What do you do on your last day in Paris? We decided to visit Giverny, Monet’s home. This involved taking a train from Gare Saint-Lazare, the oldest train station in Paris, to the Giverny station.
Once you arrive at the train station, there is a trolley available to take you to Monet’s house. You will need euros; they do not take a card, and at that time, it was 10 dollars a person. However, you can also walk or easily order an Uber to reach his home. We found that taking an Uber was the more cost-effective option compared to the trolley. Plus, we shared the ride with a couple from the States whom we met on the train. We also met a group of young ladies traveling together, and one of them grew up in Chesterfield and went to school with Vivian! The train to Giverny was crowded, so we had to stand, and we were standing next to them, and the couple we shared a ride with was close by and seated. We talked the whole way there! We decided to do our own tour, but as I have mentioned previously, you can hire tour guides and experiences to guide you from Paris to Monet’s house, and take you around the gardens. And, of course, you know I’m going to tell you about Rick Steves. I found a great podcast, too. The podcast shared a story of a woman who helped to restore the home.
Here are some pictures of our ride to the train station. Notice the street vendors in Paris.
You can purchase your tickets ahead of time, which I recommend because the line for tickets was rather long. Once you get there, ask for help to find the entrance to the gardens and his home, because you may end up in the ticket line only to discover that you already purchased a ticket. The grounds are like a little village with a restaurant, gift shops, gardens, and his home. If you decide to eat at Monet’s little village, we can recommend the restaurant Les Nympheas for outdoor and indoor seating. However, if they are busy, continue down the path to other outdoor cafe-like options! Another option is La Capucine.
While having lunch at Les Nymphéas, we noticed the man from the couple we rode to the house with in an Uber enjoying a cup of coffee at a nearby table. He asked us how we were enjoying the gardens, and of course, we raved about the beauty! I inquired about where his wife was, and he mentioned that she, a gardener by trade and personal passion, was exploring the gardens while he took a restful moment in the café. I smiled at him and said, “That is the best gift you can give your wife!” He smiled back and replied, “I love to give her this time. She loves to be alone with flowers.” This truly touched me. The greatest gift is recognizing a need and gently fulfilling it. A kind gesture, a small sacrifice, a moment devoted to her without fanfare or complaint. I often feel like nature does this for us.
Nature often exemplifies the art of nurturing and fulfilling needs in subtle yet profound ways. For instance, think about how trees provide shade and shelter, offering a refuge from the harsh sun. In spring, flowers bloom, not just adorning landscapes but also attracting pollinators, ensuring the cycle of life continues. When it rains, the earth drinks deep, replenishing rivers and lakes, which in turn supports countless ecosystems.
Consider also the changing seasons; each one has its role in our well-being. Winter invites us to slow down and reflect, while spring encourages renewal and growth. Summer’s warmth often inspires connection and adventure, while autumn offers a time for harvest and gratitude.
Nature heals us in ways we often overlook. The sound of rustling leaves, the beauty of a sunset, or the scent of damp earth after rain can lift our spirits and restore our sense of peace. Each element, from the smallest insect to the largest mountain, plays a role in creating a balance that nurtures life.
In essence, nature teaches us the value of giving without expectation, of supporting life in all its forms. It reminds us that sometimes the smallest gestures, like the gentle whisper of the wind or the bright bloom of a flower, can fulfill the deepest needs of those around us. Through its unwavering presence, nature embodies the spirit of compassion and generosity, encouraging us to recognize and embrace our own capacity to nurture and support one another.
When Parish and I began dating, we developed a shared passion for studying Monet’s art and life story. We even bought some of his prints to decorate our first home. I believe we are all drawn to Monet for his ability to beautifully capture nature, colors, and light. I knew his home would be captivating, but I didn’t realize how much the colors and the pure essence of nature would change my experience of the environment. We sat on a park bench with our eyes closed, listening to the birds. We studied the variety of flowers, interacted with the colors, and took in the rich scents of the grass, flowers, and soil. Our senses were fully engaged as we admired someone who devoted his life to capturing the beauty of the natural world. Even now, as I immerse myself in my own Monet experience at home, I realize that you can truly enjoy and appreciate nature in the present moment. I’ve brought a piece of Monet home with me, and it was wonderful to experience his paintings at the Musée de l’Orangerie and Orsay on the previous days. A great combination.
As I walked into his home, I felt as though I had discovered the place I had been yearning for. I truly love my current home—it is a treasure! What inspired me about Monet’s home was the combination of old elements with vibrant colors. He painted his furniture and walls in the lively hues of nature! He dared to be unique and expressive. I envisioned a smaller retirement home in the future that replicates the essence of his home, of course, on a smaller scale!
We enjoyed perfect weather during our week in Paris—there was no rain at all! From the articles I read, I learned that summer can bring intense heat, which is made worse by the crowds. Fortunately, our week was filled with sunshine and cooler temperatures. As a result, we often wore coats, and I found my scarf to be a true treasure. Trench coats are quite popular in Paris, but I didn’t want a long one, so I chose a simpler style that featured pockets and a hood. I love having pockets when I travel! Also, the scarf I brought was a very popular style in Paris! Who knew?! The reason I bring this up is that it was rare that we ever took a picture without our coats on, so we took the time to take them off at Monet’s house for a few shots!
As we were doing this, I was able to capture a great shot of his garden path leading up to his home. This is one of my favorite pictures.
By the way, that last-minute decision to buy the jacket linked above was perfect! I highly recommend it for its warmth and lightness. I got it the day before we left!
The Monet Bridge
As we approached the final leg of our trip, it was inevitable that we would feel tired. We decided to give ourselves some grace and changed our train tickets to come home earlier. This adjustment was easily made through my app. Getting home a few hours sooner allowed us extra time to pack and figure out how to transport two large meringues!
I also took the opportunity to do something local. I walked to a post office before it closed to mail my postcards. On my way there, I discovered a new part of the Latin Quarter, where we decided to have one last meal. I wore my little black dress to celebrate our time in Paris.
I can’t bring myself to write about leaving, so that will be another post. This is just some simple things we learned on a trip home from Paris to Virginia. It came very early the next day, with an alarm waking us up at 4:00 a.m. to leave by 5:00 a.m.
Sweet dreams, Paris. We love you.
The last dinner out….
Creating this video was a dream! What’s really exciting is that Parish sent me his pictures afterward, allowing you to see my pictures first and then his. We discussed how everyone perceives things differently, which influences the photos they take and how they experience the occasion. I hope you can notice both the similarities and the differences. You’ll see that his Monet pictures begin right after my photos from getting home from Giverny, making you feel like you’re back at the house again! Enjoy Vivaldi!
Songs used in the video
ARRESTED BY GRACE 