Now we visit Claude Monet's home and gardens...almost

 The next morning we are docked in Vernon. 

Vernon is just a short drive away from Giverny, where the Impressionist artist, Claude Monet, lived.

He first witnessed the village of Giverny while looking out a train window in 1883, and the unique light of the Seine Valley kept him in residence for 43 years.

We board a bus and head into the countryside to see the lovely landscapes that inspired Claude Monet.

We arrive in the little village of Giverny, but we know that we will not be able to visit Monet's home and gardens as it is November and all tours ended in late October.  We are able to walk on the street outside his home, though.

We peer through the gate to catch a glimpse of his house and gardens.

Landscapers are busy working in the gardens, preparing them for fall and winter, and they really don't want us watching them, so we move on...

There are still some flowers blooming and the fall colors are brilliant.

Monet's home and gardens were left by his son Michel to the Academie des Beaux-Arts in 1966 and is now a museum dedicated to the great painter.

Unfortunately it is too late in the season for us to walk through the gardens and see the landscapes that have graced many Monet paintings.

We did see a stream that we think led to the famous Japanese bridge and water garden full of lilies in several of his paintings.  Just could not get close enough.

We then headed over to a cider farm.

After a presentation of how various products are made

We got to sample...

 

and, of course, had the opportunity to purchase.

We enjoyed walking around the farm and taking photos of the beautiful vines.

By lunchtime we were back in Vernon and had a few hours to explore the town.  Right next to where our ship is docked is this memorial to the Allies who liberated Vernon in WWII.

Our Program Director led us through the town

and pointed out the church.  The building of the church Notre-Dame of Vernon started in the 11th century but was completed in the 17th century.

and the Town Hall,

And then we took off on a mission to find a post office so we could buy a stamp and mail a postcard to our grandson.  

Mission accomplished!

We then headed back to the river to see the Old Mill.

The mill was originally built in the 16th century on a bridge that was constructed in the 12th century.

The bridge has long deteriorated and the mill was heavily damaged during WWII, but has been restored

Many artists have come to Vernon to paint the mill. Among them was Claude Monet, who painted  the mill in 1883.

From the internet, here is his painting.

 The Archives Tower is what remains of the ancient Vernon castle.  It dates back to the 12th century.  In the 19th century it was used to keep the city's archives.

There was a little competition on the ship of who could best dress like the French. Our new friends, Scarlett and Larry, went all out...

and won!

We stay overnight in Vernon but will sail in the morning and see the castle built by Richard the Lionheart.

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