Thank you so much to the people who suggested taking a taxi to Monet's garden from the station! I was the first to arrive in the morning and it was just magical. Even the birds seemed to sing in French. I watched an old man walk up the hill with beautiful blooming flowers and then said hello to a lady walking her pup. It was mid-April with crisp air and all the cherry blossoms in blooms of different shades of pink. When they opened the doors I rushed way ahead to the water lily ponds as those paintings have always been dear to me. I had probably 30 minutes there by myself with the sound of only water and birds and the awe of it all. Fog lifted off the pond and a man slowly pushed a boat as I photographed hundreds of shots. Then I went back to the main gardens and home. I finally had to leave when people filled the area because it just wasn't the same experience and I wanted nothing to ruin the memories. A cherry tart and flower tea in the cafe' was the amazing finale. That along with rose and violet perfume and tea for friends from the gift shop next door. And I did call the same driver back to get me. Everyone was so friendly. Monet's giftshop had several items I took home to children also.

Can someone please, please tell me what was the huge hedgehog like animal was I saw on the drive there? I screamed and about ran the driver off the road and no one could explain to me in English what the creature's name was.

Hi Islandmom,

Thanks for the wonderful, magical report! Since I haven't read the string or stings you referred to, could you clarify: Was it taking the cab, while others who had taken the train were waiting for the bus, that gave you the headstart? And could you comfirm the opening time: 9:30?

Yes, I beat the buses there. Hum... think I got there before 9am....can't really recall now. Summer hours could be different also. The secret too was going straight to the ponds rather than the main area or the house.

It's possible that the strange creature could be a muntjac deer - they don't look anything like a conventional deer, with their round bodies and short legs, but it's the only animal I can think of that remotely resembles a giant hedgehog!

I've really enjoyed your trip reports, and couldn't agree with you more about the benefits of escaping occasionally from the rest of the family to do something you really want to do. It can make it so much more special, and you will have some lovely memories of Giverny to treasure and nourish your soul. It sounds a wonderful experience.

I long to go too, but this summer I will have my children with me and know they will not be particularly interested; they will be more keen to get to the D-day beaches, so it is something I shall do alone in the years to come, and I shall enjoy it infinitely more without the "can we go now" moans after we've just arrived! (It's not that bad really, but I find I do have more fun doing stuff with them that they want to do, and more fun doing stuff I want to do on my own!)

Hi Mom,

Very evocative.

Hi islandmom,

We are going to Paris in a few days and I've been deliberating about whether to get up at the crack of dawn to get to Giverny early or sleep in and get there around noon. Thank you for making my decision so easy! DH may not be happy about rolling out of bed so early, but it sounds like the payoff will be well worth it.

What a beautiful report. I'm drooling. AND planning my trip!

I forgot to say what a beautiful train ride it was on the way out there. Lovely river homes and willow trees. Such beauty!

I looked up the deer - that wasn't it.

You are so lucky! The only way to fit Giverney into our schedule meant we were there about 3pm on a drizzly Sunday surrounded by German bus tours or something.

It sounds like we were there about a week after you and the blooms were beautiful, but it would have been wonderful to have had those few minutes alone in the gardens.

ttt for butterflygirl

Is the Garden worth a visit in November at all?

Wish we could go sooner but that is the only time we can have off.

How much is the train ride, taxi and entry fee???

We will be going in Mid August...

What should we expect - flowers in bloom, crowds, etc,?

Thank you IslandMom ~ what a lovely reflection for us to share in from your journey.

Tiff

Thanks, islandmom, we'll be there next week and your report has increased my anticipation.

Photobear and To_Paris: here's the website:

http://giverny.org/gardens/index.htm

Marking for our fall trip.

mvor:
Wonderful Site!!!!!!
Thank you... Can't wait to visit!!!

I guess I can't go...It says till November 1st only...sniff...sniff...

To_Paris, enjoy!

Photobear, you will just have to go back, so it's not all bad. I've been in Paris several times at Thanksgiving (late November) and sometimes have seen flowers.

Check out the a "wild boar".