Summer in France: Giverny

We celebrated our four-year anniversary in Giverny. It was about an hour and fifteen minute drive from CDG airport. We arrived to the loveliest guest house (La Réserve) in the afternoon, and we were welcomed with a tray of snacks and homemade cider.

Bailey made fast friends in the backyard with the very large household dog. She liked running around the property and spent the stay getting to know different farm animals. The cows and pigs were amicable; the goat and donkey were not.

We had our anniversary dinner at La Musardiere. The food was so flavorful and fresh—I had smoke trout rillettes, a ceviche-style fish with watermelon and peanut lime sauce, and a strawberry pavlova for dessert. The flowery garden was the perfect, peaceful ambiance for a romantic anniversary evening. They even a special flower bouquet for the table.

The next day, after enjoying the hotel’s wonderful breakfast, we set out for Claude Monet’s house and gardens. This year marked the 100th anniversary of his passing. We decided that it might have been better to come during the 99th year, because number 100 has made the gardens extremely popular and full of visitors. But in spite of the crowds, it didn’t take us too long to get into the gardens or the main house, and we enjoyed walking through the flowers and lily ponds and checking out the art pieces in the house.

Giverny was a beautiful and luxurious two-night visit. Thanks to Bryan for planning the perfect stay!