staying in giverny – la dime

by Sharon Santoni

la dime de giverny

The little village of Giverny, where Monet settled a hundred and something years ago, is just twenty minutes from my home in Normandy.

la dime de giverny

Thanks to his fantastic garden design, and to the proximity to Paris, the gardens receive hundreds of thousands of visitors every year, and rightly so.  The dedicated team of gardeners work hard all year around to ensure that it is picture perfect from April to November, with an ever changing ballet of plants and colours.

la dime de giverny

Most people come for the day, but it is a great option to stay overnight in the village, and stroll the evening streets that seem strangely quiet after the bustle of the daytime visits.

la dime de giverny

Since last year there is a new place to stay within easy reach of the gardens and the impressionist museum.  La Dime opened its doors last fall and welcomes guests from all around the world.

la dime de giverny

It is a family home to Fredeique and Laurent and their children, and offers five ensuite rooms and two independent suites, all furnished with that fine mix of old and new that we love so much.

la dime de giverny

la dime de giverny

They also have a large reception room, and are happy to host weddings and parties at the weekend, when the house is closed to other guests.

la dime giverny

Parts of the house are 13th century, and the garden is extensive.   Frederique and Laurent renovated all the rooms and shall soon be undertaking work on planting the gardens too.

la dime de giverny

This is a great address, away from the buzz of the gardens, it is lovely to find this haven of peace and feel that you are part of the village of Giverny, if only for a night or two.

la dime de giverny

La Dime de Giverny

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29 comments

Sandra Sallin August 11, 2015 - 9:58 pm

My favorite place in France are Monet’s Gardens. I visited many years ago when the crowds were not that great. Is it impossible to visit now? His gardens are always in my mind. I also loved being out in the countryside as opposed to the crowded city. I will certainly keep your recomendation in mind. I also ordered your book!

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Sandy Leonard August 12, 2015 - 5:20 am

Not impossible even now. I visited in September last year, and while busy, it wasn’t terrible. Gorgeous as ever!

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Sandra Sallin August 12, 2015 - 8:49 pm

So good to hear. It’s on my list for my next trip. When ever I hear of someone going to Paris I always mention Giverny! As I said for me it’s a not to be forgotten experience. Especially if you love flowers. Check out my paintings at http://www.sandrasallin.com

Then you’ll understand. 🙂

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Donna Crook August 13, 2015 - 2:06 am

Dear Sandra,
I visited the gardens in July of 2013. There were many people there, but it didn’t seem crowed at all. It was so wonderful!!! I dream of another visit and staying in the village of Giverny. I get so nostalgic when I see pictures and read of it, even though I was only there a short time. It was a magical trip.Hope you go.

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Parisbreakfast August 11, 2015 - 9:59 pm

What a gorgeous place!
I’ve stayed in Giverny and adored it. Vernon is a lovely town as well.

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Doré @ Burlap Luxe August 11, 2015 - 10:07 pm

oh what a beautiful life you live, all it’s French rustic speaks to my heart….Please adopt me Sharon!
Love all the authentic history and the beauty is like non other. Stone work, weathered and aged patinas touches everything in sight.

See you and your beauty you share.

Xx
Bisous

Doré

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Arleen August 11, 2015 - 10:11 pm

Yes, so beautiful.. We were there 3 years ago. Although Paris is wonderful, Monet Gardens is so calming and beautiful. We would love to go again!

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PEGGY BRASWELL August 11, 2015 - 10:26 pm

stunning + yours is a great recommendation! xxpeggybraswelldesign.com

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Marta C. Mardini August 11, 2015 - 11:01 pm

I think I’m in love with France. Marta

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Karena August 11, 2015 - 11:57 pm

What a treasure Sharon, certainly a place I would love to visit and to stay!

xoxo
Karena
The Arts by Karena
Artist Nicoletta Belletti

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Colleen Taylor August 11, 2015 - 11:59 pm

Oh so incredibly gorgeous, charming & quaint Sharon. I want to be there right now. I received your book yesterday so did you hear me give out a little squeal all the way from Arizona?!? Well I did, I bolted to my mailbox & there in all its glory it was. I’m still looking & looking & reading & reading. This is the most gorgeous book I own & I sincerely mean that!

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Ann Damiano August 12, 2015 - 12:15 am

This post is so beautiful, Sharon, your blog is the best ever,

Merci, love Snn

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Dawn Johnson August 12, 2015 - 12:43 am

I was there the middle of October and loved it!! I was amazed at how colorful and full the garden was that late in the season. It would be wonderful to stay the night. Thank you for the Lodging information. I am loving the book and the summer story.

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Marilyn August 12, 2015 - 1:22 am

Oh it is lovely. How I would love staying here.

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Agnes Baboo August 12, 2015 - 1:43 am

Your pictures make me feel blissful and….. envious 🙂 🙂 🙂

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Pam Keegan August 12, 2015 - 1:49 am

Ah, Giverny, so beautiful, I want to go back.

Received your book last week, I am loving all the stories and photos.

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Bonnie August 12, 2015 - 2:04 am

Lovely! Hope to get there someday

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Linda August 12, 2015 - 2:07 am

We spent a day in Giverny in June and fell in love with Monet’s home and gardens, as well as the village. I will keep this beautiful place in mind for another visit. It looks gorgeous!

I received your book in the mail today – sent to me from B&N here in the US. I so look forward to some quiet time to enjoy it.

Linda

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D. A. Wolf August 12, 2015 - 2:29 am

For all the times I have visited friends in Normandy I’ve never made it to Giver you. How lovely! It’s going on the “someday” list of must-see destinations.

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Deborah August 12, 2015 - 3:59 am

Oh how magnificent! Just lovely and tranquil! I hope to get there some day! Also, I received your book on this past Friday and I could not wait to get it unwrapped! I then buried myself within the pages for hours and I am still reading! I am still thrilled! Such a wonderful book and such lovely, talented women! Thank you so much!
Deborah

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Marian from UK August 12, 2015 - 10:38 am

Giverny is on my bucket list (along with much of France!). This has whetted my appetite even more and can’t wait to visit. Thank you for the accommodation info, it will be a must.
Still await your book and so envious of all those lucky ladies who already have it!! Still, it will be my new delight when they have read it all!!

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Cheryl August 12, 2015 - 2:25 pm

What a beautiful setting! I’ll store this away for my future trip to France. But for now, I am sitting on my porch on a perfect Minnesota morning, drinking my coffee and enjoying your wonderful book.

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Pamela August 12, 2015 - 4:57 pm

What a beautiful home to stay in . Thank you for the photos and the info.
Have a great day.

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Nancy August 12, 2015 - 5:20 pm

We are planning on Europe, with emphasis on France. Perhaps next year….
This looks wonderful and since you and Normandy are on the list of highlights….we will add this to the list as well….Looks so inviting!
Nancy

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LA CONTESSA August 12, 2015 - 5:23 pm

OKAY…………….ROZ, is THERE where you stayed on your recent trip???!!!!
I loved that sweet little town and found my silverware there!MONET and ME could have talked flowers and plants for hours!LOVED IT …………..lucky you for living SO close.

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Emm August 13, 2015 - 5:12 am

What a beautiful place.

And I had to look up “La Dime,” because it made me think of the U.S. 10-cent piece, a dime. The meaning I found is “The Tithe” — do you know if that’s tied in to the house’s history?

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Emm August 13, 2015 - 5:14 am

Oops, sorry. I just found it in their web page. Had missed it earlier.

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Libby Wilkie August 13, 2015 - 10:40 pm

Had heard of this place about a year ago and have bookmarked it! Thanks for the reminder, and yes, so good to have a place to stay right there. We went on to Rouen last time and really liked that too: the Ceramics Museum was fascinating to me.

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ThomasR April 10, 2018 - 1:49 pm

It’s so beautiful! Congratulation

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