A Gardener's Paradise- Giverny or Versailles?
Mar 22nd, 2005, 05:45 PM
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A Gardener's Paradise- Giverny or Versailles?
My husband and I will be in Paris in late May. I wanted to take a day trip to see Monet's gardens, but so many people say the gardens at Versailles are spectacular. So for all of the garden lovers which one do you like best?
Mar 22nd, 2005, 05:48 PM
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Versailles has formal French gardens, masterpieces of planning, perspective, and engineering, but formal walkways primarily, except for the woods you walk through to get to the Trianons and such.
Giverny in season is a thrill (though small and crowded often), riots of color, planted for the sheer joy and beauty of flowers. T
Giverny in season is a thrill (though small and crowded often), riots of color, planted for the sheer joy and beauty of flowers. T
Mar 22nd, 2005, 05:50 PM
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I agree with Giverny...lots more flowers. Although it's very crowded at Giverny and there's really no places to sit and look at the flowers...crowds of people that keep moving past. But it is spectacular.
Mar 22nd, 2005, 05:50 PM
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sorry, I meant to add
The sheer scope of Versailles, the vast size, makes it a memorable experience in its own way, not to mention the Chateau
Whichever you choose, I hope you will go to the other eventually
The sheer scope of Versailles, the vast size, makes it a memorable experience in its own way, not to mention the Chateau
Whichever you choose, I hope you will go to the other eventually
Mar 22nd, 2005, 05:58 PM
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Thanks for the quick replies. Even though Versailles is on the "must see" list I have an affinity for Giverny. I have always loved Monet's art and the pictures look so stunning but welcoming as well.I understand that May and June are peak seasons so it must be destiny!
Mar 22nd, 2005, 06:37 PM
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An after thought, ilovetulips.
There are lovers of modern art and those who love the impressionists.
No one is right or wrong, it is what appeals to you. This also is to dining and where to stay. Many do not agree on a place. We each see things with different eyes, attitude, and our own reality.
No ones attitude, review, or suggestion
matters more than yours.
There are lovers of modern art and those who love the impressionists.
No one is right or wrong, it is what appeals to you. This also is to dining and where to stay. Many do not agree on a place. We each see things with different eyes, attitude, and our own reality.
No ones attitude, review, or suggestion
matters more than yours.
Mar 22nd, 2005, 06:42 PM
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To further help get you in the mood, go to Barnes and Noble and look at Monets Table.
A cookbook and journal of Monet and his gardens at Giverny. The photos of the gardens, the tables of food and those dishes and flowers! fabulous !and the recipes are not bad either!
I want it just for the photos
A cookbook and journal of Monet and his gardens at Giverny. The photos of the gardens, the tables of food and those dishes and flowers! fabulous !and the recipes are not bad either!
I want it just for the photos
Mar 22nd, 2005, 07:49 PM
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Mar 22nd, 2005, 07:56 PM
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The Japanese bridge over the water lilies at Giverny is an instant recognition experience that thrills. Is there any single element in the Versailles Gardens which has this effect or recognition value? Not for me.
Mar 22nd, 2005, 08:28 PM
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Having been to both, Giverny is it, hands down. We have all seen Monet's pictures, at Giverny you can understand where he got his inspiration. Besides, Giverny photographs much better than Versailles.
Be at Giverny when it opens and you will miss most of the crowds.
Be at Giverny when it opens and you will miss most of the crowds.
Mar 23rd, 2005, 04:54 AM
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I agree with Giverny. We went in late May and the gardens were spectacular. It is true Giverny is on a much smaller scale than Versailles but I prefer the informality of Giverny. And, if it is flowers you are looking for, Giverny is the place to go. The area surrounding Monet's house and gardens was charming as well. We went early and it did not get crowded until we had been there for two or three hours.
Mar 23rd, 2005, 05:22 AM
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When I was at Versailles I was wishing that I had my binoculars with me! I couldn't believe all the birds that were in the forested areas. I know nothing about European birds (do they have migration seasons?) but we were there in the month of March and it was singing.
Mar 23rd, 2005, 06:48 AM
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The gardens at Versailles are vast, well tended, and mostly very formal.
The garden at Giverny is informal, but carefully composed, very like a good painting.
I would suggest you see them both; I think most people enjoy both, and would not want to miss either.
The garden at Giverny is informal, but carefully composed, very like a good painting.
I would suggest you see them both; I think most people enjoy both, and would not want to miss either.
