This morning we slept in as there was no rush. We didn't get out the door until after 11a.m., but our drive was short. Our first stop of the day was the little town of Les Andelys and Chateau Gaillard.  Chateau Gaillard is really a castle, not a French chateau, built by King Richard (the Lion Heart) in the late 1100's. It is pretty much of a ruin now, but it was very interesting and beautifully sited on the cliffs overlooking the Seine River.

We are finding that the GPS is absolutely required to find our way around this area and today was no exception . The French don't break their backs to advertise their beautiful historical and cultural sites and signage is a little sketchy.

Our next stop was the village of Giverny. It is where Claude Monet made his home later in life. His home and gardens are open to the public. We were not able to take pictures in the home. It was very nice but certainly not extravagant. However, he had a huge kitchen that was right out of a Home and Garden Magazine article for the perfect antique French kitchen. We wanted the huge wood stove, copper pots, chopping block, cabinets, and counters, everything's!

The grounds consisted mostly of gardens and, of course, the lily pond where he did some of his most famous works. His studio has been restored to the times he was there (1886-1926). He would be sad to know that the studio, which is huge, is now being used as the gift shop. But, I would still recommend the visit.

 We also stopped in at the Impressionist Art Museum just up the street. Good but not great.

The sun was setting so we decided to head home for the day. Dayna made French Onion soup from scratch in our little kitchen and it was better that the two bowls we've had in restaurants here. Go figure!

Tomorrow we ge to Versailles.