Last week I visited Paris and took a day trip to Giverny to see Monet's Gardens. I took the train from Gare St Lazare in Paris to Vernon in Normandy, then a bus to Giverny.

Monet's Gardens were crowded, but it was summer so I expected as much. The grounds and flowers were beautiful, and the water lilies and ponds were stunning. I also toured Monet's house, which was simple but pretty.

I explored some of the town of Giverny before heading back to Paris. There are a lot of cafes and restaurants, art galleries, and museums in the town.

If you want to see photos and read more, I wrote about the trip on my blog: http://www.aladyinlondon.com/2011/07...rip-paris.html

Great report and beautiful photos, fly. Thanks for sharing.

Giverny was one of my favorite day excursions anywhere.

We were there about 4 weeks ago, its so beautiful and I am very glad we made the effort to get there. It's something I'll never forget.

We were there six weeks ago and loved the gardens and house. Glad we skipped the over priced lunch at the Museum Cafe. We opted for the very charming Botanic Cafe. Inexpensive but delicious sandwiches with outside dining in the garden or inside in the gift shop. Cute place.

Wow, beautiful pictures!

Loved your photos! You're so lucky to be doing so much traveling while you're young.

Your photos are beautiful! I have a lifetime goal to have my photo taken standing on the Japanese Bridge each of the 7 months the gardens are open during the year. I have 3 to go! I love feeling that I am walking around in one of the paintings! The gardens are beautiful and to see the gardens that have been represented in so many paintings is very magical to me. Thanks for posting your photos!

Thanks for posting your day in Giverny. We went in June several years ago and got there as early as we could manage. It was crowded around the lily pond especially with high school groups. I keep thinking I should suggest to the foundation that a great fundraiser would be to auction off a day or half day in the gardens by yourself or a group you choose. I would bid on it!!

Giverny is one of my favorite destinations. We first went ten years ago in May and it was absolutely exquisite and not at all crowded. We went most recently 3 years ago in June and it was packed - but still beautiful. Has anyone been there in the fall? Our next trip to Paris is a fall trip.

Thanks so much for posting your pictures!

Flytheworld, thanks so much for your great pics and account of your day at Giverny. Glad you included your description of the town. We did not have time to explore it the day we visited which I regretted. Merci...

just gorgeous...I want to go there so badly. we will be back in Paris in November...not not too sure it would be worth going to in the Fall...has anyone been in November?

Mamcalice - I went in late September once and it was gorgeous. It wasn't empty, but none of my photos had people in them.

If you get sunny weather like I did, take the train from Paris to Vernon, rent a bike and ride to Giverny. It's one of my favorite travel memories.

I thought they closed from November 1st to April 1st. Maybe it has changed now. Maybe check the website....?

I went several years ago in late August and enjoyed them tremendously. Any lover of Monet's paintings will recognize the pond, water lillies and bridge.

I've been there in early September. Still lots in bloom but unfortunately not the wisteria! Denisea - it is closed in November, too bad!
www.giverny.org

What great memories this calls up. We were there in May 2007. Anyone interested in our pix can find them at:

http://www.sanderhome.com/Paris0705/monets_gardens.htm

SS

thanks...figured as much but then I will have to go again when it is open...silver lining

I love your photos!! Thanks for sharing!

I really enjoyed your blog; what wonderful pics and descriptions. You sure are getting a lot of traveling in!

Thanks! I'm glad you all liked the photos. It was such a beautiful place!