The region of Normandy has more appeal than just WWII sites, just in case you are the history hatin' type.
Some of the neatest stops during our spring break adventure had little to do with war, and within this post, you'll find a few of my favorite randoms of Normandy.
Claude Monet Foundation: Giverny, Normandy, France:
About an hour and a half's drive outside of Paris sits one of the coolest gardens I have ever stepped foot in! The gardens of the famous impressionist Claude Monet.
I had been DYING to visit this place for years! It seemed that it could never work out timing wise when we traveled to France before, so I knew come hell or high water that it would have to happen on this trip. I would not budge.
I must be honest: Claude Monet is not my favorite impressionist. I adore Renoir with all of my heart and have for many, many years, but Claude comes in at a steady second.
The weather was a bit iffy the morning of, but luckily the rain had passed Giverny before our arrival. It made for some ugly skies, but I didn't care nor take notice to that detail during my visit (only later when sorting photos). I was so wrapped up in the thought of walking through a painting, or a few, that I didn't seem to care!
Once through the entrance, but after stepping outside of the gift shop, Monet's home sits to the right in a perfectly pink and cheerful color. The expansive main garden faces the house, and the scent, oh the scent of the flowers...heaven. With essence of flowers filling my nose, and multiple hues of petals flooding my eyes, it was hard not to be overwhelmed.
I must admit that our visit was just a bit too early in the year. Though there were various spring blooms, the hanging wisteria on the Japanese bridge in the garden was dead, and few of those famous lily pads were to be found. It's said that July/August are the best months to visit, but with the summer comes the crowds. I'm glad I was able to visit at all, so you won't hear me moan about the season!
We also toured the inside of his home (no photos allowed), and it reminded me so much of my grandmother's lovely, eclectic style. Every room had a different color scheme! A very blue kitchen, a very yellow dining room, etc,.
The ticket cost is a bit steep for the main attraction of the garden (in comparison with attractions we've visited throughout France), but oh so worth every Euro to someone like myself.
I didn't want to leave.
Every corner we turned, I saw a painting of Monet's come to life, and I swear it was one of the neatest experiences for someone (like me) who adores impressionism. It's easy to see while visiting why the guy crafted multiple pieces of fine art within his own backyard. If it were my property, I'd probably do the same!
Bayeux, Normandy, France:
We didn't stroll around the entirety of Bayeux, but walked around the main stretch for a bit. This smaller city reminds me of a city nearest to me here in Germany, called Weiden; a mix of old meets new, cute, and has a slight buzz about it.
And before you begin to wonder, yes, we passed on seeing the Bayeux Tapestry.
Caen, Normandy, France:
I honestly had little desire to venture into downtown Caen.
We did visit the Memorial Museum there, but that was about all of the plans we had with the city.
I had heard about a flower garden/park across the street from the museum. After we finished with the museum, we walked over to check it out.
Apparently this park has a huge rose garden section (my favorite flower. I know, how cliche), but it doesn't open until June. Boo.
This place was busier than I thought it would be; families, grandmas, couples all taking a stroll on a lovely afternoon. We didn't stay long, but I found the 20 minutes we spent there to be worth it enough. For those interested, the name of the park is:
And that, my friends, wraps up Normandy...well, until next time!
I will return someday. I missed one big thing on my list when time came to a crunch. Boo. I'm staying mum on what it was, so don't ask!
If you missed my posts about Le Mont Saint-Michel, WWII, and the beaches of Normandy, you'll have to check them out.
Next post: Versailles: Round Two.
I missed the Queen's Hamlet last time around and finally decided to pay it a visit.
It's one of France's most adorable, and oddest, villages.
Some of the neatest stops during our spring break adventure had little to do with war, and within this post, you'll find a few of my favorite randoms of Normandy.
Claude Monet Foundation: Giverny, Normandy, France:
About an hour and a half's drive outside of Paris sits one of the coolest gardens I have ever stepped foot in! The gardens of the famous impressionist Claude Monet.
I had been DYING to visit this place for years! It seemed that it could never work out timing wise when we traveled to France before, so I knew come hell or high water that it would have to happen on this trip. I would not budge.
I must be honest: Claude Monet is not my favorite impressionist. I adore Renoir with all of my heart and have for many, many years, but Claude comes in at a steady second.
The weather was a bit iffy the morning of, but luckily the rain had passed Giverny before our arrival. It made for some ugly skies, but I didn't care nor take notice to that detail during my visit (only later when sorting photos). I was so wrapped up in the thought of walking through a painting, or a few, that I didn't seem to care!
Once through the entrance, but after stepping outside of the gift shop, Monet's home sits to the right in a perfectly pink and cheerful color. The expansive main garden faces the house, and the scent, oh the scent of the flowers...heaven. With essence of flowers filling my nose, and multiple hues of petals flooding my eyes, it was hard not to be overwhelmed.
I must admit that our visit was just a bit too early in the year. Though there were various spring blooms, the hanging wisteria on the Japanese bridge in the garden was dead, and few of those famous lily pads were to be found. It's said that July/August are the best months to visit, but with the summer comes the crowds. I'm glad I was able to visit at all, so you won't hear me moan about the season!
We also toured the inside of his home (no photos allowed), and it reminded me so much of my grandmother's lovely, eclectic style. Every room had a different color scheme! A very blue kitchen, a very yellow dining room, etc,.
The ticket cost is a bit steep for the main attraction of the garden (in comparison with attractions we've visited throughout France), but oh so worth every Euro to someone like myself.
I didn't want to leave.
Every corner we turned, I saw a painting of Monet's come to life, and I swear it was one of the neatest experiences for someone (like me) who adores impressionism. It's easy to see while visiting why the guy crafted multiple pieces of fine art within his own backyard. If it were my property, I'd probably do the same!
Bayeux, Normandy, France:
We didn't stroll around the entirety of Bayeux, but walked around the main stretch for a bit. This smaller city reminds me of a city nearest to me here in Germany, called Weiden; a mix of old meets new, cute, and has a slight buzz about it.
And before you begin to wonder, yes, we passed on seeing the Bayeux Tapestry.
Caen, Normandy, France:
I honestly had little desire to venture into downtown Caen.
We did visit the Memorial Museum there, but that was about all of the plans we had with the city.
I had heard about a flower garden/park across the street from the museum. After we finished with the museum, we walked over to check it out.
Apparently this park has a huge rose garden section (my favorite flower. I know, how cliche), but it doesn't open until June. Boo.
This place was busier than I thought it would be; families, grandmas, couples all taking a stroll on a lovely afternoon. We didn't stay long, but I found the 20 minutes we spent there to be worth it enough. For those interested, the name of the park is:
Parc Floral de la Colline aux Oiseaux and it's free!
The countryside of Normandy:
One of my absolute favorite things about our trip was the countryside.
I know, I live in Bavaria and see it daily, but there was something different about Normandy...
We cruised through many small villages in order to get from A to B. Passed dozens of farms and hundreds of grazing animals. The area is truly like a storybook!
And that, my friends, wraps up Normandy...well, until next time!
I will return someday. I missed one big thing on my list when time came to a crunch. Boo. I'm staying mum on what it was, so don't ask!
If you missed my posts about Le Mont Saint-Michel, WWII, and the beaches of Normandy, you'll have to check them out.
Next post: Versailles: Round Two.
I missed the Queen's Hamlet last time around and finally decided to pay it a visit.
It's one of France's most adorable, and oddest, villages.
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