If Claude Monet is the epitome of Impressionism, and if the Impressionists' objective was to capture nature as seen by the eye, then there is no better place to appreciate Impressionism's foundations than in the gardens and home of the Father of this art movement in Giverny.
Visiting both Monet's home and gardens will transport you to the late 19th century. He put his soul into his environment, investing money and labor into creating its beauty that looks so natural and intentionally untended. In fact, it will be interesting to compare these gardens (more English in style) to those of Versailles (very French by its sense of order and precision).
Giverny is a small commune outside Vernon. From Paris, we will take a train that should take us to Vernon within an hour (similar to our train trip to Versailles). So, there are four options for arriving at Monet's abode from Vernon: walking, taking a taxi, taking a shuttle, or biking. It is about 7km (almost 4 1/2 miles), all very countryside-picturesque.
You will experience first-hand the environment that inspired the beautiful paintings of Claude Monet!
