In 1878, due to financial problems and to ease his wife's health after the birth of their second child, Claude Monet moved into a small house in Vétheuil. Situated between Giverny and Paris, not far from Pontoise, the commune quickly became a favorite subject for the painter, who produced over a hundred canvases immortalizing the village's picturesque landscapes.
Follow in the footsteps of the most famous of the Impressionists, and visit Claude Monet's home in Vétheuil, during the Journées du Patrimoine. On the weekend of September 20 and 21, 2025, the house welcomes art and painting enthusiasts, and reveals a small part of the life of the great French master.
This open house weekend is organized as part of the Journées du Patrimoine (Heritage Days), an unmissable event that takes place every year at the start of the new school year. This major historical and cultural event allows each commune to showcase its heritage and curiosities. It's an event the public won't want to miss, and with good reason: most of the participating sites offer free tours and events for all!
So don't hesitate to visit Vétheuilin September, for a range of cultural outings to discover the emblematic sites of this Val d'Oise town.
### Discover Claude Monet's life in Vétheuil
From autumn 1878 to winter 1881, Claude Monet settled in Vétheuil, a peaceful village on the banks of the Seine, 70 kilometers northwest of Paris.
The painter moved in with his first wife, Camille Doncieux, and their two children, Jean and Michel. They shared their home with Ernest Hoschedé, the painter's bankrupt patron, his wife Alice Raingo and their six children. For three years, the two families lived together as best they could.
Claude Monet painted around two hundred canvases during his stay in Vétheuil. Nature became his refuge: the Seine, the house garden, the Vétheuil church, the small hamlet of Lavacourt, the surrounding hills... All these motifs fed his insatiable eye. His boat-workshop, moored near his garden, enables him to travel on the Seine and paint at his leisure, sheltered from the elements and the sun.
The association Les amis de Claude Monet à Vétheuil presents an exhibition on the life of the Impressionist painter on the first floor and in the courtyard of his Vétheuil home. Last visit at 4.00 pm on Saturday and Sunday.
https://vetheuil-impressionniste.com/
### Claude Monet and the Seine
Claude Monet spent most of his life on the banks of the Seine. Born in Paris in 1840, less than 500 m from the river, he grew up in Le Havre, then moved successively to Paris, Argenteuil, Vétheuil, Poissy and finally Giverny, just a stone's throw from its waters - so many places, one river. The river is at the heart of his work, and he painted it enveloped in the morning mists of autumn, frozen in winter or joyously reflecting the sparkle of spring and summer. Monet cherished it; it was his inexhaustible source of inspiration!
Lecture presented by Claire Vincent, organized by the association Les amis de Claude Monet à Vétheuil.
### Claude Monet à Vétheuil exhibition - Introductory printmaking workshops for children
As part of the Claude Monet à Vétheuil (1878 -1881) exhibition organized by the association Les amis de Claude Monet à Vétheuil, the house where the painter lived exceptionally opens its doors to the public and offers an engraving workshop for children.
For one hour, discover the main figures who marked Monet's life in Vétheuil and learn how to engrave on gum or linoleum with Emilie Bertolin.
You'll leave with your own engraved stamp and a print to keep as a souvenir! A creative moment in the very heart of the artist's home!
Please note that it's often advisable to reserve your place in advance of your visit, to be sure of being able to enter the house. Have a nice visit.
Dates and Opening Time
From September 20, 2025 to September 21, 2025
Location
Claude Monet's house - Vétheuil
16 Avenue Claude Monet
95510 Vetheuil
Prices
Free
