Just as the gardens at Giverny inspired Monet, who spent half his life nurturing and enjoying them, so they continue to enthrall countless visitors in 2026 the 100th anniversary of his death. The lovingly restored gardens give a vivid impression of Monet’s favourite subjects. Arched bridges, painted an acid apple green, are festooned with wisteria and the draped fronds of weeping willow frame the water lilies - Monet’s paintings brought unnervingly to life. The perfect complement to Giverny is the Orangerie Museum in Paris. The centrepiece of this outstanding collection is Monet’s breathtaking series of murals, Les Nymphéas. Housed in two vast elliptical rooms, the 2-metre-high murals extend to almost 200m in length and provide a moving and unforgettable testament to the genius of a painter at the height of his powers. Besides Giverny, we visit the Château de Chantilly, with its extensive collection of fine art and its gardens designed by Le Nôtre, and also the pleasant market town of Senlis.