gomiki

This would be the first or second week of October. Have you been at this time of year?
If so, are there any tips for this time period? I have looked a many of the posts regarding the trip there but they are for spring and summer.

FrenchMystiqueTours

I've been there at that time of year but I don't really know that there are any tips to give that would be different from any other time of the season. If you look at the Giverny website there is info about what flowers are blooming in the different seasons if that helps:

http://fondation-monet.com/en/au-fil-des-saisons

gomiki

Thank you! I did see that site. I guess I should seize the chance to go now. At least I will have seen it.

DebitNM

We went in late Oct, 2012 - the last week it was open for season. While I am sure seeing it in its full glory is wonderful; there were still lots of flowers in bloom. The best part were the lack of crowds! In fact, it was a bit overcast that day and there were probably less than 3 dozen people! I was able to take photos of the bridge of the water lily pond with no one, NO ONE, on it! Amazing, so worth going.

FrenchMystiqueTours

It's less crowded in October too so although you don't have the brightest and best flowers at that time of year (though it's still worth a visit) you also don't have the crowds. I'd still buy your tickets on-line in advance and print them at home though, just in case there are lines.

Percy

I was there September 28 last year ( 2013).
Weather was nice, lots of flowers in bloom.

Lot of water lillies on the ponds.
Toured his house (Monet), had lunch, short walk about the town.... but of course it is the Monet place that is the highlite.

sandralist

Monet planned the garden with the idea that he would paint it year round and if you know his work or visit the Marmottan museum while you are in Paris then it is quite fascinating to see the garden in autumn because he also painted it in autumn. I visited in very late September and not only are many colorful flowers in bloom you can also appreciate the structure of the garden and Monet's interest in nature beyond color pops.

I think the point of making the trip out to Giverny is to see how Monet used the garden for inspiration.

sandralist

Here are pictures someone took in October in 2009. Every year is surely somewhat different because of weather patterns but not all that different since it is an historic garden that sticks closely to Monet's plan.

http://giverny-impression.com/tag/fall/

Judy

We've gone in early October. It was beautiful, though not as spectacular as going in spring. The lack of huge crowds was definitely a positive.

nukesafe

I would think one goes to Giverny see and feel how Monet lived and what inspired him. That, at least to me, is the part of the visit that is so enriching. The profusion of flowers is nice, but one can see the same in almost any garden. Monet lived there and painted there year round and drew his inspiration from the water, the trees, his cosy home and those around him. Go for that and don't fret about how many blooms are on display.

gomiki

Thanks to all for the replies. They are what I hoped to hear.

nukesafe, that is a wonderful post. Thank you. You must have seen my picture in the dictionary under fret? Now that is a great underused word. Perfect for me.

nukesafe

The latest we have been has been late September, Gomiki, so I can't comment on how the gardens will be weeks later into the fall, but the place was enchanting to us even on a day that was not too warm and was spitting rain. I stood on that bridge for a long time, watching the circles made in the water by the raindrops and wondering how Monet would have captured the mood through his failing eyesight.

One of the very special times in France that will linger ---

Ackislander

My wife is the family gardener and she is in England at the moment (looking at gardens) but I think she told me that at least some flowers are moved in from beds elsewhere on or near the property to make sure that there is always color.

Don't fail to leave enough time for the house. It is lovely, and I would rather have the kitchen than any boring stainless-and-granite kitchen in North America.