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

 

Our Travelers’ Reviews

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Our Travelers’ Photos

Kathy & Mark
from the US
Truffle Hunting in Provence
Kathy & David
from Canada
In Avignon, Provence
Our guide with Jean's team
In the quicksands in Mont Saint Michel bay
Jilly & Marc
from the US
in Paris
Kathie, Brian, Joan & Richard
from the US
In Monet's gardens in Giverny
Alan & Lucelle
From South Africa
In Mont Saint Michel at the border between Brittany & Normandy
Leslie & Bob
from the US
in Cassis Creeks near Marseille in Provence
Judy, Marlyn, Alex & Jose from Mexico
Drinking Champagne at Taittinger in Reims...looking so French with the "beret"
Teresa & Jim
From Australia
In the Basque Country
Tonia
from Canada
Cycling in the Loire Valley
Carolyn & Harry
From Australia
Cycling in the Loire Valley
Cynthia & Roger
from the US
Wine Tasting in the Loire Valley