Updated October 13, 2026
Monet’s garden in Giverny is one of the most romantic places to propose near Paris. It is about an hour from the city by train, it is full of flowers from spring to fall, and it has quiet corners where a proposal can feel private. As a Paris photographer, I photographed this surprise Giverny proposal for Sean and Ana, and it is still one of my all time favorites.
What You’ll Find in This Blog:
Sean and Ana’s Surprise Proposal in Giverny
This stunning session in Monet’s gardens in Giverny, France was one of my all time favorites. Sean proposed to Ana after 7 years together on a trip to Europe. She, of course, was TOTALLY shocked, excited and said YES!
We spent the next hour together walking through Monet’s garden and home, trying to take everything in, capture and savor this beautiful moment in their lives.
Why Monet’s Garden Works So Well for a Proposal
Claude Monet lived and painted in Giverny for more than forty years, and the garden he built is the one you see in his water lily paintings. For a proposal, that gives you three very different backdrops in one short walk:
- The water garden, with the lily pond, the weeping willows and the green Japanese bridge
- The flower garden, with its long central path under rose arches
- Monet’s pink house, with green shutters and green steps that are perfect for portraits afterwards
If ever you’re looking for an awesome idea for a proposal, add this one to your list! SWOON!
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.
Or first see how a Paris photoshoot with us works.
How to Plan a Proposal in Monet’s Garden
This post contains affiliate links. If you buy through them I may earn a small commission, at no extra cost to you.
- Go at opening time. The garden is at its quietest first thing in the morning, before the day-trip crowds arrive.
- Check the season. 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. They are closed in winter. Confirm dates on the official Fondation Claude Monet website before you plan.
- Book tickets online. The official site strongly recommends it, and it saves you from waiting in line with a ring in your pocket.
- Pick your spot ahead of time. A bench in a secluded corner or the bridge in the water garden both work beautifully.
- Plan what you will wear. Solid colors stand out against all that green. Our what to wear guide has outfit ideas, and you can find my favorite pieces on ShopMy.
For more ideas, read everything you need to know about planning a Paris proposal and our tips for a surprise engagement photoshoot in Paris. I also photographed a second proposal in Monet’s water lily garden.
Giverny Proposal Questions
Yes. Sean proposed to Ana on a quiet bench in Monet’s garden, and we spent the next hour walking through the garden and house together. Going at opening time gives you the most privacy.
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. The garden is closed in winter. Check the official Fondation Claude Monet website for current dates.
Take the train from Paris Saint-Lazare to Vernon-Giverny, which takes about 50 to 60 minutes. The garden is about 6 km from the station, and you can get there 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.
Wear something you feel great in, in solid colors that stand out from the background. Once you book, we send our complete what to wear guide.
“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.
5-star Google review
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?
A proposal lasts a few minutes. The portraits of that morning stay on your walls for the rest of your lives.
- 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.
