Monet & Van Gogh – See Where Their Masterpieces Were Created

France loves artists artists and it's always fun & informative to go beyond the museums to see where the masterpieces were created. We like these day trips that take you out into the French countryside, making you feel a bit like you've stepped back in time.

On the Trail of Monet & Van Gogh

Go on the trail of Claude Monet and Vincent van Gogh in Normandy. Although these two famous French artists lived in the same region and era, their lives couldn't have been more different. Van Gogh was a solitary figure and unsuccessful in his lifetime, whereas Claude Monet's life was filled with family and success. Explore the village of Giverny where Monet painted for 43 years and contrast it with the town of Auvers sur Oise where Van Gogh lived and painted for the last 100 days of his life.

There simply are no other French artists more famous than these two. On this double-barreled activity you are whisked from central Paris through the Normandy countryside to Giverny, where Monet lived and painted from 1883 to 1926 and where he created a magical environment — from his pink mansion, wild gardens and Japanese bridge to the famous water lily pond.

After leaving Giverny, you travel to Auvers sur Oise to discover the village where Van Gogh lived and worked during his last agonizing days in 1890. View the buildings famously painted by him — the Auvers Town Hall, Dr Gachet's garden, the Notre Dame d'Auvers 12th-century Gothic church and the rolling fields. It's amazing how little has changed since Vincent lived there over a hundred years ago.

See the haunting Le Maison de Van Gogh where he died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound.His upstairs room has been preserved and is open for viewing. Just up the hill and behind Notre Dame d'Auvers, visit the final resting place of Vincent van Gogh and his brother Theo. The graves are side by side.

Claude Monet's House & Gardens at Giverny

To concentrate on Impressionistic master Claude Monet we recommend this half-day, semi-private tour to the painter's house and gardens in Giverny. This small-group activity is limited to just eight people, ensuring personalized attention.

Monet's Giverny + Versailles in One Day

This very popular two-in-one tour takes you to both Claude Monet's house and gardens plus the royal estate of Versailles — all in one glorious day!