Claude Monet’s Home and Garden at Giverny

Claude Monet's Home & Studio

One of my favorite places to visit in France is Maison et Jardins de Claude Monet (Claude Monet’s Home and Gardens) at Giverny. 

Claude Monet's Home at Giverny

 As I walk through the old home, I imagine Claude Monet in his daily life, doing what he loved: gardening and painting. 

Inside Monet's Studio

Inside the Studio

Looking back towards the house through the garden

I had seen one of the famous Water Lilies paintings many years ago and was amazed at its beauty; but once I visited the water garden for myself – I was in awe.

Monet's famous Lily Pond & Water Garden

It’s so peaceful and beautiful. You can certainly see Monet’s inspiration, and why he painted this scene so many times – at various times of day and in different seasons. These pictures were taken in mid-October with the vivid fall colors showing beautifully.

The inspiration for Monet's "Water Lilies"

Boats on the lily pond

I find this place so incredible that even with the throngs of people visiting, I could stay here all day and write stories inspired by Monet and his artist friends who visited here before me.

Taking some time out to write

I have been remiss!

I have been remiss.

Neglectful even.

I’d like to say that the reason is that I have been so busy that I just haven’t had the time to write. But truth be told, I just haven’t felt inspired. Well, at least not until recently.

I suppose I need to catch you up on what’s happened since my last post. Many months ago…

I did go to France. “Lived” in a charming, 1 Bedroom apartment, located on rue de Moscou in the 8th arrondissement. (If you are interested in this or another apartment, please contact www.parisattitude.com)

My Apartment while in Paris

I flâneured (strolled) around the city everyday. Took my afternoon meals in cafés and then sat for hours delightfully watching the world go by as I sketched my surroundings or scribbled notes in my pad.

I met new people, caught up with my Parisian friend Catherine (who I hadn’t seen in over a decade), and visited with some American writers who are currently living in Paris. These authors shared information on getting work published, life in Paris, how they made the International move, and what I might need to do to accomplished it myself.

The main purpose for my trip to Paris was research. Research for my book. A Novel set in 1889 Paris.

This wasn’t my first visit to Paris, but this time I was seeing the city in a whole new light. I felt so inspired by everything I saw and places I visited, I even came up with some interesting new plot ideas. I wrote (by hand) as I sat in cafés, parks and on trains.

I spent a lot of time roaming the butte Montmartre. I completely engrossed myself at the Musée de Montmartre, a museum of cultural history, learning even more about the artists who lived there during the time period that my novel is set.

Montmartre

I took a day trip to Monet’s Garden in Giverny – which is absolutely incredible!

Monet's Garden - Lily pond

I visited Cite’ du Train in the city of Mulhouse – which really helped me understand the trains of the late nineteenth century, which play a huge role in my novel.

Cite' du Train

Overall, it was an amazing journey. Coming back to reality since I’ve been home hasn’t been all that easy.

In the coming weeks, I will be posting some photos and information about the places I visited; I’ll also keep you up with my progress towards moving to France, and what’s happening with my novel.