Monet's Gardens

I was really looking forward to our Fat Tire Bike Tour of Monet's Gardens and it turned out to be everything we dreamed of and more.  And easier than we thought.
http://fattirebiketours.com/paris/tours/monet-bike

We met our guide at the train station and 45 mins later we were in Vernon, picked up the bikes and visited the local market to get lunch.  Along the way, we stopped along the Seine to have lunch.  Then we headed off along the bike trail and encounter this beautiful horse and countryside.


At Monet's home, we enjoyed lovely gardens, tranquil sites and an overall peaceful afternoon.  At Hotel Baudy, we had tea upon our return to get the bikes and then headed back to Vernon to catch the train to Paris.


Hotel Baudy was the small inn where American's came to search out Monet in 1886 and learn about his painting style.  The owners saw an opportunity to expand and make money, so they created more rooms and created an artist studio and gardens to accommodate painters.  It was so simple and quiet.

French country side on bike trail to Giverny

Lindsay beginning her tour.

Monet's water lily garden

Monet's boats used to paint from the water

Entrance to Monet's Home

Wisteria at Lily Pond

Garden detail behind Hotel Baudy

Hotel Baudy

Village scene in Giverny

Tulip close-up

I've got many more flower photos and will post on a special flowers-only post.
Enjoy!