the clos normand - fondation claude monet

Loved the lily ponds and seeing the view that Monet actually painted. The house was interesting and loved seeing the view from his studio and some of the original paintings.

Early May found Le Clos Normand aglow with iris, rhodedendrons, tulips, peonies and more. Meanwhile at the water lily pond, not only was the wisteria in bloom but frogs mated on the lily pads, dancing maroon, on the water and created unique sound effects.Where was Monet? He may be long dead, but he was here, more present than he could ever be through one of his wonderful paintings!Had Claude Monet been alive and my friend, he would have been advising me as to which day to come to see certain plants and aspects of Clos Normand at their best. Just a single day and weather changes can make a quick and visible difference to what is at its best!I could imagine Monet advising me to have visited on exactly the day I did, serving lunch on the dot of twelve, as was his habit; much of Le Clos Normand was at its best. It was just a little early to see and smell the roses; a day or two later, who knows?But I would have returned to see the roses again, happy in the knowledge that on this glorious day in early May, I saw the irises and aquillegas. I smelt the lilacs, just past their best. I saw the syncophony of calafornia poppies dancing alive in their glory and the magical underplantings truly achieved an impression of light dancing around this carefully constructed place of inspiration, work and nature. Le Clos Normand simply teems with LIFE!Monet has been an inspiration to me both through his art, but especially as a gardener. I arrived here as a highly informed traveller, already au fait with his planting techniques using colour, leaf and flower structure and other "tricks" to make light dance in his beloved garden.Volumes have been written about this place and I think I had read and viewed many of them in several languages, as well as viewing vast numbers of Monet's paintings before I finally fulfiled my dream of seeing and experiencing Le Clos Normand for myself. I was not disappointed, even given exceptionally high expectations.This is one of the world's great gardens, but there is way more than just the garden here. Monet's studio, filled with many of his own paintings as well as artsists he was close to, his house, where he entertained many fellow artists, poured over plant catalogues, supervised his gardeners, planned hard landscaping work, had the Seine re-routed to create his lily pond and battled with his diminishing and distorted colour vision in the years before his cataract surgery. The interiors of this historic home are as gloriuos and inspired as Monet's Garden; sheer joy and awash with the Japanese woodblocks and other items that informed and inspired aspects of his work and indeed life as a gardener.Not only did Monet rebel via his impressionistic art. Here in the garden he was equally a rebel against the heavily stylised and topiarised traditions of the French formal garden.I think I would have genually liked Monet!Funny how someone you have never met can so inspire and pass on their knowledge through what they leave behind as a legacy to humanity!Le Clos Normand was teaming with fellow visitors during my visit, yet carefully devised barriers preventing public entry across the "views" and photo spots gave an impression of having it almost to myself.My one disappointment was that my visit to Giverny was all too brief. My next one will allow three or four days, with time to explore the Monet museum gallery and the very touristy, but divine town itself.Even the train trip from Paris along the banks of the Seine was a magic transition between urban and rural, industrial buildings, high rise apartments, country cottages, forests and glimpses of life in France today.I left feeling I had seen through the eyes of this great man and vicariously experienced a little of his world. If Le Clos Normand is not on the world heritage list of the United Nations, it should be; it exceeded even my very high expectations!Don't miss it!

i loved the history of a great artist,as well the many different gardens,the lily ponds. Also enjoyed the home where he lived. This was one of the highlights of my vacation. I did not dislike anything.

It was raining – gently, but steadily -- when we visited these gardens. This made photography very challenging, and I didn’t get photos of the quality I had hoped for. Nevertheless, the rain didn’t dampen our enthusiasm. We could see Monet’s artistic eye everywhere we looked, and this place is beautiful in any weather.I should have worn a hooded rain jacket instead of using an umbrella. Umbrellas are just too unwieldy in this environment. Anyway, I want both hands free when I’m using my camera.

To walk the paths around the water features brings Monet's vision to life. While there were crowds, they tended to congregate in just a few areas, leaving the majority of the paths to ourselves. To view the pond through the hanging branches of the large willow tree is like looking back in time.

The Clos is really the Water Gardens next to (or really behind and beyond the road of) Monet's House and Gardens. You have access to them when you purchase your ticket for Monet's House. You can access them either through an underground walkway ( goes under the road) or through a gate with a guide's assistance if you cannot use the stairs and lower walkway.These are magnificent gardens! And should not be missed. From the water lilies ponds to the free form gardens and paths surrounding it all this is a peaceful, artistic and reverent spot if you have any familiarity with Monet, his paintings, and the nature of impressionism. Even if you just like gardens you cannot help but be awed by this area. And, as I mentioned in the review of Monet's House (as these really are one in the same) the Monet Foundation takes extraordinary care and management of these idyllic grounds. This is an outdoor area only and is like walking through a living painting! Do not miss spending time here in your visit to Giverny and Monet's house. This is truly where nature inspires and is a magnificent site to behold.

One would think that a number of Monet's works would be available to view in a museum within a couple of blocks of his historic home. NOT SO. There were only 2 of his works in the gallery. The balance of the galleries had displays of impressionist painters. But, the museum is not all that large.Unless you are a real impressionist student or lover, you might find a better place to spend your time while in the area.

Fantastic place well worth seeing, had a such a fantastic day:))) would recomend to everyone. You have fantastic gardens to see over there with those famous popy fields and watter lilies as well as gorgeous house of Monet.

Has visiting exhibitions, was Belgian impressionists when we went. No entrance fee on the 1st Sunday in the month!!! Only 3 euros for a very good audio guide which also covered the Monet Section of the museum. Has it's own little garden in front which was interesting too.

I didnt realise that the Clos wasnt part of the House and Gardens until I came here to write a review. Its closeby and definitely worth a look. We could hear a loud cacophony of sound while we were walking around the gardens and we wondered what it was. Surprisingly, it the small frogs in the Clos. They make a great sound.It was fairly busy when we were there a couple of weeks ago and the grounds etc arent really designed for crowds. However I really am delighted that I was able to see the gardens and the Clos.

Everything was wonderful. We loved everything about the gardens and the house. Since 500,000 people visit a year I guess their a reason. It is so beautiful

I discovered several American Impressionists that I had never seen before and really enjoyed that part of the exhibition, but the permanent collection was very disappointing. If the American collection had not been there, there would have been no point in going to the museum.

This review should, ideally be read alongside my review of Monet's House & Garden, where I am critical of the ticketting & guiding system.We reached this garden through a drab underpass beneath the road that separates it from the House. The paths are fairly narrow and the crowds at 1030hrs were already fairly congested. This meant progress was fairly stop/start. However this is being slightly picky for what is a very beautiful layout of flora surrounding the famous pond (it is a large pond and too small to call a lake in my opinion). But someone with either a baby buggy or wheelchair may find this hard work as the paths are uneven.One progresses around the pond along paths stopping whenever someone in front wants to take a picture. Major congestion is met when one reaches either side of the bridge, because everybody is wanting to either have their picture taken or take a picture from this point, understandably. A nice touch is there are a few benches to sit and ponder the passing humanity and the water and flora.Above the sound of appreciative visitors could be heard the extraordinarily loud and very distinct noise of the large frogs in the pond going about their mating ritual totally undisturbed.Would we go to either of these places again in spite of any problems...definitely worth revisiting.

We took the morning train from Gare-St-Lazare to Vernon Station,only 45 minutes,from where a shuttle bus delivers you to Giverny. The carpark, one of five, removes any allusion about sharing this quiet hamlet by yourself. Sixteen,giant tourist- transporters have already disgorged their occupants.....oohhh,what the hell,you are here,are you not?.......yes,it is a very popular spot! This is the home of the brilliant innovator Monet who excelled at presenting the effect of light at different times of the day. His paintings of the Rouen Cathedral and the Water Lilies are just a few of his masterpieces. Unfortunately,you wont find any original Monet paintings here.However,his house and famous gardens are open to view. The house,itself is not overwhelming, but contains his collections of 18th and 19th century prints and furnishings....pleasant,but not the Monet you seek!! Through the windows you spy glimpses of his wonderfully colorful garden. Step,outside the house and wander through the magic that creative greenery offers. Thousands of flowers greet you as you stroll , meander and stoop ,to examine these wonderful specimens. But,its when you reach 'the bridge' that your heart flutters, because this is the holy grail for the settings that formed the series of water lilies. Beautiful and spiritual, in many ways ,even on a cloudy and rainy day. As you enjoy and exhilarate at the beauty of wispy trees around the bridge. try to envisage all those art books that drew you here. Incomparable!! Its all here.The red bridge,hung with wisteria,leads to a setting of weeping willows and rhododendrons. If this does not move you...you must be constipated. wander around the pretty village with every house sharing a preplanned color scheme. Very pleasant. So the important Question now, is where to ingest food,because art and jardins create cravings. Give the local tourist- trap eateries the flick, and head back into town,where near the church you will find, L'esquisse Gourmande....a tea salon and restaurant. Read my review in the restaurant section. Bon appetite.

This palce is so incredible! We took the train from Paris and it was worth while. This is a serene and wonderful place. The staff is freindly and helpful. You should know enough french to communicate with train station staff as in my personal experience not all ticket sellers speack english. Beware of the bus drivers from the train station to the foundation (15 min ride), as they are not always polite and helpful, but rather mean and very rude. Only place in France where I encoutered a rude french person. If you purchase tickes in advance (online), you will avoid the line. Take your camera as you will be able to take memorable pictures here. Absolutely wonderful! There are plenty of places to eat around the area. Enjoy!!!