Hotel Baudy

Here’s another view of the garden at Hotel Baudy in Giverny, this one sketched on location last month. There were so many things that I could have chosen when I was there — yesterday’s green door, the little turquoise cafe tables and chairs, a rusty bicycle , but I was drawn to these stairs which lead up to the one remaining workshop space on the property.

If you don’t know much about this historic property, look it up. It was once the gathering spot for both French and American Impressionists. It’s no longer a hotel, but if you eat at the restaurant, you can tour the garden which is a welcome oasis from the crowds at Monet’s house and garden, and a bit of a hidden treasure.

I think it’s probably more colourful in May or June when the wisteria and roses are blooming. We had a full display of goldenrod and some tired geraniums but I’m not complaining. It was a delight to imagine that Cezanne, Sisley, Renoir, Rodin, Cassatt or Sargent may have taken this path up to the workshop space at the top of the steps.