Giverny, Versailles & Paris

We depart Rouen bright and early for a day of art and culture at Monet's garden in Giverny and later in the day to the Palace of Versailles where for a century the French monarchy called this place home.  It was a delight to be driven along small country roads in the early morning and we watch a DVD by Ian Gutheridge on Impressionist painting. 

We arrive at Giverny mid morning and have nearly three hours to explore the house, the garden, the water lillies in the Japanese Garden and of course the gift shop. Stepping into this garden is like stepping into a Monet painting and the experience was enjoyed by everyone. There is much talk to revitalise and revamp the church garden after this, Jim just smiles. We take a quick snack in Giverny and are on our way to Versailles, which is not far from Paris. 

Thirteen members of our group desire to visit the main Palace with our guide, Pernille and the other 10, including Ray, visit the small palace called 'Petit Trianon' given to Marie Antoinette to be used as her own palace. She loved this place and became almost a recluse living in this house and away from the main Palace. She also built a hamlet for her farm animals, not far away and this is gradually being restored. This was a delight to visit with its quaint farm buildings of wattle and daub, small lake and fish and a variety of animals.

So both groups were very busy with their time and back on the bus there was much swapping of stories about all our experiences.

Reaching our Hotel next to Gare de Lyon through the crazy Parisienne traffic we thank our driver, Isam, appreciating his skill and care for us over the past 6 days, since leaving Italy.

After prayers we take a short walk to the Cafe Barjot for a 3 course meal. We all have enjoyed an outstanding day and are pleased that we can return to our hotel and put our feet up in preparation for the first of two full days in Paris.