May 2, 2016 - Giverny; Le Florimond

Day trip to Giverny and Monet's Garden -

Our guide for the trip up to Giverny. We were on our own once we got there:

The formal gardens in front of the house - the first sections he created:

The beginning of the Japanese garden with the pond and bridge. The later addition to the garden:

Gunnera manicata - one of the most striking plants we saw in the garden. Unfortunately only hardy Zones 7-10, so not for Minnesota:

Back to the house garden:

Views of the house from the formal gardens:

Turkey (like the ones he painted) and chickens:

Books in the gift shop:

 

Lunch in town gave us a chance to try some dishes from Normandy, where apples, cream and cheese rule:

Poached egg with chanterelles and bacon:

Brioche with Brie and ham:

Duck:

Coffee and chocolate ice creams:

Raspberry and papaya ice creams:

A garden center shop:

Gunnera manicata - one of the most striking plants we saw in the garden. Unfortunately only hardy Zones 7-10, so not for Minnesota.

The supplementary museum down the road from the house and garden:

The source for the amazing bulbs at Giverny: http://www.ernest-turc.com/catalogue/:

The burial place of Monet at the church down the road:

More chickens:

Le Florimond (back in Paris for dinner):

A selection of homemade sausages:

Lobster ravioli:

Slow cooked beef:

Stuffed cabbage - one of their specialties:

Mille-feuille with strawberries - a seasonal special:

Crème brûlée with ginger and Angelica:

Raspberry meringues and mini baba au rhums came with the coffee: