Impressionist Art Tour: Musée de l'Orangerie, Monet's Gardens and Giverny

Devote a day to Impressionist art in Paris on a full-day tour, led by an art-expert guide! After touring the incredible Musée de l'Orangerie, seeing Claude Monet’s famous ‘Water Lilies’ (or ‘Decorations des Nymphéas’ to use its formal title), spend your afternoon in Giverny. The charming little town was once the home of Monet, so where better to walk in the artist’s footsteps? Explore Monet’s gardens with your guide, and then enjoy free time in the town before returning to Paris.

From the meeting point in central Paris walk the short journey to Musée de l'Orangerie. Head inside with your entrance ticket, and start your walking tour of the museum with your guide. Home to a staggering collection of Impressionist and Post-Impressionist work, Musée de l'Orangerie is perhaps most famous for being the home of Monet’s Water Lilies. Admire it with your guide, and it will surely be the highlight of your visit.

Aside from Monet’s masterpieces, your guide will introduce you to works by other European Impressionist greats like Cézanne, Renoir, Picasso, Rousseau, Matisse and Derain – to name but a few. Gaze in awe at Modigliani’s oil painting Paul Guillaume, Novo Pilot and hear the theories behind Utrillo’s simple, yet eccentric, style of drawing – perfectly illustrated in the painting Flag Over the Town Hall.

After exploring the museum with your guide there is free time in Paris for lunch. It’s payable at your own expense, but your guide will happily give you tips for the best eateries to suit your budget. Meet back at the meeting point to board the coach at the pre-arranged time and travel northwest to the small town of Giverny – where Monet once lived.

Stretch your legs on a stroll around the gardens at the House of Claude Monet, and hear of the famous works that the world-renowned artist painted here. See the lovely Japanese Bridge that the artist created, and admire the colorful flowers that grace the sides of the garden; they’re a visual feast no matter when you visit.

After exploring the gardens with your guide, enjoy roughly 1.5 hours of free time to see Giverny at your own pace. Perhaps pay a visit to the Giverny Museum of Impressionisms to see work by American Impressionist painters (entry own expense), or explore the town to see the sights that inspired Monet’s work.

Return to Paris by coach and finish your tour at the start point.

• Transport by air-conditioned coach
• Professional guide and/or audioguide
  
• Entrance fee to Musée de l'Orangerie
• Entrance fee to Monet's house and gardens
  

• Hotel pickup and drop-off
• Gratuities (optional)
• Food and drinks