June 23: La Roche Guyon to Vernon, and then Rouen
Sammy, the ship is air conditioned as are the coaches we take to places. However, by the time I have been outside for an hour or two, I am like a wet rag….all part of the experience.
Today was cooler than yesterday at 37 deg, because it was slightly cloudy.
A glorious visit to Claude Monet’s house and gardens at Giverny. Apologies for all the flower photos.
Monet’s famous water‑lily pond was man‑made, constructed on land he purchased near his house in Giverny in the 1890s. In 1893, he acquired a plot with a small existing pond and then secured permission to divert part of the Epte River to enlarge it into the water garden he envisioned. He had to battle local farmers to secure the river diversion
This pond became the setting for roughly 250 Water Lilies paintings, the artistic focus of the last 20 years of his life.
The water lilies are all in flower because it is so hot!
The pond is called the Japanese pond as Monet was strongly influenced by Japanese art which is found on the walls of his home.
Monet moved to Giverny in 1883 where he rented “Le Pressoir”. He later bought the house and lived there until his death in 1926. His tomb is at the local church. His house is filled with his paintings and the paintings of his friends, Renoir, Manet etc, as well as Japanese art.
Interestingly, his dining room was a canary yellow colour, and the kitchen bright blue.
The gardens and house are obviously very popular – look at the long queues to get in. Standing in the sun would not have been fun. The historic Hotel Baudy was where his friends stayed when they visited.
This is the church where he is buried and a not very good photo of his tomb
And for James, here is the local Japanese restaurant…..
Visited the Musee des Impressionismes which was built on the site of the haystacks which are among the most famous of Monet’s paintings.
Back to the ship, for lunch and relaxation. We started sailing from Vernon to Rouen just after lunch….very pretty sailing along the Seine…lots of greenery with little villages in between.And many locks along the way.
You know how I told you that there are 27 people on the cruise NOT associated with the large group….well I’ve found another 4, so am halfway there!
It’s 10pm and the sun has just set, and it’s only 32 degrees ###@@@
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