Giverny in September

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Last week my wife and I finally visted Claude Monet's garden at Giverny and what a stunning place it is. Just a few miles south of Vernon and an hours drive west of Paris, the sleepy village was buzzing with the hushed voices of many enthusiastic visitors from all over the world. Our picture was taken by a lady from Chicago who had also visited Sissinghurst. Utterly stunning and we loved the slightly jungly appearance, something we've done in our own garden. Monet had thrown the rile book out with the bathwater and created the garden his way, and of course to paint. We shall return again in another season, perhaps in June when the roses will be in their prime.

What lovely photos. I have always wanted to go but assumed that it would be really crowded.

Thank you for showing us your lovely photos. I hope I can go there one day.

No, treat yourselves, it is THAT fabulous.

kate,

It is crowded! But if you adjust your brain before you go in, you can ignore people. Also, we made the mistake of going as soon as it opened in the morning, but that's when all the coaches arrive, so it might be better to go after lunch - it seemed less crowded, but perhaps we were used to it by then. And it's no worse than Hidcote.

So go and enjoy it, and don't forget to explore the village.

We would say 'busy' rather than crowded as we arrived at midday. I think when we return, perhaps when the roses would be at their peak, we shall visit the exhibition of contemporary artists across the road. It's modern strip of gardens was pretty nice too, and see more of the village. Vernon itself, there was little of interest for us there. In fact France seemed to be closed as there were so few people about. Even in a city the size of Rouen, it was pretty deserted.

France is absolutey buzzing in July and August, especially the tourist spots, but in September everything seems to shut down and towns and villages are deserted. I live in Dordorgne. I have a large English style garden, lots of perennials, annuals, bulbs and shrubs. Brilliant for annuals, long summers, but summer drought and cold winters can be difficult.

Thanks for all the advice.