Where to eat and stay in Giverny

La Reserve (00 33 2 32 21 99 09; www.giverny.org/hotels/ brunet).

This delightful B&B run by Didier and Marie-Lorraine Brunet is just outside the village. Five bedrooms and breakfast round one big table. Didier built the house himself six years ago, but it has authentic charm and views over apple orchards to thickly wooded countryside. From E84-E145 (£56-96) B&B per night.

Find La Reserve and other unusual French hotels in Alistair Sawday's Special Places to Stay: French Bed & Breakfast, £14.99.

RESTAURANTS

Musée-Restaurant Hotel Baudy (00 33 2 32 21 10 03), 81 rue Claude Monet.

Hotel Baudy was just a "buvette" until American painters studying in Paris discovered Monet's whereabouts. They would come en masse every weekend, to the master's despair but to the remuneration of M and Mme Baudy. The little café became a 20-bedroom hotel, with studios, plus a charming bar and restaurant (excellent plain French fare).

Le Moulin de Fourges (00 33 2 32 52 12 12).

A mid-18th century thatched mill about 10 minutes from Giverny; one of the best restaurants in the area. Menu good on local ingredients such as rabbit with Calvados, or cider or apples.

MUSEUM

La Musée d'Art Americain, 99 rue Claude Monet.

Open until 31 October, 10am-6pm. Small but fascinating collection from the output of the American artists who lived it up at Hotel Baudy.