Day 22 - Giverny💕
I have wanted to see Giverny for years - so saying today was a dream come true is so accurate. I love the Impressionists and Claude Monet is my absolute favorite, so one of the things I wanted to do more than anything with having the extended time in Paris was to take the train out to see the home and gardens where he painted so profusely. With the weather forecast being for rain every day I finally decided that I was going rain or shine as my days to do it are running out. Monet painted in all weather conditions so surely it would be beautiful even in the rain right?
I left the hotel at 7:30 and caught the Metro to the Gare St Lazare station where the trains to Normandy leave from, and was on the 8:19 to Vernon easily. It turned out to be a gorgeous day! Sunny and just a slight chill in the air. From my research I know it’s a mob scene there May through August, so while October might not be quite as lush it wasn’t crowded at all. It was spectacular and I took at least 100 pictures. Luckily for you I’m not going to post them all. But if you want more just email me and I’ll be happy to share with you.
Your admission ticket gives you full access to his home and both gardens. Monet first planted the Walled Garden in front of his home with a profusion of gorgeous flowers and trellis’s, and then added the Water Garden across the street accessed by an underground walkway.
Monet home which is quite large.
Walled Garden
Arches which are full of roses in season. Still beautiful even in the fall.
Water Garden with the water lilies. Japanese bridge at the far end.
Bottom left the boats he painted so often.
From inside the home. Top and bottom on the left the views of the walled garden from windows. How beautiful to see from inside the home. All the rooms were painted wonderful colors - just like the beautiful colors in the paintings! It made me so happy!
I was lucky to stay for a few hours enjoying the beauty and then headed back via bus to the town of Vernon where the train to Paris picks you up. Vernon isn’t very large but it’s a pretty typical town in Normandy and I had time to eat lunch and walk a bit.
Found this great boulangerie/patisserie where it seemed every person that lived there was in line for a baguette. Bought a ham and cheese sandwich that was huge and delicious and ate every bite. Unfortunately I didn’t leave room for an amazing pastry of which they had many. Poor planning☹️
In my walk around the historic area I came across Collegiate Church Norte Dame and stopped inside. The church dates back to the 14th century and had some original stained glass and an amazing organ.
Bottom left the organ. I was treated to music by someone practicing - bonus!
The house across the street from the church called The House of Past Times because it’s one of the oldest houses in Vernon and was spared the bombing of World War Two. The corner post is decorated with a carving of the Annunciation where the Angel Gabriel announced the coming of Christ to the Virgin Mary.
The House of Past Times.
Back to Paris via train and met up with Julie for an amazing dinner at Le Bistrot Paul Bert. Both Julie and I had heard of it as it was recommended because Anthony Bourdain featured it on one of his shows. It did not disappoint. We both had the prix fixe option which is common in Paris for dinner - a set price for a starter, entree and dessert. The menu is on a chalkboard only as it changes every day based on what they get that is the freshest. We both had the tomato salad to start which was incredible, brill fish with spinach for the entree, and custard with caramel sauce for Julie and Grand Mariner soufflé for me. We shared the desserts and both agreed the soufflé was exquisite!
What a fantastic meal!
I had to get a close up of the soufflé. Can one ever see too many pictures of dessert?
I will remember this day forever💕 Thanks for coming along!