What to see in France

Camping in Giverny, the capital of Impressionism

Maison et jardins Claude Monet à Giverny
Maison et jardins Claude Monet à Giverny

 

An hour's drive from Paris, Giverny is located in Normandy in the Eure département. A hotbed of cultural tourism thanks to the work of Claude Monet, it was also his home and the place where he was laid to rest in 1926. A charming village in the Vexin bossu nature region, so named for its hilly landscape, you can visit not only the painter's house and gardens, but also historic buildings and museums. Why not stay at a campsite so that you can discover Giverny in the best possible conditions?

Campsites in Giverny

There are no campsites located directly in Giverny, but there are a few in the vicinity of the village. The Caravaning Loisirs des Groux ** campsite at Mousseaux-sur-Seine in the Yvelines is less than 15 km from the village of Giverny and has 129 pitches and 25 rentals. You'll also enjoy entertainment and activities such as archery, tennis, table tennis and miniature golf.

Camping Le Criquet * in Freneuse is less than 10 km from Giverny. It has 152 pitches and 25 rentals. Ping-pong tables and basketball hoops are available, and pets are allowed on the pitches.

Camping l'Île des Trois Rois *** is in the Eure department in the commune of Les Andelys, 27 km from Giverny. There are 25 rentals and 300 pitches, as well as a swimming pool, fitness centre and dance evenings.

In Vernon, the Château de Bouafles campsite **** is 28 km from Giverny and has 14 rentals and 191 pitches. The campsite offers mini-golf, tennis, basketball, volleyball, table tennis, canoeing and a variety of activities during the summer season. You can also visit the Vieux-Moulin, an old water mill that has become a real landmark in the town of Vernon.

The Vieux-Moulin in Vernon
The Vieux-Moulin in Vernon © iStock

The treasures of Giverny

The Claude Monet Foundation, an Impressionist paradise

The entire property is listed as a Historic Monument and the exterior as a Remarkable Garden. It has to be said that the gardens are quite exceptional and are in fact the main setting for the artist's work. It's an explosion of colour that changes from spring to autumn. Japanese-inspired, it is strewn with bamboo and small bridges filled with bunches of wisteria in April-May, under which flow streams of water. The tour continues as far as the Bassin des Nymphéas, the beauty of which was captured by Monet. Inside the pink house with its green shutters, you can see his studio, with reconstructions of some of his paintings, as well as several Japanese prints.

The gardens of Claude Monet's house
The gardens of Claude Monet's house © iStock

Claude Monet's house seen from the gardens
Claude Monet's house seen from the gardens© iStock

 

The Musée des Impressionnismes, a revolution in modern art

At the end of the 19th century, Impressionism was an artistic movement that would revolutionise modern art. The museum explains the history and uniqueness of this movement and offers visitors temporary and permanent exhibitions, as well as concerts and workshops for children and their parents. Outside, admire the museum's garden in the shape of a painting palette, a reminder of the Impressionist movement, which offers a lovely panoramic view of the hill above the village.

The Hôtel Baudy, frequented by great artists

Famous for having welcomed Auguste Rodin and Paul Cézanne, the Hôtel Baudy is home to a splendid rose garden in a multi-level garden. Now transformed into a café-restaurant, it's a great place to enjoy a drink, lunch or dinner on the lovely terrace in fine weather - in short, to take a break and enjoy the surroundings.

 

Hôtel Baudy in Giverny
Hôtel Baudy in Giverny© iStock

 

The Museum of Natural Mechanics has something for everyone!

It features a large collection of agricultural and industrial engines, including "the oldest and largest diesel engine in the world, still in working order". Completely different from the bucolic and charming theme of Giverny, it is located opposite the town hall and has the advantage of being free to all. A festival of mechanical engineering is held every year in September.

Giverny walks, discovering the surrounding area

The village offers walks to discover the surrounding area along several paths and a cultural itinerary. These include exploring the Coteaux de Giverny, which is undoubtedly one of the prettiest areas around the village. Most of the trails start in the town centre, and some allow you to explore the region's wildlife or plants, while others explore landscapes such as meadows or the old vineyards. Each trail is around 5 kilometres long.

Village of Giverny
Village of Giverny© iStock

 

 

 

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