Giverny

We have done a lot of walking today.  This morning after a leisurely breakfast at our hotel, we went for a walk to make sure of the departure point of our Giverny  trip.  And on our walk, we came 

 this... Le Jardin de Tuileries complete with fountains and sculptures created by Queen Catherine of Medici in 1564.  It became a public park after the French Revolution for Parisians to enjoy, celebrate and relax....

So I did...I think they were onto something!!!!

Just beautiful.  We went for another stroll and came across this

...the Louvre.  Time did not permit us a visit, sadly.

Although just being able to sit down and soak up the atmosphere was pretty incredible.

It was then time to catch our bus for the trip to Giverny, where Monet's Garden is located.  It took about 1 1/2 hours to get there and we both agreed that this was a trip that included everything we wanted to see in France.  We went through Western Paris, past the Arc de Triomphe, having another look at the Eiffel Tower in the daytime, and then out to Normandy, seeing some beautiful French countryside on the way, similar to what you see on Tour de France.

Then we arrived at Monet's garden.  Just when I thought this trip couldn't get any better.

Have you seen this scene before?

And this.....  Just some of the plantings which caught my eye.

No really exotic plants, many are what we consider to be hardy plants in Australia, the humble geranium, Felicia, Salvia to name a few.  Also a few precious ones, at least when I have attempted to grow them such as azaleas.

This is Monet's house which we went through, it had recently been restored.

As I mentioned before with this trip, we also got to experience a small French village, and some homemade French ice cream !

Some more stunning sights on the way home.  Then dinner at a cafe next door to where we are staying.

This was Paul's meal.  Duck Fois gras and some preserved duck giblets.  I didn't point those out, I think he missed that when ordering, but he ate the lot.

Creme brûlée , which when I have had it before, it is usually served in a ramekin dish, so quite deep custard.  This however, was quite a shallow dish, so you got the sweet, caramelised sugar with each mouthful of custard.  Bon Appetit !