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

Jan & Ray
From Australia
In Mont Saint Michel
Diana & Michael
A glass of wine in the Provence vineyards, what else ?
Judy, Marlyn, Alex & Jose from Mexico
Drinking Champagne at Taittinger in Reims...looking so French with the "beret"
Shelley, Andy, Dianne & Bob
from the US
On the Eiffel Tower in Paris
Rory
From the US
Enjoying a croissant at the B&B in Burgundy
Frederick
from Canada
Enjoying some cheese
Leslie & Bob
from the US
in Cassis Creeks near Marseille in Provence
Rory & Mike
From the US
Enjoying a romantic moment
Scott & Linda
From Australia
In Mont Saint Michel
Bill & Leslie
from the US
Visiting a wine cellar in the Loire Valley
Leslie & Bill
from the US
Behing the giant clock in Orsay museum
Shirley & Bob
from the US
After a concert in Paris

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