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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Janet
We have traveled in Europe a dozen times. Our trip to France, the Loire Valley and Normandy was one of the very best. Their custom self-guided tours are based on places and activities that interest you. Emelie listened to what we wanted and created an itinerary that was just what we wanted as well as some suggestions for other things we might try …
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Our Travelers’ Photos

Naomi
From the US
In Villandry gardens in the Loire Valley
Ginger & Tom
from the US
At their B&B in the Loire Valley
Patty
from the US
In Villeneuve les Avignon, Provence
Harry & Caroline
From Australia
Wine & Cheese Tasting
Leslie & Bob
from the US
in Cassis Creeks near Marseille in Provence
Roy & Maureen
From Australia
In Biarritz Food Market, enjoying some white wine with oysters
Roberta & Terry
At their B&B near Aix-en-Provence
Cassandra and Justin
Cassandra & Justin
in Gordes, Provence
Joe & Beth
From the US
Truffle hunting in Provence
Ruth & Mary-Ann
From the US
In front of the Eiffel Tower in Paris
Linda
From Australia
Making Chou-Buns at Valerie's
Kelsey
from the US
With her hosts at the B&B in the Loire Valley

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