Updated October 13, 2026
If you are looking for a romantic proposal idea near Paris, propose in Monet’s water lily garden in Giverny, right after it opens. The light is soft, the garden is quiet, and the green Japanese bridge over the lily pond is as romantic as it looks in the paintings. As a Paris photographer, I photographed this proposal for J and E, and I am still swooning.
What You’ll Find in This Blog:
J and E’s Proposal in Monet’s Water Lily Garden
I love the romance and nerves that surround a proposal, even for me, there’s this excitement that makes you a little shaky and smile a lot more than usual (which is already a TON!). I loved J+E’s love story and hearing about the reasons why he fell in love with her… and the perfect place to solidify that love (with a ring and a question!) was in Giverny, right after the garden opened in a secluded little corner of the Japanese water lily garden. See for yourself this very romantic yet simple proposal story (and try not to get swept off your feet!)
What Makes This Proposal Idea So Good
- The timing. He proposed right after the garden opened, in a secluded little corner of the Japanese water garden. Early morning is when you have the best chance of a private moment.
- The setting. The lily pond, the weeping willows and the green bridges are the scenes Claude Monet painted again and again.
- The walk afterwards. Once she said yes, we wandered through the flower garden and stopped in front of Monet’s pink house with its green shutters, so they went home with portraits as well as the proposal itself.
Planning a proposal in or near Paris?
Our English-speaking team photographs surprise proposals and engagement sessions, and helps you choose the place and the moment. Session fees start at €150.
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Tips for Proposing in Giverny
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- Arrive for opening. In 2026 the house and gardens are open every day from April 1 to November 1, 10am to 6pm, with last admission at 5:30pm. Confirm dates on the official Fondation Claude Monet website.
- Book your tickets online ahead of time, which the official site strongly recommends.
- Come by train. Paris Saint-Lazare to Vernon-Giverny takes about 50 to 60 minutes, and the garden is about 6 km from the station by shuttle bus, bike or taxi.
- Dress for the flowers. Soft neutrals and solid colors photograph beautifully here. See our what to wear guide and my favorite pieces on ShopMy.
Want more ideas? Read everything you need to know about planning a Paris proposal, our tips for a surprise engagement photoshoot, and see another surprise proposal I photographed in Monet’s garden. Giverny is also one of our favorite easy getaways from Paris.
Monet’s Garden Proposal Questions
This couple chose a secluded corner of the Japanese water garden, by one of the green bridges over the lily pond, right after the garden opened. It is quieter than the main path in front of the house.
First thing in the morning, when the garden opens. There are fewer visitors and the light is soft.
In 2026 the house and gardens of Claude Monet are open every day from April 1 to November 1, from 10am to 6pm, with last admission at 5:30pm. Check the official Fondation Claude Monet website for current dates.
The train from Paris Saint-Lazare to Vernon-Giverny takes about 50 to 60 minutes. From the station, the garden is about 6 km away by shuttle bus, bike or taxi.
In Paris and in the south of France, including Nice and Antibes. Katie Donnelly Photography photographs surprise proposals, engagements and couples with an English-speaking team.
“Pictures came out so beautiful and more incredible than we could ever imagine! Definitely the easiest and best experience possible for the greatest day ever!!”
Megan W.
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About the author
Katie Donnelly, Paris Photographer
Katie Donnelly is an American photographer who opened her Paris studio in 2013 and was voted Best Portrait Photographer in Paris in 2017. She and her English-speaking team photograph families, couples and solo travelers at sunrise, so visitors go home with relaxed, real portraits instead of rushed selfies. Meet Katie and the team.
Ready to Book Your Paris Photoshoot?
Whether you are asking the question or celebrating the answer, we would love to photograph it.
- When: Mornings, just after sunrise, when the city is quiet
- Who: Families, couples, engagements and proposals, and solo travelers, with an English-speaking team
- Your photos: Viewed the same day at our studio in Saint-Germain-des-Prés
- Session fee: From €150. Inquire for our full price list.
Tell us your dates and we will help you plan the rest.
Or first see how a Paris photoshoot with us works.
