Claude Monet was born on November 14th, 1840 in Paris. Five years later, he moved with his family to Le Havre, marking an important start in his life. The Normandy region influenced Claude Monet for its paintings. Indeed, it is in Normandy that he discovered the artistic world and had his first painting lessons with Eugene Boudin. He was an inspiration for him and shaped the way he painted: he encouraged him to paint outside.

 Eugene Boudin

Bathing Time in Deauville by Eugène Boudin

For the rest of his life, Claude Monet spent his time painting trying to perfectly represent his outdoor surrounding. The effect of light and water always fascinated him.

In 1859, Monet decided to move back to Paris where he made friend with Pierre-Auguste Renoir, Camille Pissarro and Edouard Manet. With these other impressionist painters, he improved and challenged his way of painting.

Le Havre Port Monet

Le Havre port by Monet

The impressionist movement saw daylight only in 1874. Claude Monet, Renoir, Pissarro and other painters came together to form a society of artist. The name of the society was derived from Monet’s painting Impression: Sunrise. The society Impressionists exhibited together until 1886.

 In 1883, Claude Monet moved to the charming town of Giverny where he continued to paint and where he produced one of its most famous series in his Japanese garden: the Water Lilies. He never gave up on his passion and painted in his house in Giverny until he passed away on December 5th, 1926.

Monet in Giverny

Claude Monet in Giverny - ©Fondation Monet

 

Our Travelers’ Reviews

Kelly
My husband and I just returned from a 9 day trip to Burgundy and Provence. We had fairly high expectations based on all the reviews we had read about France Just For You. I must say, the trip far exceeded those expectations and was such a memorable experience. The B&Bs recommended were right in line with what we were hoping and the hosts were …
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Our trip was arranged and detailed well in advance, with reservations for activities and places of special interest, and free days with suggestions for things to see and do. We fell in love with Dordogne and the Paleolithic caves for which we had reserved tours, and were able to take in another cave the next day at the suggestion of our B&B hostess …
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Our Travelers’ Photos

Cynthia & Roger
from the US
in Monet's House and Gardens in Giverny
Jane
from the US
Canoeing down the Dordogne river
Pam & Rick
From the US
Tasting some oysters and white wine in the Basque Country
Alexis, Stefanie and Paul...with Emilie & Family
from the US
At the B&B in the Loire Valley
Kathy & Bill
From the US
Biking in Burgundy for a day - near Chateau de la Rochepot
Gary, Barbara, Lori and Ron
from the US
After a cooking class in Provence
Ruth & Mary-Ann
From the US
In front of the Eiffel Tower in Paris
Steffi & Jeff
in Chenonceau castle....romantic !
Linda
From Australia
Celebrating her 40th birthday in the Loire Valley
Joe
From the US
Digging & Finding a truffle in Provence
Our guide with Jean's team
In the quicksands in Mont Saint Michel bay
Sally & Mike
From the US
With their hosts in the Loire Valley