ROUEN, FRANCE

Departing the quayside, we drive to Giverny, a pretty village located on the banks of the River Seine and renowned for Claude Monet’s house. The world-famous impressionist painter lived in this house from 1883 until his death in 1926.

Departing the quayside, we drive to Giverny, a pretty village located on the banks of the River Seine and renowned for Claude Monet’s house. The world-famous impressionist painter lived in this house from 1883 until his death in 1926. Between 1886 and 1890, a whole colony of painters joined him in order to take advantage of the ‘garden art’ form. It was in this very picturesque setting that Monet painted the huge canvases of the Water Lilies, which can be seen in Paris at the Orangerie Museum.

Upon arrival, we first visit the ‘Clos Normand’ – the arches of flowers – whose palette of varying colours inspired Monet. We continue to the pink and green house, which stands at the top of the gardens. Reproductions of Monet’s works and his collection of 18th and 19th century Japanese prints can be seen in the different rooms.

Our tour will end back in the gardens, where our guide will lead us through the picturesque ‘water garden’ shaped by weeping willows, its famous Japanese bridge and its pond, which inspired Monet in his work.

At the end of our tour, there will be the opportunity for some free time, before we make our way back to our awaiting ship.

TOUR NOTES: This tour involves approximately one and three quarter hours of walking, most of which will be over uneven terrain, and there are approximately 15 steps to negotiate. It is not suitable for passengers with limited mobility or wheelchair users. For reference, the driving time to Giverny is approximately one and a quarter hours. What flora may be seen is obviously subject to seasonal change.

DESCRIPTION CORRECT FOR 2009 CANARIES & MEDITERRANEAN CRUISES