Pictures: Above, in the

Pictures: Above, in the garden of a cafe in Giverny; right at the Hotel Baudy in the artists atelier; below in the countryside surrounding Giverny

What to see when you visit Giverny It’s not a big town but there’s plenty to please - from tempting gift shops (who can resist an impressionist inspired umbrella?) to cafés and restaurants. There’s also a Museum of Impressionism and a tourist office. Don’t miss a trip to the lovely little former Hotel Baudy at 81 rue Claude Monet. In 1887, the first painters in what would become the colony of American artists needed accommodation in the village. Madame Baudy who owned a grocery store decided to transform it into a hotel and restaurant. It became a favourite place for the likes of Monet, Renoir and Cezanne and other artists to meet for many years. Today it’s a restaurant but ask to pop out the back to view the rose garden and the former atelier of the artists, complete with easels and paints and ivy which has grown through the roof. You'll feel as if Monet’s great friend Renoir has popped out for a bottle of wine and will be back any time to finish painting. More information on the local tourist office website: normandy-giverny.com We've got two gorgeous MONET books to give away - see over the page for details.