Monet's Tulips in Giverny

Since we were traveling with small children (with limited patience!), I knew that I had to choose our garden destinations carefully.. The opulence and structure of Versailles or Monet's garden paradise in Giverny? Truly, I really wanted to see how average people gardened and I took much pleasure in peeking over hedges and through fences throughout France and Belgium.. but, when it came time to choose between these two famous gardens, I went with Giverny. I had always loved the photographs of this artist's paradise - cascading willows, fragrant waterlilies and long chains of lavender-hued wisteria.

We planned to stop there on day 3, after spending a few days in Bayeux, France (near Juno Beach and Mont St. Michel), but after we landed in Paris, we all still had a bit of energy (I think it was the fact the trees had leaves on them and  it was about 22 C), so we decided to stop at Giverny on our way up North. It was busy, but we found a parking spot and waited in line to enter the garden, eating homemade ice cream as we enjoyed the gorgeous weather and colourful surroundings. The small village that surrounds the garden was very pretty - charming stone buildings, narrow cobble-stoned roads and the fragrance of lilacs in every breath.

When we finally entered the garden, it was breathtaking - tulips filled every bed, along with forget-me-not's, peonies (just coming into bloom), iris, wisteria, clematis, golden chain trees and so much  more.. I decided just to focus on the tulips today, but more photos will follow.. it was very hard to get photos without other tourists in the shots.. we all shuffled along the pathways, snapping photos.. but, overall, it was amazing and I'm so glad we made it there. The kids also loved it - especially the massive clumps of bamboo and the bridges.. Now, I just need to go back in the summer to see the waterlilies and the carpet of nasturtiums that blanket the main pergola walkway..

Forgive the quality of the photos - the sun was very intense..

Just before entering the main garden.

Forget-me-not's and tulips - one of the best combo's!

Love fringed tulips!!