In Giverny, of course! The poetic and inspiring home of Monsieur Claude Monet. This Impressionist painter left his mark on his era and remains a pillar of art today. For art lovers, Claude Monet inspires and awakens our imaginary art. In this article, we’re going to talk about art, Claude Monet and, above all, his home in Giverny.
The story of a great painter
Claude Monet was born in Paris but raised in Normandy. As a child, he preferred skipping school to academic study. Even then, Monet liked to draw all kinds of subjects, especially portraits, while varying his style. Then, around the age of 19, he decided to return to Paris, where he met painters like Auguste Renoir. With this new group of friends, they would share a lifelong passion for outdoors painting. Whether in the forest or on the beach, Monet adored this new passion and kept it alive for the rest of his life. After many difficult and painful years, Monet settled permanently in Giverny in 1883 at the age of 43.
Today, we no longer need to introduce him, he is known the world over, thanks in particular to his series “Les Cathédrales de Rouen”, exported to the United States where it met with immense success. Claude Monet is considered an innovative painter who contributed to the transition from classical to modern art.
A particularly popular movement
The Impressionist movement was born in the 1860s. It was born when the paint tube arrived. Lighter easels were created, enabling painters to practice their art outdoors. It is often highly appreciated for its depiction of simple, everyday moments, activities or landscapes, while at the same time giving real depth to life. It immediately arouses emotion, with colors that are often soft and clear, and a thickness on the canvas that recalls this natural side, with lighting effects. Impressionism is also a story of perception, and above all an aestheticism and a movement. Indeed, this movement breaks many of the codes of traditional art. We feel the atmosphere, the colors, the movements of the canvas as if we were experiencing the painting ourselves.
Monet’s most impressive works
It’s impossible to talk about Monet without mentioning some of his paintings. First of all, “Impression, soleil levant” is a painting based on the port of Le Havre. It is also a powerful symbol of the industrial revolution. Mister Claude Monet painted this canvas from his hotel window early in the morning of 1872. This painting is immensely famous, not least for having given its name to the Impressionist movement. Next, one of Monet’s most famous series of paintings is “Les Nymphéas”. These were painted at Giverny, during the last 30 years of Monet’s life, from 1897 to 1926. Another equally popular series is “Les Cathédrales de Rouen”, painted between 1892 and 1894. It’s a fascinating series on the work of light variations according to the time of day. Two equally sublime works deserve a mention. Monet’s “Les Coquelicots” depicts a beautiful stroll between mother and son in the fields on a summer’s day. And finally, “Le Pont japonais”, a symbol of his garden at Giverny and a masterpiece of color and serenity.
A house like no other and a garden like a living work of art
Claude Monet’s home in Giverny is steeped in artistic history, and it was here that such sublime works as “Les Nymphéas” were born. As he once said: “It took me a long time to understand my water lilies… I cultivated them without thinking of painting them… A landscape doesn’t take hold of you in a day… And then, all of a sudden, I had a revelation of the enchantment of my pond. I picked up my palette. Since then, I’ve never had another model.” Today, thanks to a donation to the French government, these paintings are on display at the Musée de l’Orangerie in Paris.
This house and its gardens inspired his art. He was able to refine techniques around reflections and light in his paintings. Bright colors are also a recognizable feature of Monet’s paintings. Indeed, the Impressionists didn’t mix colors, they juxtaposed them. Monet used to say: “Color is my daily obsession, my joy and my torment”. Between the blue kitchen and the lemon-yellow living room, you’re bathed in a veritable bath of color. Whether in the house or the garden, the colors fill us with wonder. Monet saw to it that the garden was conceived as a work of art. He painted a great deal outdoors, so you can experience the very character of his canvases as you stroll through his garden.
A gentle, relaxing stroll
Approximately 1h30 from Paris, Claude Monet’s house sounds like a haven of peace. Whether you’re looking for a romantic getaway or a day out with the family, this is the place to be.
Having been there before, I can tell you that there’s something very special about this house. It was like a peaceful and pleasant interlude. It’s a real immersion in the incredible universe of Monet’s works. The house is open from 9.30 a.m. to 6 p.m. and prices are very affordable, ranging from 6 to 12.50 euros.
What’s more, if you don’t have the time to get there, you can take an entire virtual tour of the house and its magnificent garden on the official website. The visuals are sublime and accompanied by classical music. Enjoy it, it’s free and it’s lovely!
Personally, my favorite part of the tour was the garden, because it captures the essence of Monet’s paintings, especially “Les Nymphéas”. These paintings inspire me. They reflect Monet’s artistic sensibility and are brimming with his talent, echoing the simple beauty of things.
If you want to start painting in an Impressionist style, Claude Monet used to say: “In front of you, a tree, a house, a field or anything. Just think : here’s a little square of blue, pink, a green oval, a yellow stripe, and paint exactly as they appear to you”.To plan your Normandy getaway, discover our beautiful residences and visit Monet’s home: https://lesdemoisellesaversailles.com/nos-autres-destinations/
