Monet's Giverny

20.5



Said our ‘goodbyes’ to Paul our German ‘bouldering’ friend.  He’s was part of the ‘tent brigade’ from the German Alpine Club.  He explained ‘bouldering’ is a popular, fun sport thoughout Europe and Fontainbebleau is the perfect location due to it’s many weird shaped rock formations (and we thought they were here for the Chateau!).  Evidently you climb 2-3 metre high boulders (without equipment) then jump from the top onto mats! 


We hit McDonalds for the Internet and then followed mainly D Roads then the motorway around the outskirts of Paris to Vernon.  We headed to the nearest camp called Camping Des Fosses Rouges situated 5kms out of Vernon in the village of Saint Marcel.  Took a walk back to Vernon for a better look.  Vernon is a Mediaeval City which evidently played an important role in the history of Nomanady due to it’s geographical location.  We passed the beautiful Notre Dame Cathedral, the Archive Tower and Arts Garden to the huge River Seine.  Back to camp around 9pm.

21.5 

Today we got the chance to read our kindles and browse the maps!  Wet and cold outside!

22.5

Biked 35kms to Giverny and Monet’s Gardens which were just as beautiful as we remembered!  Monet’s expertise with colour and light is cleverly used in the interior of his house and gardens!  We loved the dining area which was filled with his amazing paintings and his striking yellow kitchen.  Irises and water lillies dominated the gardens!


 Leader of the Impressionists Monet was born in Paris in 1840-1926.  He lived in Giverny in this house from 1883.

Back to camp with a stop at Carrefour.  Bought an awesome stove top expresso maker for 11 euros and a large packet of expresso only to find they were whole coffee beans - bugger!  Will have to find a friendly cafe owner to grind them for us.