking at a beautiful painting while I was at Monet’s garden. It was just spectacular!
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Incredible photos! Monet’s garden is on my bucket list!
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An excellent choice for your list! You won’t believe how beautiful it is… :)
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Thank You telling about Monet’s garden. It is wonderful place. We loved it when we were there. Your photos are gorgeous.
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