my day and Giverny

by Sharon Santoni

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I had a wonderful day yesterday with Giverny popping up at all moments.  First thing  found me driving past Monet’s gardens on my way to a photo shoot.  I can never resist leaning over the fence early in the morning.  The gardens are always empty and I can almost imagine that I have the place to myself!

P1080365In the evening we were lucky enough to be invited to the opening of the new exhibition at the Impressionist Museum.  If you are going to Giverny between now and June, I really recommend this one!

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The show is called Impressionism and the Americans.  It includes over 80 works including prestigious names like Mary Cassatt, John Singer Sargent, Whistler, Monet, Degas, Merritt Chase ….. need I say more to encourage you?!

1992-130-3113cAnd my special day came to a delicious end with dinner at Le Jardin des Plumes, where the wonderful cuisine never disappoints.

Sans titre

17 comments

Amanda Rush March 28, 2014 - 8:33 am

What a truly lovely day in the sunshine Sharon. Thank you for sharing photos of your day! Best wishes from Amanda

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Julianne March 28, 2014 - 9:21 am

Lovely photos, shared and commented about your blog on fb. You should know that you inspired our last holiday which was to Paris and noir moutier last summer. We visited markets and broncante locations on our trip around and found the most beautiful things. Thank you xx

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Peggy karrasch March 28, 2014 - 11:29 am

The pink house brought back wonderful memories of the day I spent at Giverny. It’s a magical place. Thanks for sharing, Peggy from PA.

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Lyn March 28, 2014 - 12:22 pm

It sounds like a perfect day. On day…

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Ellen March 28, 2014 - 12:54 pm

My daughters and I talk about our one-day trip to France. Giverny is definitely on our list! When we homeschooled, we spent time studying art and artists, and Monet continues to be a beloved of ours. I wish we could be there for the art exhibit — Cassatt and Sargent are also favorites! I was lucky enough to be in London for a special exhibit at the National Gallery: Americans in Paris. It sounds like the one in Giverny would be similarly wonderful. I always enjoy your posts!

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Bebe March 28, 2014 - 1:27 pm

I love Giverny. Staying with an ex-pat friend in Paris a few years ago, we travelled to Giverny for the day. It was rather gray, almost drizzling. The gardens were in bloom. I have never taken such beautiful photos of flowers. An amateur photographer, I didn’t know that strong sunlight washes out the flowers’ colors. So a gray day is a fine day for flower photography…

Thanks for bringing back happy memories…

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Jeanne McKay Hartmann March 28, 2014 - 2:16 pm

What a wonderful day, Sharon! I almost want to hop on a plane to catch that exhibit at the Impressionist museum – that first portrait is one of my favorite Sargent paintings. Giverny is such a magical place – the light is just wonderful – no wonder the American Impressionists flocked there. I think I told you I did a painting workshop in Giverny and that we painted in the gardens when they were closed to the public. Such an amazing experience to have the gardens to ourselves. Probably one of the most amazing experiences of my life. Thanks for reminding me.

Glad you had such a beautiful day! XOXO

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laura Madalene March 28, 2014 - 3:27 pm

That looks great – I would have loved to win it!! I am always looking for new home decor ideas. I’ll be back to read more in the future.
Wonderful Green Overlook

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Colleen Taylor March 28, 2014 - 3:44 pm

Sharon, I can’t even imagine a more glorious day than spending it this way. My favorite artists, what a dream! Thank you! X

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Laura Ingalls Gunn March 28, 2014 - 3:44 pm

Thank you so very much for featuring this. I will be in Giverny in May and have added it to my “must see” list.

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Emm March 28, 2014 - 5:02 pm

What a glorious day, and thank you for more flower pictures. Much needed just now. Adding the Giverny exhibit to my Want To Do list — now to get myself there in time.

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Celia March 28, 2014 - 5:21 pm

Love your posts! We will be in Paris in Sept and plan on a day trip to Giverny! Wondering if the restaurant you mention is in Giverny?
Thank you!!
Celia

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Karen (Back Road Journal) March 28, 2014 - 11:01 pm

I have wonderful photos and memories of my visit to Giverny right after Easter. It was raining but the gardens were beautiful…with colors mainly in pinks and purples at the time.

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Esther George March 29, 2014 - 1:43 am

It looks like you had a magical day. If I was lucky enough to go to Monet’s garden you would have to drag me away, I would want to breath in every flower and have a long conversation about all the beautiful colours. The Art exhibition that’s another story… Hi Sharon thank you for sharing your beautiful day. Have a wonderful weekend. Regards Esther from Sydney.

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denise@magnoliaveranda March 29, 2014 - 9:09 am

What an idyllic day. Nothing more to be said.

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janenash57@btinternet.com March 29, 2014 - 9:26 pm

Giverny is on my must visit when next in France list. Absolutely beautiful, Jane x

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Terri September 18, 2014 - 2:15 pm

Hello Sharon,
Love your blog! 🙂 One day hope to visit and experience Monet’s home & gardens myself. Curious if you have heard anything about a film called “Un debut Prometteur” (2015) that is filming in Giverny at Monet’s gardens this week? The director is Emma Luchini and stars Fabrice Luchini & Manu Payet. Thanks. Terri

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