The little village of Giverny, where Monet settled a hundred and something years ago, is just twenty minutes from my home in Normandy.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
29 comments
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!
Not impossible even now. I visited in September last year, and while busy, it wasn’t terrible. Gorgeous as ever!
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. 🙂
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.
What a gorgeous place!
I’ve stayed in Giverny and adored it. Vernon is a lovely town as well.
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
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!
stunning + yours is a great recommendation! xxpeggybraswelldesign.com
I think I’m in love with France. Marta
What a treasure Sharon, certainly a place I would love to visit and to stay!
xoxo
Karena
The Arts by Karena
Artist Nicoletta Belletti
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!
This post is so beautiful, Sharon, your blog is the best ever,
Merci, love Snn
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.
Oh it is lovely. How I would love staying here.
Your pictures make me feel blissful and….. envious 🙂 🙂 🙂
Ah, Giverny, so beautiful, I want to go back.
Received your book last week, I am loving all the stories and photos.
Lovely! Hope to get there someday
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
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.
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
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!!
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.
What a beautiful home to stay in . Thank you for the photos and the info.
Have a great day.
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
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.
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?
Oops, sorry. I just found it in their web page. Had missed it earlier.
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.
It’s so beautiful! Congratulation