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

 

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Our Travelers’ Photos

Ann & Jim
From the US
In Amboise castle by the Loire river
Bob & Naomi
From the US
In Monet's gardens in Giverny, Normandy
Beverley & John
from Canada
In front of the Louvre pyramid in Paris
Susan & Gary
From the US
At the summit of the famous Mont Ventoux in Provence (famous as a mythical step of the Tour de France)
Bridget & Tyler
from the US
In Monet's house kitchen in Giverny
Ginger & Tom
from the US
At their B&B in the Loire Valley
Ginger & Tom
from the US
On the Eiffel Tower
Nancy, Don, Jane & Ron
from Canada
In Honfleur, Normandy
Myrna & Duncan
from Canada
In Eze gardens on the Riviera
Jan & Ray
From Australia
In Mont Saint Michel
Nancy & Paul
from Canada
On the French Riviera
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from the US
on the French Riviera, near Nice

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