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Know how Monet’s garden and house became his greatest masterpiece

Once the peaceful retreat of Claude Monet, this charming pink house and its blooming gardens in Giverny inspired some of the most iconic paintings in art history. But what is it about Monet’s Garden and House that continues to enchant millions eac...

Founded On

1980

Founded By

Louis Bonnier

About

Quick Information

ADDRESS

84 Rue Claude Monet, 27620 Giverny, France

RECOMMENDED DURATION

2 hours

Timings

09:30–18:00

VISITORS PER YEAR

500000

TICKETS

From € 65

EXPECTED WAIT TIME - STANDARD

30-60 mins (Peak), 0-30 mins (Off Peak)

EXPECTED WAIT TIME - SKIP THE LINE

0-30 mins (Peak), 0-30 mins (Off Peak)

Plan your visit

Did you know?

Did you know Monet diverted the Epte River to create his iconic water garden? The pond, filled with water lilies and reflections, was man-made—and became the subject of many of his most famous paintings.

Ever heard of Monet’s “little blue lounge”? This striking room inside his house is painted entirely in blue and decorated with 231 Japanese woodblock prints that heavily influenced his art.

Monet’s first studio was once a barn! He converted it into a workspace with wooden floors and stairs. Today, it’s restored with 80% original furniture and reproductions of 60 of his paintings.

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Book your Giverny Monet's garden tickets

From Paris: Half-Day Monet's House & Gardens Entry Ticket

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Mobile ticket

5 hr

Audio guide

Guided tour

Transfers included

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from

€65

From Paris: Full-Day Monet's House & Gardens Audio Guided Tour

Free cancellation

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Mobile ticket

10 hr 30 min

Audio guide

Guided tour

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from

€89

From Paris: Full-day in Giverny Monet & Van Gogh English Guided Tour

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Mobile ticket

9 hr

Guided tour

Transfers included

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€220

From Paris: Palace of Versailles & Giverny Gardens Guided Tour

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Mobile ticket

9 hr - 10 hr

Guided tour

Transfers included

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from

€145

Highlights of Monet’s garden and house

🌸 Clos Normand

Where: In front of Monet’s house

This 1-hectare flower garden is a dazzling explosion of color. Laid out in symmetrical beds but blooming with a wild, natural energy, the Clos Normand is where Monet let his imagination roam free. Expect tulips in spring, dahlias in late summer, and roses climbing iron arches that line the paths like an open-air cathedral.

🌿 Water Garden

Where: Across the road from the house

Inspired by Japanese prints and Eastern aesthetics, Monet created a tranquil pond surrounded by bamboo, weeping willows, and clusters of water lilies. This garden became the subject of his famous Nymphéas (Water Lilies) series. It’s also home to the iconic Japanese Bridge—a must-see and a must-photograph.

🏡 Monet’s house

Where: Main entrance

Monet lived here for 43 years. Today, visitors can walk through his personal spaces—from his light-filled bedroom to his bright yellow dining room. The house is decorated just as he left it, with vibrant walls, simple country furniture, and his incredible collection of Japanese woodblock prints.

🎨 The studio

Where: Adjacent to the house

Though his larger studio was eventually moved, the original atelier still stands. Inside, you'll find reproductions of some of Monet’s most iconic works and get a sense of the creative energy that filled the space.

☕ Les Nymphéas Café

Where: Just outside the estate

Whether you’re wrapping up your visit or taking a mid-tour break, this café offers fresh pastries, drinks, and unbeatable garden views. Try a croissant and sip on coffee while surrounded by the very landscapes that inspired a legend.

The history behind Monet’s garden and house

1883: A new beginning

Claude Monet first spotted Giverny from a train window. Captivated by its light and charm, he moved in with his family and began renting a house with a large garden.

1890–1893: Building his vision

Monet purchased the property in 1890 and began designing the Clos Normand, a colorful flower garden. In 1893, he bought adjacent land and created the Water Garden—complete with lily ponds and the now-iconic Japanese Bridge.

1900s–1920s: Art imitates garden

Over the next two decades, the gardens became Monet’s primary inspiration. He painted them in all seasons and times of day, producing masterpieces like Water Lilies and The Japanese Bridge.

1926: Monet’s passing

Monet died in Giverny at the age of 86. His house and gardens fell into neglect in the years that followed.

1977–1980: Restoration & rebirth

Thanks to curator Gérald Van der Kemp and international support, the house and gardens were fully restored and opened to the public in 1980.

Monet’s garden and house in pop culture

Over the years, Monet’s dreamy gardens in Giverny have captured the imagination of not just painters and poets, but also filmmakers, showrunners, and writers. Whether appearing directly on screen or influencing the look and feel of entire scenes, the gardens have quietly become a pop culture icon in their own right.

The Impressionists (BBC, 2006)

This docudrama tells the story of Monet and his fellow artists through Monet’s own eyes. Much of it was actually filmed in Giverny, giving viewers a rare chance to see the real gardens and house where the story of Impressionism unfolded.

Emily in Paris (Season 4)

In one of the show’s more playful moments, Emily and her friends visit Monet’s garden—and yes, someone ends up in the lily pond. It’s a fun, romantic nod to the site’s legacy and its postcard-perfect beauty.

In books and beyond

Giverny pops up in literature too. While not always front and center, the gardens have inspired scenes and moods in stories like The Age of Innocence by Edith Wharton. For many authors, Giverny represents a slower, more thoughtful kind of beauty.

The spirit of Monet in animation

Pixar’s Ratatouille doesn’t show Giverny, but if you look closely, you’ll spot hints of it. The film’s painterly style, glowing light, and love for the small details of French life all feel straight out of Monet’s world.

The garden and house today: Why they still matter?

Monet’s garden and house aren’t just a tribute to one artist—they're a global symbol of how creativity and nature can coexist in perfect harmony. More than half a million visitors from across the world travel to Giverny each year to experience what Monet once called “his most beautiful work of art.”

Beyond their beauty, the gardens serve as an open-air classroom for art lovers, garden designers, and dreamers alike. Students study the layout of the beds. Artists find inspiration in the shifting light. Historians examine how personal passion shaped public legacy.

🧠 Did you know?

The site is managed by the Fondation Claude Monet, which continues to preserve the authenticity of the gardens and house as Monet envisioned them—right down to the varieties of flowers he planted.

Frequently asked questions about Monet’s garden and house in Giverny

Is Monet’s original artwork displayed inside the house?

No, the paintings in Monet’s house are reproductions. His original works are mostly held in major museums like the Musée d'Orsay and Musée de l’Orangerie in Paris.

Can you visit Monet’s private studio?

Yes, visitors can walk through his former studio, which now displays reproductions of his works and gives insight into his daily artistic process.

Are the gardens planted exactly as Monet designed them?

The gardens have been meticulously restored using Monet’s original plans, notes, and archival photos. Most of the plant species are historically accurate to what he planted.

Is it possible to stay overnight in Giverny?

Yes, while you can't stay at Monet’s house itself, there are several charming B&Bs and small hotels in Giverny village and nearby Vernon.

Is there a “hidden” part of the gardens visitors don’t usually see?

While the main paths are open to the public, some sections—like Monet’s former greenhouse and some planting areas—are restricted to staff for maintenance and preservation.

Who takes care of the gardens today?

The gardens are maintained by a team of expert horticulturists and gardeners employed by the Fondation Claude Monet. They follow historical records and planting notes to keep the gardens true to Monet’s vision.

Can I get married or host events at Monet’s garden?

No, private events such as weddings, parties, or commercial photography sessions are not permitted, to preserve the historic and cultural integrity of the site.