10 Best Books About Monet’s Garden in Giverny You Need to Read

By Adrien Goetz (Author), Francis Hammond (Photographer), Hughes R. Gall (Foreword), Fondation Claude Monet (Contributor)

This is the big one. The book you leave on your coffee table and watch friends get lost in. It’s loaded with lush photos, but not just fluff. Goetz gives the background of how Monet took an ordinary property and turned it into his masterpiece. Francis Hammond’s photography is the star here: seasonal, atmospheric, the kind of shots that make you want to book a flight to France immediately. If you buy only one book on this list, this should be it.

By Adrien Goetz (Author), Eric Sander (Photographer)

This feels like the “inside scoop” on the house itself. The yellow dining room, the giant studio, the views Monet lived with every day. Eric Sander’s photos aren’t just pretty, they’re intimate, catching the gardens and house as if you’re walking through them. It’s less flashy than A Day with Claude Monet but somehow warmer. Think of it as a private tour.

By Aileen Bordman (Author)

Here’s the lifestyle spin. Bordman doesn’t just say “look at Monet’s world”, she shows you how to borrow it. Recipes, decorating tips, gardening projects, color palettes. Some of it is aspirational (you’re probably not digging a lily pond in your backyard anytime soon), but a lot of it’s doable. Bordman’s family ties to Giverny make it feel legit instead of gimmicky. If you want to live with a little Monet flair, this is your pick.

By Vivian Russell (Author)

This is for the gardeners. Russell breaks the garden down season by season, showing how Monet used plants like paint. Spring irises, summer roses, autumn dahlias, all paired with over 200 illustrations and photos. The bonus is that she explains enough practical stuff that you could take notes and try some of it in your own yard. It’s not as glossy as the newer books, but it’s one of the most useful.

By Florence Gentner (Author), Francis Hammond (Photographer)

Yes, Monet loved food as much as he loved flowers. This cookbook pulls recipes from his journals; rustic stews, soufflés, pastries, fish dishes. It’s classic French cooking, the kind of meals you can picture him serving in that bright yellow dining room. Francis Hammond’s photography makes it all feel alive, not just like a set of recipes. Honestly, this one’s half cookbook, half time machine.

By Christina Björk (Author), Lena Anderson (Illustrator), Joan Sandin (Translator)

This one’s for the kids, but don’t write it off just because it’s a children’s book. Linnea travels to Paris and Giverny, exploring Monet’s life and garden with curiosity that feels genuine. The mix of illustrations, photos, and reproductions of Monet’s work keeps it engaging. It’s been around for decades because it works. Best for ages 6–12, but honestly, even adults will learn something.

By Dr. Julian Beecroft (Author)

Short, focused, and all about the link between the garden and the Water Lilies series. Beecroft explains how the pond, bridge, and weeping willows became Monet’s late-life obsession. It’s not the most comprehensive book on this list, but it’s elegant and to the point. A good pick if you’re more interested in the art than the horticulture.

By Dominique Lobstein (Author), Jean-Pierre Gilson (Photographer)

This book treats the garden almost like a character in Monet’s story. Lobstein covers the history, the people who visited, and the way the gardens shaped his work. Gilson’s photos are seasonal, showing the riot of daffodils, tulips, and cherry blossoms. It balances history with beauty, making it one of the most well-rounded picks.

By Ross King (Author)

Forget the calm surface of those water lilies. King digs into the chaos underneath: World War I shelling not far from Giverny, the deaths of Monet’s wife and son, his failing eyesight, his doubts as younger artists like Picasso stole the spotlight. Out of all that, he created his most ambitious works. It’s dramatic, messy, and deeply human. If you want the real story behind the paintings, this is the book.

By Laurence Anholt (Author)

Another kids’ book, but this one’s softer and better suited for bedtime. A girl named Julie discovers Monet’s hidden garden and meets the painter himself. The story is simple, the watercolors are lovely, and it sneaks in real reproductions of Monet’s art. Perfect for ages 6–9, and a nice companion to Linnea if you’re building a little art library for children.

By Christoph Heinrich (Author)

A concise, beautifully illustrated introduction to Monet, this Taschen volume explores his signature subjects — from poplars and cathedrals to water lilies — and his fascination with light and atmosphere. Not just about Giverny, it offers a broader look at his life and work, making it a perfect book to keep exploring Monet long after finishing this list.