Monet's Giverny Gardens Wilt Under Record French Heat Waves

France's record-breaking summer heat, with 52 heatwave days, widespread wildfires, and over 7,300 excess deaths, has taken a severe toll on the gardens at Claude Monet's house in Giverny, Normandy. The nasturtiums, known for their rapid summer growth, have been particularly damaged, according to deputy head gardener Rémi Lecoutre, who has worked at the estate since 1988. He described the situation as 'incredibly sad' and unprecedented in his experience. The team of 11 gardeners is combating the heat by grouping plants, using mini sprinklers, and underground irrigation, yet some foliage has burned and many flowers have wilted due to physiological stress. Looking ahead, they are considering heat-resilient plant varieties, but must balance adaptation with preserving the garden's historic character, aiming to keep plants as close as possible to those Monet knew. Fortunately, the iconic water lilies, which inspired around 250 of Monet's paintings, remain largely unaffected. Monet lived in Giverny from 1883 until his death in 1926, transforming the originally utilitarian space into a source of artistic inspiration. The gardens attract hundreds of thousands of visitors annually. Commemorating the centenary of Monet's death in 2026, the Musée de l'Orangerie will present 'Monet: Painting Time' from September 2026 to January 2027, and the Musée Marmottan Monet will offer 'Histories of Landscapes: From Monet to Hockney (1890-2025).'