Monet's Garden: How Giverny Inspired the Water Lilies

In 1883, Claude Monet moved to a house in the village of Giverny, about an hour from Paris. Over the following decades, he transformed its grounds into one of the most famous gardens in the world, and then spent the rest of his life painting it.

The painter who planted his subject

Monet, a founder of French Impressionism, was as passionate about gardening as he was about painting. At Giverny, he designed flower beds bursting with color and created a water garden filled with water lilies, crossed by a graceful Japanese-style footbridge. He is often quoted as calling his garden his most beautiful masterpiece.

He painted that garden again and again, capturing how light shifted across the water from morning to evening and season to season. His water lilies alone became the subject of roughly 250 paintings.

Where to see the originals

Monet's water lily paintings now hang in museums around the world. The most immersive way to experience them is at the Musée de l'Orangerie in Paris, where his monumental water lily panels wrap around two oval rooms. And Monet's home and gardens at Giverny welcome visitors each season, so you can stand on the very bridge he painted.

The Monarque Monet collection

Japanese Bridge Water Lilies. The iconic footbridge arching over a pond of lilies, in soft blues and greens. Find it on our RFID Blocking Wallet, RFID Zipper Wallet, Wristlet Wallet, Slim Wallet, and Keychain Wallet.

Water Lilies. Floating blossoms on shimmering water, the very heart of Monet's later work. Find it on our RFID Blocking Wallet and Round Zipper Case.

Garden at Giverny. A celebration of the flower beds Monet planted and painted with such devotion. Find it on our RFID Blocking Wallet.

A gift for gardeners and art lovers alike

There's something especially fitting about Monet for anyone who loves to garden. He understood that a garden is a living work of art, always changing and always worth another look. A Monet piece makes a thoughtful gift for gardeners, Francophiles, and anyone dreaming of a trip to Giverny.

Beautiful to carry, built to protect

Every Monarque Monet piece pairs fine art with everyday function. Our armored wallets feature an aluminum body, a strong clasp, a tear-resistant accordion interior that holds up to six cards, and built-in RFID blocking, so your cards stay organized and protected.

It's a little bit of Giverny you can take with you wherever you go.

Explore the full Monet collection at giftandgardenworks.com.