Monet's house and gardens - a Paris day trip review

If you have even the slightest interest in Monet, then this is without question, the best day trip from Paris. Approximately one hour from Paris, Monet created a garden which I would say is his most beautiful piece of art (I won't say beautiful again, but it applies to everything I mention in this post).

What's there? 

1.  The garden - the place that provided the inspiration for many of Monet's most recognisable paintings. The garden consists of two areas...

The upper area is a large garden packed with flowers...I've never seen so many flowers in one space. I'm not sure how true it is to Monet's original garden, but it certainly is spectacular.

The lower area is a Japanese inspired water garden designed and created by Monet. The water garden features the Japanese bridge, water lilies and weeping willows; which are instantly recognisable from Monet's paintings. This is what makes the visit worthwhile, because you'll see the same ballet of colours and reflections that Monet would have witnessed. The garden did half his work...it really is uncanny.

2.  Monet's house - which houses his incredibly large collection of Japanese prints. The prints clearly had a strong influence on Monet works, but they are also beautiful to enjoy in their own right. You can also have a stickybeak at some of the restored rooms in Monet's house.

How to get there? 

Monet's house and garden are located in the small village of Giverny.

By train - you can take an SNCF train from Gare St-Lazare to Vernon station, Paris (approx. 45 min). From Vernon station, it is a pleasant 30 min walk to Giverny. Alternatively you can take one of the shuttle buses, which leave from just outside the station. Or rent a bike, also near the station.

By bus - there are apparently several tours that depart from Paris. So you should be able to find a few options if interested.

Other tips:

••  As always, get there early to beat the crowds. It's a hot tourist spot, so consider yourself warned. From what I saw, queues could easily be 1 hr long.

••  View the official website here.

••  The Musée des Impressionnismes Giverny is a short walk from Monet's garden, and hence worth a visit while you are in the area. Its focus is on American impressionists. A discount combined ticket is also available (Monet's garden and the Musée des Impressionnismes Giverny).

••  If you are really into your gardens, you can research what will be in flower each month of the year, using this link. You can then time your visit accordingly.

••  Check out Musée de l'Orangerie (in Paris), to gain a full appreciation of what Monet's humble water garden inspired.