Giverny: Fondation Monet

Friday 8 August 2014

Last weekend, as you might have seen on Instagram, I ticked something off my bucket list. We drove with a couple of friends (who were over from Holland) to Giverny, the home of Monet. I'm a big art buff - my parents used to drag me to galleries when I was little - so a lot of knowledge went in by osmosis, but I also studied the impressionists at university, as well as various history of art courses while on my Erasmus year abroad in Valencia, Spain. So visiting Giverny has been on my to do list for a while. Luckily the weather stayed sunny (it's been rather schizophrenic lately) and the place was everything I thought it might be and more. I do recollect jumping up and down a few times and beaming from ear to ear like a kid when we arrived...

We got there around 11am on Saturday to try and avoid the crowds, which was pretty futile as there were already tourists from all over queuing to get in. But we did manage to jump the queue with our pre-bought tickets (recommended). We also packed a little picnic which we ate outside of the foundation by the river, again rather idyllic! And went in for a second look after lunch. 

Admittedly I might have gone a little overboard with photos here, but I just couldn't help myself. With every step I took there was something photo worthy. Giverny is one of the most beautiful places I've ever visited and I would happily go back again and again. Private tour anyone, please?

What's on your bucket list?

Couldn't resist the cringe couple moment!
Jessica doing her thing

22 comments :

  1. Completely one of the dreamiest places.
    I want to go back with sunshine, I've only been in the start of spring, hmmmm!!!
    You & your man are precious as can be on those green steps!
    xx

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    1. I think we need to do a group outing ;) Thanks for the comment Meg, and ha yep, couldn't resist the step photo! xxx

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  2. This looks so dreamy! Wonderful pictures Marissa :)
    I've ticked quite a few this summer but the list is constantly growing (sight) :)

    bisous

    www.journeyintolavillelumiere.com

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    1. Thanks darling it was indeed wonderful! And hope you're having a wonderful time with your family! xxx

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  3. What a beautiful place and you've made beautiful photos! Full of inspiration!

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    1. Thanks Darina! And for your comment :) xx

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  4. Love your pictures! I also posted about Giverny on my blog earlier today! It's such a stunning place! I'd love it if you'd comment back!

    xx
    Sophie

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    1. Thanks Sophie! Yes it's so photogenic! xx

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  5. Love this! Such beautiful photos! That pink house with the green shutters <3<3

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    1. Thanks Nana! And I know, everything was just so beautiful - will happily go back again and again xx

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  6. Just beautiful. Love the cute double shot coupling, too :) Giverny is still on my list!

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    1. Thanks Danielle, and yes major cheese factor ;) come back to Paris and we'll go ;) xx

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  7. Love your photos!! We went to Giverny last September and it was so dreamy. It was like Monet himself was still there. His studio was so amazing. Felt like I was stepping back in time. I wish they allowed photography in the house. I loved the kitchen!! Thank you for reminding me of my trip there. :)

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    1. Thanks so much Karen, and I agree - just wish I could have gotten a few snaps of the interior of his house too.. xx

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  8. photos superb esp the flowers, some are amazing. you probably don't remember but i think we visited Giverny when you were small, one of the places you were dragged to. it was amazing and not touristy or crowded, but then we are going back over 20 years. the ponds and bridge were gorgeous and i remember it being a very tranquil and calm place. you two look like a very sophisticated couple in the couple shot. mooxxx

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    1. Thanks mum! ;) hmmm it seems I need to remember more things! Glad you like the couple shot too xxx

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  9. Glad you went overboard on the photos ;) they are all beautiful!

    On my bucket list - visiting all the 50 most beautiful villages in France. Oh, and now, Giverny too!

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    1. Thanks so much Kalen - glad you like them ;) and yes I'm trying to make my way through those villages too ;) xx

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  10. I was in France in May and just didn't have enough time to fit Giverny in - and looking at your pictures, I'm pretty bummed about this! It looks gorgeous! Definitely a good reason to come back soon.

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  11. Im planning to go to Giverny soon, the photos are beautiful.. it's one on my list too..

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