<There are no bloodstains in the room at the Auberge Ravoux, PalenQ. FYI.>

there were when i visited - must have disappeared?

Although we enjoyed everything we did, and saw, when we were in Paris, the visit to Giverny was the highlight of our trip to France. It is definitely worth seeing.

I just wanted to mention that while we loved Giverny, it was very crowded during the middle part of the day. We got there around 3 p.m, and stayed till it closed. This was late May and a gorgeous day; maybe it's less crowded in October. I was pretty frustrated at trying to take photos of the stunning gardens (lots of iris at that time), but found it a lot easier and more pleasant after 5 p.m. or so. We closed the place because we got chatting with a very cordial French couple. What a great memory.

I also went to Chartres and spend the entire day there. For those interested in Gothic architechture and stained glass, it's unsurpassed. If you go, take a tour with Malcolm Miller.

In terms of scenic countryside and photo opportunities, I'd have to vote for Giverny. I didn't make it to Auvers, but hope to next time.

We LOVE Giverny and have seen it twice including last October:

http://www.soultravelers3.com/blog/D...B59CF1094.html

I highly recommend going late in the day as you will have the whole place to yourself. We took the train and it is an easy day trip, but if I do it again I would stay over night at a charming B&B.

It helps to use Paris ( see our archives) to set up the trip by viewing paintings there. It really is a must see if you have interest in Monet and gardening.

It is prettier in August ( when we first saw it at its peak) but still lovely in October.

giverny is a much prettier village IMO but few of the hoardes, many bus tours, never venture around its quaint streets away from the constant hubbub around the gardens - which even though oft mobbed are spectacular - especially if you look at some Monet paintings before going.

but venture down to the Seine like monet did to paint and to the cemetery to Monet's tomb and around the quiet village.

I could not chose Giverny over Auvers or Avuers over Giverny - both are great. But the OP express lack of interest in Monet and seeing the countryside which perhaps is more easily manageable going to Auvers - train takes you right there and no huge mobs waiting to get into the gardens.

Time of year and day makes a difference.

I once wrote an article on Giverny and monet's house/gardens and the director told me that since the place is closed on Mon there is pent-up demand on Tue and Weds during school year are often very crowded with grandparents taking grandkids there - so Thur, Fri may be best days. Well that's what she said.

Giverny is certainly worth the trip, if, of course, you are interested in Monet and Impressionism. There's something else major to see that seldom is mentioned: Monet's magnificent collection of Japanese wood-block prints, hanging in the dining room.

A bit strange but in the house itself there is said to be no original Monet work - just lots of reproductions

When you go to Giverny be sur to also visit the American Museum. The works of the artists who visited Giverny. Lunch at the Hotel Baudy, once a real hotel where all the American artists stayed to visit Monet, They have a phopto I took ouf the artists studio out in th back. Check out the book, A Taste of Giverny.

I thought Monet's house was fascinating. He was obsessed with Japanese woodblock prints, and I loved the colors of the kitchen and dining room (individually and in contrast to each other).

Because it's just an old house, there's no way original Monets could be displayed in it. No sophisticated climate controls. No extraordinary security systems.

Giverny is a must see for art enthusiast. I suggest you eat in the hotel where most artists lived. We ate outside and had a taste of the period when Monet was flocked by his American students. We rented a car going there but I saw a day trip offered by City Rama , a tour agency located at Place Pyramides. You can also venture to go to Chartes to see a medieval cathedral. Or while in Paris you can opt to watch the local mardi gras dancing along River Sienne. it usually starts at 10pm and ends up way in the morning. Party time!!!

I imagine that the cost of exhibiting actual Monet paintings in his house would be prohibitive--all that extra security.

I imagine that the cost of purchasing a Monet original is beyond the foundation's budget as well as the above reasons

A very nice followup to a Giverny visit would be a visit to the Musee Marmatton in Paris, which holds many of the Monet waterlilies series. You will see the paintings in a whole new way after seeing the gardens firsthand.

Very true, DejaVu, or perhaps even better -- The Orangerie with the giant waterlily paintings beautifully displayed.

Myst...My mother and I did Giverny last September and I would agree that it is a beautiful place to visit especially for photographers.

We took a bike tour though which included train transportation. Total cost was 65E which included transportation, bike rental, guide and museum and garden tickets. You might want to check that out. And as some others have already said, it was the highlight of our trip.

Here's the website:
http://www.fattirebiketoursparis.com...ike-tour.shtml

I've walked to Giverny from Vernon - cross the town bridge and then follow an abandoned rail line path to Giverney - not much more than three miles i think each way - you come into Giverny is a quite part of village few tourists see, then by the cemetery and American museum to the madness around Monet's House/gardens.

Nice walk thru countryside.

My sister-in-law and I went to Giverny/Monet's House & Gardens in September, 2007 - flowers/grounds/house were gorgeous - it was a dream come true for us as we are Monet admirers - highly recommend. We too went through Fat Tire Bike Tours - excellent and unique way to travel. Bike ride no problem as long as you are in good physical shape. We would definitely do it again.

Ooops..should be September, 2005.

Wow what great ideas! I love Van Goth and Chartres sound nice too, hmmm...so many choices!

Thanks all!

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