Claude Monet 2026: 100 years of legacy

A beloved icon of modern art, Claude Monet passed away on December 5, 1926, in Giverny, France at the age of 86 – leaving behind an endearing and enduring legacy. In his lifetime, Monet painted more than 2,000 works that have become familiar to audiences around the world and continue to captivate a century after his death. From Impression, Sunrise – the painting that gave Impressionism its name – to the Rouen Cathedral series and the legendary Water Lilies, Monet’s masterpieces are lasting representations of the landscapes of Normandy and the Paris Region. 

This year, to mark the centennial of Monet’s passing, these two regions will host over 100 events between March and December 2026 as a tribute. Museum exhibitions, tours, river cruises, concerts, lectures and open-air culinary events will celebrate Monet’s timeless influence. (Re)discover Monet’s works, his homes and the landscapes that inspired him – from Paris to the Normandy coast, through picturesque towns, mystical gardens and the light-filled banks of the Seine.

For event details, visit en.normandie-tourisme.fr/highlight/claude-monet-2026

Inspired by nature

Born in Paris in 1840, Claude Monet found his first source of inspiration in Normandy, where he discovered plein air painting (from French, “in the open air”); painting outdoors to capture the natural light, atmosphere and colour of a scene in real-time. Imagine him with his portable easel box set up outside, paint tubes and brushes at hand, in his glory capturing the region’s ever-changing landscapes. In 1859, he returned to Paris to begin his career, then migrated in 1871 to more affordable nearby villages, where he portrayed modern life along the River Seine.

In 1883, Giverny became his permanent home. There he created his ultimate masterpiece: a garden immortalized in the Water Lilies series. From this scenic Norman village, he continued his artistic explorations in Rouen, on the cliffs of Étretat, and around Dieppe. Years after Monet’s death, his famous home and garden with its waterlily pond were bequeathed by his heirs to the French Academy of Fine Arts (part of the Institut de France). Through the Fondation Claude Monet, the Giverny home and gardens were refurbished and opened to visitors in 1980.

Immerse yourself in the atmosphere that inspired the Impressionists. Giverny village invites relaxed strolls or cycling tours, taking in the informative panels lining its cultural trail. Dine at the former Hotel Baudy, now a lively restaurant that once housed a thriving community of visiting artists. To make the most of your trip to Giverny, spend a night in one of Giverny’s charming hotels.

A dream destination…

In 2027, you can embark on a magnificent eight-day journey down the Seine on a luxury Emerald Star-ship, featuring tours of Normandy and the home and gardens of Claude Monet in Giverny. Emerald’s ‘Sensations of the Seine & Normandy’ river cruise… Visit emeraldcruises.ca for the fabulous details!