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Day Trip to Giverny from Paris: How to Easily Tour Monet’s Home & Gardens

Last Updated: May 5, 2023 //  by  Ashley Smith 10 Comments

This day trip to Giverny is another example of my biggest piece of French advice: one thing I always tell people to do when visiting Paris is… leave it. Just get out. *Gasp* 

Alright, alright, calm down. Paris is what it is (magic and romantic and crawling with delicious snails that actually aren’t anymore) but the France outside of Paris is, believe it or not, EVEN BETTER.

On the second of my two trips to France last year I toured all over:

• Paris and Versailles
• the Loire Valley
• Mont-St-Michel
• the D-Day sites of Normandy
• and every sickeningly lavish chateaux in between.

I did all of this with my friend and faithful travel companion who is, of all things, an art teacher. But while she can appreciate brushwork, composition, and whatever ”diptych“ is, I’m more into snooping around in the former homes of famous people, because I’m creepy like that.

This post was originally published in 2018 but has been updated for 2023.

Table of Contents

Why take a day trip to Giverny?

One such reason to leave Paris is for a day trip to Giverny, the tiny village that was once home to impressionist mastermind Claude Monet. Now replace “home” with “resting place” and that’s just one of the reasons to visit.

Besides getting to tour Monet’s personal home, on a Giverny day trip you also get the chance to walk all through his gardens, visit his studio, and circle his water lily pond. Like, the Water Lilies water lily pond. Even for someone on the Microsoft Paint level of the artistic ability spectrum, it’s a pretty impressive experience.

Is Giverny worth visiting?

If you’re a lover of art history, fine art, or even just flowers and gardening, then Giverny is absolutely worth visiting . The property, gardens, and lily pond are meticulously well-kept and the experience of visiting is a quality one.

You get to see so much on a visit to Giverny and every month it’s open offers something different in terms of blooms. You’ll also get to learn about Monet and his paintings and see how he lived.

How long do you need at Monet’s Giverny?

Three to four hours would be a good amount of time for a visit of Monet’s Giverny. Walking around the lily pond and through the gardens will take a good chunk of time. And the rest will be spent touring his home (which tends to get crowded and therefore slow moving) and studio and checking out the gift shop.

If you like floral day trips, definitely check out my post on a day trip to Keukenhof –the world famous tulip gardens outside Amsterdam.

The history of Monet and Giverny

Claude Monet was the founder of French impressionist painting and, by all accounts, the original hipster. Impressionism was the 19 th century art movement that emphasized light, movement, visible brush strokes, and blatant rule-breaking. Boy were those fancy pants art critics pissed at him.

He also, probably, played a major part in pairing a bushy beard with a beret—a style statement you still see so often in and around craft breweries and artisanal vegan donut/bicycle shops.

Looking for more interesting day trips from Paris? Check out these best Normandy tours from Paris for some unforgettable WWII history.

Giverny is an hour outside Paris in 21 st century time but much longer by 1800s standards. I’m just saying, he didn’t have that beard when he left.

Monet lived in Giverny for exactly half of his life, until his death in 1926. It was while he lived here that he painted his entire Water Lilies series, the works he’s most famous for, even long after he developed cataracts. I got lightheaded from standing up too fast yesterday and couldn’t work for a good 20 minutes. Just saying.

Giverny and Water Lilies

Water Lilies —you know what it looks like—is a series of around 250 oil paintings of the water lily pond behind his house at Giverny. Monet was big into doing series work—not unlike Kelsey Grammer or Mariska Hargitay—and has done many others including Haystacks , Rouen Cathedral , and Houses of Parliament .

Throughout his life and especially after moving to Giverny, Monet was obsessed with gardening, the same way I’m obsessed with not gardening (somebody feed me).

To help inspire his work, he diverted water from a nearby source and planted his own water lilies. Monet was also obsessed with perfection. (He once destroyed 15 of his Water Lilies in a perfectionist rage.)

And he was obsessed with natural light, painting as fiercely and frantically as possible to capture an exact moment before it passes which, as science has taught us, is impossible without Instagram.

While in Normandy you should definitely check out the best of Normandy’s D-Day sites . The experience is unlike anything else you’ve ever experienced on your travels, I promise.

Day trip to Giverny from Paris: How to get there

Ahh, so you’re visiting Paris. Now get out. Leaving the city and taking a day trip to Giverny is among the most popular things to do when visiting Paris, right up there with taking selfies in front of the Eiffel Tower and taking selfies in front of the Mona Lisa .

How long does it take to get to Giverny from Paris?

Giverny is just one hour northwest of Paris by car or 14 hours if you choose to walk because automobiles are so bourgeouis.

A day trip to Giverny is a great opportunity to get some background on, like, all the paintings you’ll see in the Paris museums . (probably my favorite thing about my line of work is being able to shout, “I’ve been there!” on an annoyingly regular basis)

Visit Giverny on a day tour from Paris

My recommendation—because it’s what I did—is to take your day trip to Giverny via an organized, guided tour. For the love of lilies, let someone else handle tickets and transportation so you don’t have to.

Plus, these tours usually come with skip-the-line abilities and, visiting Paris and Giverny in the summer , this is worth its weight in goldenrod. You also get private and direct transportation and knowledgeable tour guides who probably know their Phlomis purpurea from their  Phlomis italica . Maybe?

It is possible to get from Paris to Giverny independently—check this  and/or this page for logistics—but the trip will take much more than an hour, includes the cumbersome combination of metro ⇢ train ⇢ bus ⇢ feet, and the schedules of each of those are less ideal than planting tulips in the spring! Ha! Can you imagine!? Garden snobs, you know what I mean.

The Best Day tours to Giverny from Paris

Here are a few great guided tour options for your day trip to Giverny:

Versailles & Giverny Day Trip with Lunch from Paris

This uber-popular 9.5-hour tour includes a trip to the Palace of Versailles (another Paris must) as well as a day trip to Giverny, plus lunch.

Giverny & Monet’s Gardens Small-Group Half-Day Trip

This 5-hour tour is limited to just 8 people and is super informative. It includes visual aids (!!!) and even takes you to Monet’s burial site.

Monet's House & Gardens Self Guided Tour with Transport from Paris

This tour includes transportation, admission, and an audio guide but your time to explore is all your own. (And it costs less than transportation alone if you were to do this  without  a tour.)

Giverny & Monet's Garden by Train

Perhaps you'd like to visit Giverny the same way Monet did - by riding the rails. This tour includes skip-the-line admission into Monet's House and Gardens and round-trip transportation by train.

Other Giverny day trips from Paris

There are actually many more Paris tour combinations for Giverny and you can find those all here. Find one that fits you best!

When is the best time for a day trip to Giverny?

Because of the nature (heh) of this site, a day trip to Giverny can only be taken at certain times of the year. Monet’s house and gardens at Giverny are only open seven months of the year : late March – November 1st, because, duh, flowers. Besides, visiting a garden in the winter would be about as worthwhile as having vegan bacon with a side of O’Doul’s for lunch.

As for when exactly to go during that time… well, this place is so full of beautiful, colorful growing things that visiting any time during those seven months is going to be worthwhile.

When to go to Giverny to see water lilies

But let’s be real here; you came for the water lilies, didn’t you! Water lilies as a species bloom between May and September, however , both the Giverny website and our tour guide told us the lilies at Giverny don’t typically bloom until July and we might not get to see them.

Well, well, well, the pictures in this post were taken on my early June visit and clearly the nympheas showed up to play.

When to go to Giverny to see wisteria

If July is out of the question for your day trip to Giverny, my recommended backup plan would be to visit in May when Monet’s famous Japanese bridge is drenched in flowering purple wisteria. Look at this OMG

But, hell, maybe you hate both and actually get your jollies from holly-hocks or busy-lizzies. Worry not, there’s a Giverny flowering calendar for that.

What to see on a day trip to Giverny

A day trip to Giverny is all about Claude Monet. You’ll visit his house, his garden, his famous water lily pond. You’ll see his chickens, his cows, his jealousy-inducing collection of copper cookware. Wow, I am not sounding cool today.

Monet’s house and studio

Monet lived at his house in Giverny for 43 years, the size of which defies everything I thought I knew about painting as a lucrative career path. Monet lived here with his lady-friend Alice and their combined eight children. I think the mystery of his eventual madness has solved itself.

Here at his house you can tour his bedrooms, kitchen, studio, bathroom, and many other places in which he’d be totally uncomfortable entertaining visitors. And as large as the house is, it’s still tight and you will be bumper to bumper on Fanny Pack Ave.

Monet’s gardens

There are 100 varieties of flowers and trees in the garden of the man who was quoted as saying, “Apart from painting and gardening, I’m not good at anything.” So if his success at painting is any indicator, I think you know what you can expect in his anything-but-ho-hum garden.

During your day trip to Giverny you’re free to wander throughout his garden, on strictly marked paths of course, and take it all in through your nose. I mean it; smell all of them.

Be warned that the garden is almost overwhelming as it’s so full and tightly packed, and everything is taller and more feminine than you. Monet also said, “My garden is my most beautiful masterpiece.”

Monet’s pond

Monet’s pond is the highlight of his property and where you can find his famous water lilies—in bloom or otherwise. Now every time you see a Water Lilies painting you can shout, “I’ve been there!” but do so internally because museums.

You can circle the entire pond and walk across the Japanese bridge, see the little boat he used to paddle around in (before paddling around in little boats was cool, obvs) and, if you’re lucky, maybe even fall in because there is legit no barrier whatsoever.

What to bring on a day trip to Giverny

Allergy medicine.

Maybe your allergies are fine at home, but you probably don’t have 100 varieties of pollen-producing perennials surrounding your digs—some of them you’ve never been exposed to. Chances are you’re allergic to one of them because you are, in fact, of the human species.

Don’t forget the allergy medicine when you travel to a place literally to be surrounded by flowers. Wouldn’t sneezing and falling into a totally unbarricaded pond be the perfect allergy medicine commercial though?

Remember to opt for something that won’t put you to sleep. For me that means running as far away from Benadryl as possible and straight into the arms of Zyrtec . But damn, Benadryl certainly works. (Don’t forget to pack some tissues too.)

* I think legally I’m supposed to say here that I’m not a doctor? But you already knew that from earlier when I referred to Instagram as “science”. Wouldn’t conking out and falling into a totally unbarricaded pond be the perfect non-drowsy allergy medicine commercial though?

Guidebook(s)

I’m a stickler for two things: always eat where the line is longest, and always get the guidebook.

Guidebooks give great commentary, historical background, essential logistical, time, and cost information, and yeah, often even where to find the food source with the longest line, ergo, the best grub. I personally recommend:

• The Rough Guide to Brittany and Normandy – (Yes, Giverny is actually in Normandy.) Because what are we doing, class? Getting outta Paris! But since you will be in Paris…
• The Rough Guide to Paris – Or get one that has it all…
• Fodor’s Essential France – Covering it all (including Paris and a day trip to Giverny) and with a handy pull-out map. Wouldn’t falling into a pond while reading a handy pull-out map be just the funniest?
• Rick Steves France is a great option too.
• AND, I always recommend these pocket-sized customs and culture guides for all international trips. Check out Culture Smart France here. (And check out my full review of Culture Smart’s books if you want to learn more about them.)

Your day trip to Giverny and the water lily pond is a thing of rare beauty. A chance to photograph, blow up, frame, and brag about having a real (ehh, not real) Monet hanging up in your living room. Do not come to Giverny without a great camera.

A few more essentials

Here are a few more essentials you may want to bring on your day trip to Giverny:

• A decent pair of polarized sunglasses so you can see all the beauty
• Sunscreen since you’ll be visiting in the summer
• Perhaps a light, packable sun hat too
• Comfortable outdoor walking shoes – I swear by both Teva sandals and Chacos and that’s just about all I wear on trips like this. You can get them here on Zappos with free shipping and free returns.

Book to Read for Your Day trip to Giverny

Before I travel anywhere new, I always do my best to get my read on. This way, when I see something I’ve read about I can shout, “I just read about that!” because if the world doesn’t know how awesome you are, are you even awesome?

Along with guidebooks, this is a great way to be able to put everything you’ll see into perspective when you see it—historically, biographically, immediately. Here are my recommendations for books to read for your day trip to Giverny:

Mad Enchantment: Claude Monet and the Painting of the Water Lilies by Ross King

I talk about Ross King all. the. time. when it comes to reading before a trip to Europe. He specializes in writing actually entertaining biographies of European artists and their lives. He also covers what’s happening in that place at that time to give great context and you learn so much.

Everything I’ve written in this post about Monet and Giverny I learned from this book. Does that make me sound like I’m coming to terms with my adult-ness? Because I’m not.

The Judgment of Paris: The Revolutionary Decade That Gave the World Impressionism by Ross King

Alright, I haven’t read this one yet but it’s sitting on the bookshelf in front of me as we speak. This one goes beyond the work of Monet and covers the movement of Impressionism and its most popular characters as a whole. 

Dover Masterworks: Color Your Own Monet Paintings

Okay, so there’s not a whole lot of reading required here but I’m totally buying this.

Where to find Monet’s Water Lilies

Well, let me put it this way: I don’t think I’ve been to an art museum that hasn’t had one of Monet’s Water Lilies on display. This Water Lilies Wikipedia page does an okay job of listing where many of them can be found but chances are if you visit a fine art museum or a modern art museum or a western art museum you’ll fall into a water lily pond.

…but nowhere will you find an explanation for why I take photos of these every. single. time. I’m chocking it up to: “I’ve been there!”

More info for your day trip to Giverny

• Heading to Paris? Find great places to stay on Booking.com and Expedia .
• Driving to Giverny? Check out the best local rental car deals here.
• Keep yourself and your belongings saf e in Paris with  these must-pack safety items . 
• What else have I covered in France? See more posts here .

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About Ashley Smith

Ashley is a historian and Oktoberfest expert & tour guide. She has traveled to 33 countries and specializes in quick trips throughout Europe and the Americas that prioritize hiking adventures, museums of all kinds, cultural experiences, and jam-packed itineraries. She hails from Memphis, TN and currently lives in Boston with her husband and two feline sidekicks.

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Giverny Tour

Monet's gardens day trip from paris, bus or minibus guided tour, day tours to giverny from paris:,   giverny tours will be operating only from march 29th, 2024 through november 1st, 2024..

Bus and minibus day trips from Paris to Giverny are  operating from March 29th,2024 through November 1st 2024:

• everyday for half-day tours to Giverny only
• everyday except Monday, and May 1st for full day tours to Giverny and Versailles with lunch.

Monet's house at Giverny - Photo A. Cauderlier

Special Price for children

You may also visit The Palace of Versailles only.

It is open all year round everyday except monday..

An extensive list of Versailles Day Tour from Paris is provided here

By Public Transportation, by Bus or Minibus, on a full day trip or a half-day tour.

Half day tours visit the Palace in itself: the Royal Apartments (King and Queen's Apartments) , the Hall of Mirrors and the Royal Chapel.

Full day tours of Versailles also explore the park,the Grand and Petit Trianon and the Hamlet of the Queen Marie Antoinette.

Chateau de Versailles Palace - Photo A. Cauderlier

Monet and Van Gogh

Auvers sur Oise, the town where Vincent Van Gogh lived and died in 1890 is not a long detour on the way between Paris and Giverny.

Vincent Van Gogh place in Auvers sur Oise : Auberge Ravoux Photo A. Cauderlier

Travelling on your own

It is also possible to go to Giverny from Paris on your own by train or by car.

It requires more time but it may be a little cheaper.

In this case it is recommended to schedule a whole day and to contact a guide by advance as there is no offer for a guided visit on the site.

Giverny Sightseeing Tour - Photo A. Cauderlier

How to Plan Your Day Trip From Paris to Giverny to See Monet’s Garden And House

Want to visit Monet’s Garden but not sure how to plan? This post will show you how to plan your day trip from Paris to Giverny with ease!

If you’re familiar with French paintings or even French artists in general, you’ve probably come across the name Claude Monet !

He is considered the father of impressionist painting and, in fact, the name for this movement was inspired by one of his famous paintings , Impression, Sunrise .

Disclaimer:  This post might contain affiliate links. This means we may earn a small commission (at no extra cost to you) should you choose to sign up for a program or make a purchase using one of our links. It’s okay – We love all of the products we recommend anyway, and you will too! Also, that commission helps us keep this awesome free blog up to date! You can read our  full disclosure here  for more details!

Born in 1840 in Paris, Monet painted over 2000 pieces of work and lived in various places in France and abroad including Honfleur in Normandy, London, the Netherlands, Argenteuil, a suburb just northwest of Paris, Saint-Denis, a suburb in the North of Paris, but one place that stands out the most to date is Giverny in Normandy !

Monet moved his family to Giverny in 1883 where he rented a house and a beautiful garden (which he later purchased) that would go on to be called, Monet’s Garden hundreds of years later!

Since his wealth increased over time, he bought more land to expand his estate and hired seven gardeners to take care of the garden exactly the way he wanted it with explicit details of how everything should be.

This new land had a water meadow where the water lilies that would go on to be his greatest legacy were planted. He even diverted part of the nearby river Epte for his garden.

The beauty of this garden inspired him to take on what is today known as his most ambitious project which occupied him for the last 20 years of his life.

From 1899, he painted a variety of paintings showcasing waterlilies in different seasons , different lightingss , the iconic green Japanese bridge , and many others. This project resulted in 250 paintings of waterlilies .

Thanks to his waterlilies paintings, this place was immortalized, and today, tourists flock there not only to see the famous gardens but also to see the house he lived in.

While some people treat this visit as a weekend trip from Paris , it’s definitely possible to do it on a day trip from Paris with careful planning.

It’s a bit tricky to get there since there is no direct train from Paris to Giverny, but that’s why I am here! To give you a complete guide to planning the perfect day trip from Paris to Giverny, France.

How To Plan a Day Trip From Paris to Giverny to See Monet’s Garden and House

From how to get to Monet’s Garden in Giverny from Paris, how far is Giverny from Paris, to what to do there and where to stay if you choose to extend your trip, this guide will give you all the details you need to plan the perfect day trip to Giverny from Paris !

How to Get From Paris to Monet’s Garden

One of the most common questions that arise when planning a Giverny day trip from Paris is how to get there! There are quite a few ways; by car, train + bus, guided tours, and I’ll be covering them in detail in this section.

How to Get to Monet’s Garden From Paris by Guided Tour

This is the best way to get to Monet’s garden from Paris if you don’t want to deal with planning!

By booking this guided tour , you’ll be transported directly from Paris to the gardens and fro and you’ll also have a knowledgeable tour guide who will share some of the interesting history not only about the house and garden but also about Monet himself.

There are quite a number of tours from Paris to Monet’s Garden, so I’ll be suggesting a few (the best ones, obviously) and you can select which one works best for you!

Small Group Guided Day Trip to Monet’s Garden in Giverny from Paris

If you want to take a guided day trip from Paris to Giverny but don’t want a big group, then I recommend booking this tour where you’ll be transported in a minivan from Paris to Giverny and back to Paris! The tour accommodates only up to 8 people so you’ll never feel like you’re left out!

The tour lasts 5 hours so you’ll have ample time to explore the gardens and Monet’s pond while your passionate and knowledgeable tour guide shares important facts and history about Monet and the garden.

You’ll also be able to visit Monet’s house independently and later head to see Monet’s tomb!

🌼 Click here to check rates and availability for this small group-guided day trip from Paris to Giverny !

Guided Giverny Day Trip From Paris

If you’re wondering what the difference is between this day trip guided tour from the one above, the difference is that this one is not a small group which means it can get a bit crowded, although it’s a bit cheaper.

This tour also lasts 5 hours and you’ll be transported on a bus from Paris to Giverny and fro. Although it’s a guided tour, if you’re on a budget, you can opt for just an audio guide.

This means that you’ll still be transported but instead of having a guided visit when you reach Giverny, you’ll just use the audio guide and go on a self-guided tour.

It’s still a good way to learn about the history of Monet and the garden and have a comfortable transfer while also saving some money.

🌼 Click here to check rates and availability for this tour !

Guided Day Trip from Paris to Monet’s Garden By Bike

If you’re up for an adventure, this one might be the best-guided visit to Giverny for you! And before you write it off thinking you’ll bike all the way from Paris to Giverny, let me explain how this tour works.

You’ll start by taking a coach from Paris to the countryside of Normandy and stop by the village of Vernon!

While in Vernon, you’ll visit a farmer’s market, buy fresh products for a picnic, and then start your biking journey to a park along the Seine where you’ll have a picnic lunch!

From there, you’ll continue your biking journey, but this time to Monet’s Garden where your tour guide will share all the information there is to know about Monet and his garden in a fun, engaging, and informative way!

The entire tour takes 8 hours and a half so be ready to enjoy Normandy’s countryside and Giverny in the most adventurous way possible!

🌼 Click here to check rates and availability for this bike tour to Giverny !

How To Travel from Paris to Giverny By Train and Shuttle

As I mentioned earlier, there is no direct train from Paris to Giverny, so if you want to travel by public transport, you’ll have to take a train and later a bus!

You’ll take the train from Gare Saint-Lazare in Paris to Rouen Rive Droite and stop at Gare de Vernon-Giverny which takes a little less than an hour!

Trains run every one to two hours depending on the day and there is no need to buy the ticket in advance!

You can easily buy it from the ticket machines in the train station on the travel day, but if you want to buy it in advance for planning purposes, then you can buy one here and even check the train timetable for your travel day!

Once you reach Gare de Vernon-Giverny , exit the station and take the shuttle to Giverny!

The shuttle’s timetable corresponds well with the arrival time of the train leaving about 20 minutes after its arrival. It costs about 10 euros for a round trip and you can pay that directly to the driver on board.

Pro tip* Don’t go looking for a bus, the shuttle is in fact a small train! If you’ve been to Montmartre , you’ve probably seen one taking tourists around!

Other options to get from Gare de Vernon-Giverny to Monet’s Gardens include; a taxi (which can be a bit pricey, so I don’t really recommend it), or by walking if you’re up for a little hike! The well-marked walking path is along the Seine, and it takes about 1 hour compared to the 5-10 minutes on the shutter.

How to Visit Monet’s Garden by Car

The easiest way to visit Monet’s Garden from Paris is definitely by car which takes a little less than one hour!

I don’t recommend solely renting a car just to visit Giverny from Paris but only if this trip is either part of a longer road trip around Normandy or if you plan to visit other nearby towns since those are hard to visit without a car.

If you have a car or rented one and don’t mind navigating French traffic, this is a good option to consider!

There is free parking at the place so that shouldn’t worry you!

What is the Best Time to Visit Giverny

Monet’s garden is beautiful almost every season since the blooming floors change with season, so regardless of when you visit, you’ll find beautiful flowers to admire in the garden.

However, since the gardens are closed in the winter season (they’re typically open from late March/early April to late October/early November), you can only visit them in spring, summer, or fall.

In spring, you’ll find various blooming flowers, but it’s in summer that the Nympheas and the annual flowers will be in full bloom, but also Fall comes alive with beautiful fall colors and blooming!

I visited at the end of July and the garden was beautiful! Most flowers were in full bloom and the weather was nice! Basically, all the photos you see in this post were taken in July!

So what’s the best time to visit Monet’s garden ? Since this will probably just be a day trip from Paris, I wouldn’t recommend basing your entire trip solely on the gardens but rather on the large picture of what you want to do in Paris.

I have various articles on visiting Paris in spring , Paris in Summer , and Paris in the Fall ! You can check them out and decide the best time for you to visit Paris and that will be the best time to visit Giverny, after all, every season is quite beautiful in the gardens!

However, if you live in Paris or the nearby cities and can afford to visit anytime, then the best time to visit Giverny is between May and July !

What Are The Opening Hours of Monet’s Garden

Monet’s house and gardens are open every day (except in winter) including holidays from 9.30 am to 6 pm. The last admission is 30 minutes before closing time!

What to See on Your Day Trip From Paris to Giverny

Here is what you can expect to see on a day trip to Giverny from Paris!

Visit Monet’s Gardens

The first thing to visit as soon as you arrive are definitely the gardens! If you bought your ticket online, (which I highly recommend since I didn’t queue at all since I had my ticket already), you’ll enter the gardens instantly.

If you don’t have a ticket, you’ll have to endure the queue which seemed quite long since I visited in summer! You can purchase one here from the official website .

As you’d imagine, the gardens are beautiful and there are always different flowers in bloom regardless of when you visit.

The starting point for visiting is clearly marked with where to find the famous waterlillies pond but you can leisurely walk around as you see fit!

The visit can take anywhere from 1- 2 hours depending on how slow or fast you move and how much time you spend taking pictures.

It’s easy to visit on your own but if you want to get some back story, history, and what nots about the gardens and Monet himself, then you can sign up for this guided tour with a local tour guide .

This tour takes 2 hours to visit both the gardens and the house! When the tour ends, you can still walk around the garden on your own.

Pro tip* Entrance to the Gardens is by time slot so make sure you don’t miss your booked time.

🌼 Click here to book your guided tour of Monet’s gardens and house with a local guide !

Explore Monet’s House

Although the Paris day trip to Giverny is mostly about the gardens, you can’t miss his house too! With colorful pink walls and green windows, shutters, and railings, the house is beautiful in its own right!

It is a 2-story house that you can explore to see exactly how he lived! The first level has replicas of some of Monet’s famous paintings and furniture, his living area, a colorful dining area, and a nice kitchen.

On the other hand, the second floor has bedrooms, more paintings and sketches including those of his friends and other impressionist painters. The second floor even has some windows open where you can enjoy views of the garden.

The house is quite small and it doesn’t take much to visit — something like 30 minutes — and it’s only a one-direction visit so it’s impossible to miss anything.

Check Out Monet’s Workshop

As Monet expanded his place, he needed a bigger place to work on his pieces, so he created a workshop just next to the main house!

Although today it’s a shop where you can buy souvenirs, from replicas of some of his famous paintings, Cider from Giverny (I bought this one and it was quite good), and other local goodies, it’s still worth walking through even if you don’t plan on buying anything.

It also has large replicas of his waterlily paintings covering the top wall, making the place feel like actually his studio.

Visit The Museum of Impressionism Giverny

Monet’s Gardens and house are not the only things to see in Giverny! Of course, they’re the main ones but if you have more time, you can visit the Museum of Impressionism Giverny .

The museum doesn’t house famous impressionist paintings like in Orsay Museum in Paris, but it’s worth visiting for those who want to learn about the history of this art movement.

There are also some impressionist paintings and sometimes the museum organizes temporary exhibits! You can check the official website to see what’s on before your visit.

It also has a beautiful garden which is free to visit if you don’t feel like paying for the museum itself.

The museum is open every day (except winter) from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.

Walk Around Giverny

The entire neighborhood near Monet’s house is quite enjoyable to walk around! There are a number of souvenir shops, food trucks selling local products, ice cream stands, and art galleries all around!

If you’re not in a rush to leave, you can explore the quiet neighborhood and take in its charm!

Psst… Want to see even more of Monet’s work when you come back to Paris? Then visit Musée Marmottan Monet where you’ll see his largest painting in the Waterlillies series. 

Where to Stay in Giverny

While this is a day trip to Monet’s garden from Paris post, you may want to extend your trip to see other nearby places after reading it. If that’s you, then these are some of the best hotels in the area!

Le Coin des Artiste s: If you want to stay near Monet’s Gardens, you won’t go wrong with this hotel since it’s located just 5 minutes away. And for something this close and cozy, it’s very well-priced.

>>> Click here to check rates and availability <<<

Le petit nid d’aigle – Giverny: If you want the entire place to yourself, this is the place to go ! It has a kitchen, a lovely garden, terrace, and the rooms are equally comfortable. Plus, you’ll be less than 10 minutes away from Monet’s garden by foot.

Where to Eat in Giverny

There are a number of eateries in Giverny, which are quite pricey if you ask me, but that is a bit expected as with all restaurants/cafes near popular attractions.

La Guinguette: Located just 6 minutes from Monet’s Garden, this restaurant serves traditional French dishes in a nice setting with beautiful views of the Normandy countryside! Address:  6 Rue de Falaise, 27620 Giverny, France.

Restaurant Baudy (Ancien Hôtel Baudy): This is the famous spot Monet used to hang with other impressionist painters like Auguste Renoir , Cézanne, Rodin, and other American painters!

Not much has changed since then, but the food is good and it has an artist’s studio in the garden that guests can visit. They also serve typical French food. Address: 81 Rue Claude Monet, 27620 Giverny, France.

Au Coin du Pain’tre: Also on the famous Rue Claude Monet, this spot is perfect if you’re looking for easy lunch snacks that are fairly priced. Address:  73 Rue Claude Monet, 27620 Giverny, France.

FAQs About Visiting Monet’s Garden from Paris

If you still have questions about your Giverny trip from Paris, I hope these FAQs answer them!

Is it Worth visiting Giverny from Paris?

Without a doubt, Giverny is worth visiting ! On top of seeing where the famous impressionist painter lived, you’ll also take in the beauty of his garden, so even if art is not your thing, you’ll still appreciate it.

From the beautiful Water lily pond he immortalized in over 200 paintings, the various blooming flowers, to the Japanese bridge, Monet’s Garden offers the perfect escape from the bustling city of Paris.

How far is Paris from Monet’s gardens?

How far is Monet’s garden from Paris? Giverny is located 80 km (50 miles) west-northwest of Paris! By train, it can take about 1 hour to get to and about 1 hour and a half by car.

How long should I spend at Monet’s Garden?

This really depends on how fast or slow you visit, but if I had to give an estimate, plan for 3-4 hours!

When I visited, I spent about 3 and a half hours, but that’s because I like to take my time and I take a lot of photos. If you’re a fast visitor, you can plan for 2 and a half hours and then add the 2 hours of transit!

Can you do Versailles and Giverny in one day?

I personally wouldn’t do it because I like to spend as much time as possible in a place and really savor it, but I know some people do it!

If you’re short on time and just have one day to visit both, it’s definitely possible, although you’ll have to rush through stuff.

The best way to make the most of your time in both places is to book this combined Giverny and Versailles tour . You’ll visit both places, but keep in mind that you won’t see everything!

Final Thoughts on How to Plan a Day Trip to Giverny from Paris

I hope this guide to visiting Monet’s house from Paris was helpful!

Whether you’re an impressionist fan or you just want to admire the beautiful flowers and water lily pond Monet’s garden has, this is the perfect escape from the buzzing city of Paris.

Regardless of whether you choose to spend just a morning or an afternoon or extend your trip overnight, a trip to Giverny from Paris is one that you’ll always remember.

Check out these posts to help you plan your trip to Paris

• Fun things to do in Paris on a Rainy day
• Famous Paintings in Paris
• Where to Find the Best Macarons in Paris
• Famous Paintings at the Louvre Museum
• Best Covered Passages of Paris
• Most beautiful neighborhoods of Paris
• Fun free things to do in Paris
• Famous Churches to Visit in Paris
• Best Museums in Paris
• Tips for Visiting the Eiffel Tower
• How to spend One day In Paris

Was this post on planning a day trip from Paris to Giverny helpful? Then please consider sharing it with others.

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Esther is the face and voice behind Dreams in Paris! She has always been obsessed with Paris even before she moved there. She has lived in Paris for a couple of years, and that obsession has not changed! That love for Paris, plus her passion for writing led to the birth of Dreams in Paris! She now shares all the practical tips and guides she’s picked along the way to help you plan a memorable trip to the city of love! You can learn more about her here !

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Claude Monet’s House: How to Plan a Giverny Day Trip from Paris

I’d like to introduce the charming French village of Giverny, which is only an hour away from the busy streets of Paris. Making a Giverny day trip from Paris the perfect activity to add to your itinerary!

If you’re longing for a respite from the city’s endless energy, let me assure you that Giverny is your answer, wrapped in vibrant colours and serene vibes.

Just take a short train ride from Paris St-Lazare station, and in about 1 hour, you’ll be swapping urban skyscrapers for sprawling gardens and storybook landscapes. Getting there is so easy that you’ll wonder why you never escaped to this pastoral paradise before!

Giverny is synonymous with the legendary Impressionist painter Claude Monet, and entering this picturesque town is like stepping into one of his masterpieces. His iconic house and gardens, where he painted the famous Water Lilies series, are the crown jewels of Giverny.

The explosion of colour in Monet’s house will enchant you at every turn. From the delicate flowers of the Clos Normand to the dreamy water garden with its green-draped Japanese bridge, it’s an intoxicating display that perfectly captures the essence of Impressionism.

But that’s not all. Giverny is much more than Monet’s legacy. The town is dotted with charming art galleries, cozy eateries and the remarkable “Musée des Impressionnismes de Giverny” , which offers a deeper insight into the art movement that changed the world.

Related read: What Makes France so Special?

Here is an overview of the best tips for a Giverny day trip from Paris:

How To Get to Giverny From Paris

Home of claude monet, buy your tickets well in advance, where to eat in giverny, les nympheas, monet’s grave, full-day tour: giverny claude monet’s gardens & house + rouen, here is our itinerary for the giverny day trip from paris, what’s included.

Start planning your Giverny day trip from Paris by figuring out your preferred transport.

From Paris, you can head to Giverny by train.

You should head to St Lazare train station and take a train to Vernon . The train ride takes about 1 hour. Vernon is a small town with a small train station.

Then, from Vernon, you should get bus 10 , which heads to Giverny. Get off at La Musardiere (5 stops, 13 mns) and then you should follow people who are also heading to Giverny.

You can check the schedule of the train to Vernon, and then the bus from Vernon to Giverny here .

By car, you should head to the village of Giverny. You should put in your GPS, Maps, Waze, Maison de Claude Monet Giverny.

There is another house of Claude Monet nearby in the village of Vetheuil, but this one is not open to the public. This is where he lived with his first wife before he could rent the house at Giverny. It’s much smaller.

As you leave Highway A13, the road after Vernon becomes quite tight, and there are some tricky, narrow turns. Slow down and pay attention. This is actually the same road Monet and his friends used when they came to Giverny from Paris by car.

Yes, Claude Monet and his kids, Michel and Jean, loved cars. He even owned a garage in the town of Vernon where he had his cars fixed. They were very expensive custom-made vehicles back then. One of his friends, Stephane Mallarmé, even said, that  “if he hadn’t had a talent for painting and gardening he might have become a car mechanic. “

There is parking by the house where you should find a spot any time of the year. The restrooms are just by the parking. There are also restrooms in the house, just before the gift shop.

Related read: What to Expect on a Versailles Day Trip from Paris

Claude Monet lived in Giverny from 1897 until his death in 1927. Claude modernized the house and extended the gardens, creating a pond where he planted waterlilies and exotic plants to give him the inspiration he needed so much. At the same time, Europe and many of his friends were taken by the terrible World War I.

After his death, the gardens could not be maintained, and in the mid-1970s, Gerard von der Kemp and fellow American philanthropic institutions financed the restoration of the house and gardens to their former glory.

It opened to the public in 1982, and in the first year, more than one million visitors visited the house and gardens.

Opening hours: GIVERNY House and Gardens is open from April 1st till November 1st from 9.30AM to 5.30PM.

Giverny tends to be quite busy year-round, so buying your skip-the-line tickets is really the best advice I can give you.

The sooner the better, this way, you’ll be sure to have your timing and also to skip the line.

Then try to get there as early as possible, as the gardens look even better in the morning before anyone gets there. I once had as a client a famous photographer from the US who managed to enter the garden at 5.30PM when it was closing, and he had the place just for himself. He was quite a big star.

With your skip-the-line tickets, you will enter through the Group entrance, Sente Leroy, not the main entrance. When arriving, turn to your right just before you see people waiting in line. You’ll see a sign with SENTE LEROY. This is a very small alley, and then show your tickets at the gate when entering the gardens.

You should start your visit with the gardens facing the house, the Clos Normand. The gardens you see there facing the house to your left, represent all the colors available by nature for a painter.

To your right, closer to the hens and rabbits house, are the fruit and vegetable gardens. As a savvy person responsible for a large family, Monet took great pride in growing his own fruits and vegetables.

After visiting the house, you should head to the part where there is a pond with the famous waterlilies. There are many wonderful places around the pond for taking great pictures.

You might want to have lunch after visiting the house and gardens.

As you get out of the house, the best place for a nice lunch and a glass of wine is:

At Les Nympheas , you’ll find a large dining room where group and individual visitors can enjoy good homemade French food. There is also a fantastic selection of pastries and some delicious coffee.

There are many other places to eat outside Claude Monet’s house, but this is really the best one by far, just in front of the house of Claude Monet.

For groups of up to 45 people, you’ll have to book online by emailing.

Now, if you want to have an even better experience, you should head to the Baudy restaurant. As you leave the house to your right, pass the parking and walk for about 300 meters. You’ll find to your right the restaurant BAUDY.

Related read : A Foodie Itinerary for Normandy, France

Le Baudy is the place where Claude Monet and his friends used to stay and have a meal when he was young and broke. The Baudy is a quite famous place in Giverny. No reservations are possible. The Baudy does not accept groups.

Back then, there was a small train stopping 200 meters from the house where he would live later. They used to take this small train to find inspiration in the Vexin Normand, the closest part of Normandy to Paris.

Baudy restaurant serves authentic French cuisine, just like at the beginning of the 20th Century when Monet, Manet and Renoir would spend hours discussing the colours for their art. The design of the place, the bar, and even the small studio in the courtyard have not changed since.

All the paintings around you are, of course, copies today. Yet, until the 1950s, there were some authentic ones. Back then, and until 1900, when some rich Americans finally understood the impressionists, no one in Europe had bought Monet yet. Mme Baudy allowed the painters to pay the bill with a painting. Claude Monet owed Mme Baudy quite a bill. Mme Baudy compensated, sold the paintings, and got the bill well settled after WWI.

Monet continued going to the Baudy when some of his friends were not behaving well enough in front of the kids and grandkids. Now that Monet owned the house he had always dreamed of, he wanted to keep a certain attitude. Claude Degas, for example, was rarely sobbing, and he rarely had the same girlfriend … Monet would meet him at the Baudy instead.

I highly recommend the Omelette Monet style with duck breast confits.

The tables inside are really lovely. The round one at the right end of the room is the one Monet preferred.

If you still have some time left, you should keep walking right as you exit the restaurant, and you’ll see above the fill of the small church of Giverny.

There, on the right of the church, you’ll find a couple of graves completely covered by flowers and ivy. These are the graves of Mme Alice Hoschede Monet, the artist’s second wife, one of Claude Monet’s, and his stepdaughter, Blanche.

Next to Claude Monet is buried, Mr Van der Kemp, the curator of the Louvre and then Versailles, who by the 1970s was able to find sponsors to restore the house of Monet and then open it to the public. He passed away in 2001.

On this amazing full-day tour, I (Igor) will take you on a journey to explore Giverny, including Claude Monet’s house and gardens, as well as the beautiful city of Rouen.

Normandy is blessed with ideal weather conditions, allowing almost anything to grow in its stunning gardens.

As someone who splits his time between Paris and Normandy, I deeply understand Monet’s passion for gardening and the Impressionist movement. While my wife cares for the planting aspect, I love helping her maintain the garden and select the perfect flowers and trees.

The ever-changing light in Normandy at different times of day and seasons perfectly captures Monet’s artistic vision.

During our visit to Giverny, I would love to share all the secrets of Monet’s garden and his fascinating life! I’ve shared only a few above.

In Rouen, another of my passions awaits:

Medieval history and architecture. We will explore highlights such as Notre Dame Cathedral and the charming medieval town at its feet. If possible, we’ll even venture up to Gros Horloge for breathtaking views of the skyline.

Price: from $1,372 Duration: 10 hours 30 minutes Languages: English, French, Italian, Polish or Spanish

Book your tour with Igor here.

• 8:30 AM: Meet at Le Havre Quai Roger Meunier – Hotel – B&B; Our meeting point can be adapted according to your wishes – it could be a cruise port or any specific address or intersection.
• 10 AM: Visit the Claude Monet House & Gardens at Giverny
• 12 PM: Lunch at The Baudy Restaurant in Giverny
• 2PM: Explore the old town of Rouen and discover its medieval wonders
• 18:30 HRS: Return to Le Havre Quai Roger Meunier – Hotel – B&B

This unforgettable tour lasts approximately 10 hours and 30 minutes, but please bear in mind that traffic and weather conditions may slightly affect the length and route.

You’ll travel comfortably in a Mercedes Class V Max with six spacious leather seats and plenty of luggage space.

If your group consists of more than six people (up to 45), please don’t hesitate to ask me about creating a tailor-made tour to suit your needs.

• Expert guiding throughout the tour
• Private transport in our luxury vehicle
• Entrance fees for all attractions visited
• Complimentary light snacks and fresh water in the vehicle

You should bring around €50 in cash as there will be opportunities to purchase souvenirs at the Claude Monet House and Gardens. In addition, please allow approximately €25 per person for lunch and an extra amount if you wish to purchase a bottle of apple brandy from the distillery (approximately €20 per bottle).

Personal expenses, additional souvenirs, food, drinks and snacks over and above what is provided are not included.

Join me on this incredible journey, where we’ll discover the beauty of Giverny’s gardens and Monet’s artistic inspiration before delving into Rouen’s fascinating medieval history!

Flowers in Monet's Garden in Giverny, France.

The Baudy restaurant in Giverny, France.

Front of the Cathedral in Rouen, France.

Historical houses in Rouen, France.

Whether you’re an art lover, a gardening enthusiast or just long for a peaceful day in the countryside, Giverny is a blissful escape from Paris that’s too good to miss. Come and see it for yourself.

I wish you a wonderful visit to Claude Monet’s house and gardens.

For more tips on exploring Normandy, check out:

• The Best Beaches in Normandy, France
• Visit Mont Saint Michel: A Small UNESCO World Heritage Island in the Normandy, France

As far back as I can remember, I have always loved history and telling people about it and showing them the best places to eat, have fun and do things. I was born in Normandy, near Lisieux, and both my grandparents lived through the German occupation and both were in the French Resistance. This is where my passion for digging in the past really began. After school in Lisieux, I studied history and journalism at the Sorbonne in Paris. I have been a professional guide for three years now and I really love it! I know and love my region. I have lived here almost all my life and I have so much to show you. I have lived elsewhere, but I can tell you that "paradise" for me is "here" in the green pastures of Normandy.

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Day trip in Monet’s Garden and House in Giverny

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Half day trip Giverny Monet's Gardens Excursion at your leisure from Paris

Visit Claude Monet's house and the magnificent flower gardens that inspired his impressionist art at your own pace.

Half Day Trip Giverny Monet's Gardens Audio Guided Tour from Paris with transportation

Visit Giverny, Claude Monet's garden and home with an audio commentary tracing the life and works of this master of Impressionism.

Half Day Trip Guided Tour of Giverny Monet's Gardens from Paris with transportation

Visit the gardens of Giverny. Take your time as you amble along the exquisite flower beds and inside the house of Claude Monet.

Impressionist day trip at Giverny from Paris with transportation

Immerse yourself in the impressionist world of Claude Monet.

Discovery day at Giverny : Monet foundation and shopping at McArthurGlen center, with transportation from Paris

Combine in one day a visit to the Claude Monet Foundation with shopping at Villages des marques McArthurGlen Paris-Giverny

Audio Guided Tour of Giverny Monet's Gardens and the Palace of Versailles Day Trip (lunch and transportation included)

A guided day tour with two must-see destinations close to Paris. Discover the Gardens of Giverny, with free time to visit the studio and House of Claude Monet. Then head to the Palace of Versailles, with free time to stroll through the gardens. Stop for lunch at Moulin de Fourges or Bistrot du Moulin.

All day trip guided tour Giverny Monet's Gardens and Palace of Versailles from Paris with skip-the-line access (lunch and transportation included)

A guided day tour with two must-see destinations close to Paris. Discover the Gardens of Giverny, with free time to visit the studio and House of Claude Monet. Then head to the Palace of Versailles, with free time to stroll through the gardens. Stop for lunch at Moulin de Fourges.

Guided Tour of Giverny and Versailles in small group (1-15) with Skip-the-Line Access Day Trip from Paris (Lunch and transportation included)

In a small group or private tour, go and discover Versailles and Giverny. The Monet Foundation with its magnificent gardens, his house, and the picturesque Norman village of Giverny. And the majestic Palace of Versailles.

Giverny tours from Paris : Guided tours of Claude Monet garden and house

Portrait and landscape painter Claude Monet founded the painting style known as Impressionism -- a French pictorial movement that would mark a turning point in the history of painting during the 19th century -- along with Pierre-Auguste Renoir and Alfred Sisley. With Monet, everything changed; the use of colors, light, and subjects.

Guided visit of Giverny Monet

The French region of Normandy in the Eure territory would become one of his main sources of inspiration, most notably the town of Giverny , near Vernon, situated in the Parisian region near Barbizon and Auvers-Sur-Oise. Monet lived in Giverny for 43 long years (1883-1926) in a charming home that is now a museum and a registered historical monument. In fact, Monet’s house and gardens welcome 500,000 visitors a year (we highly recommend choosing skip-the-line tickets for a free or guided tour ). Each visitor has the chance to personally discover the Impressionist master and his family in their romantic home superbly preserved and surrounded by trees and flowers, all of which appear to bathe in an impressionistic light. This house was truly one of the most faithful muses of the painter, to such an extent that one could speak of a real couple: Giverny Monet, or the story of a place and an artist who became truly inseparable.

At the Giverny residence, one can tour his workshop-living room and bedrooms as well as admire his furniture, famous collection of Japanese prints (another source of inspiration for Monet), and a plethora of colors. Outside, the water garden lures you into an aesthetic universe overflowing with different flowers  chosen by Monet -- wisteria, azalea, rose and peony to name just a few. There’s also a pond , a Japanese bridge , weeping willows and of course, the water lilies immortalized in his paintings and in the series, Water Lilies or Les Nymphéas, which became one of Claude Monet's most famous paintings (even though he was nearly blind!) and which is now housed at the Orangery Museum in Paris. Monet's works of art are at the source of Impressionism.

Monet was buried at the Giverny Cemetery in 1926. In homage to Monet, a yellow and red rose that bears his name was made. The home and gardens of Monet in Giverny are like a veritable, living painting in which one can wander at leisure, a natural masterpiece saved from destruction thanks to American patrons and donors.

Visit Giverny with Monet

Paris City Vision offers an excursion to the Claude Monet Foundation (84, rue Claude Monet, 27620 Giverny) that houses the home, workshop, and gardens of Monet. You can also discover the Giverny Museum of Impressionism . Order your skip-the-line tickets on our website and save time during your guided or self-guided tour of the Giverny Museum and its gardens.

The Foundation is open every day from April 1 to November 1, 9:30 am to 6 p.m. Book your Giverny skip-the-line tickets online with Paris City Vision and save time!

But if the village Giverny owes a lot to painters, it also deserves to be visited for its many other qualities. The landscapes that have conquered nineteenth and twentieth-century artists continue to amaze visitors today. The hillsides of Giverny offer striking views of the surrounding northern countryside, between woods, glades, and fields, and walk through several marked trails. You will discover sometimes, leaving the canopy of the trees, the point of view chosen formerly by Monet or one of his colleagues to testify the beauty and the light of Giverny.

Prepare your visit

The 7 Best Giverny & Monet’s Garden Tours From Paris [2024 Reviews]

If you’re in the picturesque capital of Paris, do yourself a favor and take a trip to the magical realm of Giverny and Monet’s Garden.

Picture this: a tranquil oasis nestled in the heart of the French countryside, where vibrant colors dance upon canvas and nature weaves its brushstrokes. To truly understand the genius of the great impressionist painter Claude Monet to its fullest, you have to take a guided tour.

You’ll not only witness the very landscapes and home that stirred his soul and sparked the strokes of artistic brilliance, unveiling the world through the eyes of a genius and beauty around every corner.

Immerse yourself in the delicate balance of light, color, and nature as expert guides unveil the secrets behind Monet’s masterpieces, as well as the artist, as a person.

Be sure to see our reviews of Day Trips to Normandy , Louvre Guided Tours and Paris Catacombs Tours .

Best Giverny & Monet’s Garden Tours

Quick answer: the 7 best rated tours of giverny & monet’s garden for 2024.

• Giverny and Versailles Palace Guided Day Trip From Paris
• Small-Group Giverny and Van Gogh’s Room in Auvers from Paris
• Gardens & House with Art Historian: Private Giverny Tour from Paris
• Guided Day Trip to Monet’s Garden in Giverny From Paris
• Giverny Monet’s House & Versailles Palace Private Day Trip from Paris
• Giverny Half-Day Trip small group from Paris with Monet’s Gardens & Gravesite
• Giverny’s House & Gardens plus Versailles Palace Day Trip with Lunch from Paris

Giverny & Monet’s Garden Tour Reviews

1. giverny and versailles palace guided day trip from paris.

• Duration:  10 hours
• Departure:  Main entrance of Architecture Museum in Place du Trocadero
• Departure Time: 8:00 AM
• Includes: Guide, Round-trip transportation from Paris by comfortable air-conditioned coach,  Skip-the-line entrance to the Château de Versailles and its gardens,  Entrance ticket to Monet’s house and gardens,  Headsets 

Take a break from the hustle and bustle of the French capital and experience two of the most beautiful places in the world, with one of the most comprehensive tours available.

This guided tour of Monet’s Giverny estate and the opulent Palace of Versailles is the most convenient way to see these two powerful landmarks, complete with a skip-the-line entrance to the Château and its garden.

This day tour from Paris promises to whisk you away from the city streets into a world of elegance and natural splendor, where water lilies float and gold glitters.

Our adventure starts off with a rendezvous at the entrance of the Architecture museum, where a spacious coach awaits to bring us to the first stop on our artistic pilgrimage. The Monet Foundation is the first stop, which offers a glimpse into the world that inspired the great Claude Monet.

Stroll along the lily pad pond, where water lilies gracefully float, mirroring the artist’s masterpieces. It’s pretty cool the first time you’re here if you’ve seen his work, as you’ll instantly recognize the pond, green bridge, and even get to see the interior of his home.

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After a leisurely break in town consisting of a tasty local lunch, you’ll then hop back on the coach for a short cruise over to the Palace of Versailles, which is truly impressive.

The mere sight of this majestic marvel evokes a sense of awe and thanks to the skip the line tickets, you’ll get to head right in to see it all.

Follow your knowledgeable guide through the hallowed halls where history was shaped and lavish soirées took place, traversing the private royal chambers, allowing the opulence to envelop your senses.

Seeing the meticulously manicured gardens is truly serene and honestly one of my favorite parts of the tour, offering respite from the grandeur within.

The singing fountains had a big impact on me, and seeing just how enormous these gardens were really was hard to wrap my mind around! Take in the sights during a short tour, and then savor the freedom to wander at your leisure.

It will depend on the day, but towards the end of your tour you’ll either get to witness the mesmerizing Fountain Show or revel in the enchanting Musical Gardens, where harmonies intertwine with nature’s grand spectacle.

In my opinion, you can’t go without seeing either one of these amazing places, no matter what your interests or background are. Anyone from history and art buffs to children will fall in love with these special locations.

More Information & Tour Booking

100% refund for cancellations within 24 hours of tour experience, other experiences you may enjoy:, 2. small-group giverny and van gogh’s room in auvers from paris.

• Duration: 10 hours
• Departure:  6 Avenue de Wagram, 75008 Paris, outside the café La Flamme
• Includes:  Entrance to Monet’s Garden, tomb, Giverny, Van Gogh Room and tomb, Auvers-Sur-Oise village, transport, entrance fees

Prepare to be transported into the captivating realms of two artistic titans on this next tour: the Small-Group Giverny and Van Gogh’s Room in Auvers from Paris .

As you set off on a journey through time and emotion, you’ll get to dive into the unparalleled beauty of Claude Monet’s Clos Normand and Japanese Water gardens in Giverny. If you’re into art, history, or beautiful landscapes in any way, consider this tour a must-do!

You’ll first start off by meeting your guide and the rest of your group in central Paris, hopping on a comfortable coach and heading off to the countryside. Along the way, our guide filled us in with interesting anecdotes and facts about the environment and architecture we passed, which only added to the fun.

However, nothing compares to the ethereal landscapes you’re about to experience upon arrival to Monet’s abode!

It’s wild to step into the real-life scenes that inspired this artistic maestro, making it feel like you, yourself, have become a living brushstroke in one of his many Impressionist masterpieces!

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Check out the swaying willow trees, the iconic green bridge, the pond, and even head inside his home where you’ll get a rare glimpse into the world where the artist lived and worked.

Then, head on over to the charming town of Auvers-Sur-Oise, where you’ll learn all about the profound artistry and tormented soul that is Vincent Van Gogh.

The essence of the town and its surroundings served as a significant Van Gogh muse, inspiring a whopping 77 of his artworks! You’ll get to see the gothic splendor of the “Church of Auvers” which you may recognize from one of Van Gogh’s most famous classic post-impressionist oil paintings.

However, even if you don’t, it’s still quite the sight to see for anyone who appreciates magnificent architecture and history. See the artist’s final resting place and hear all about his life and art from your knowledgeable guide, creating a well-rounded experience that anyone is sure to appreciate.

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3. gardens & house with art historian: private giverny tour from paris.

• Duration:  5 hours
• Departure:  84 Rue Claude Monet, 27620 Giverny or hotel pickup available
• Departure Time: 8:00 AM or 1:30 PM
• Includes:  Private transportation, Air-conditioned vehicle, Skip the Line ticket to the house of Claude Monet, Licensed Professional and Passioned Art Historian Guide, VIP Services, All Fees and Taxes

Are you interested in seeing Giverny and Monet’s garden but don’t just want a run-of-the-mill experience? Perhaps you’re looking for a private, VIP experience where only you and your party are involved in the tour?

If that sounds like something you’d be interested in, one of the best options out there is the Gardens & House with Art Historian: Private Giverny Tour from Paris ! Large group tours definitely aren’t for everyone, as oftentimes there are just so many people, you just become another head in the crowd.

However, with this tour you’ll really get to have an intimate tour with a personalized itinerary based around exactly what you and your party are interested in, and nothing you aren’t.

Start off by being picked up at a central meeting point with comfortable, air-conditioned transportation with plenty of comfortable seating and prime viewing. Monet’s House is the first stop on your tour, which is honestly a site to see, both inside and out.

It’s very traditionally French, and is a great opportunity to gain some insight into how the artist’s daily life happened in the blue sitting room, dining room, studio, and more.

We can’t forget his fairytale-like garden, complete with the Japanese bridge and lily ponds which inspired one of his most famous artworks: the Nymphéas.

After seeing the Clos Normand – Foundation Claude Monet, you’ll have a lot of free time to explore the incredible village of Giverny. Giverny is one of the most charming places I’ve had the pleasure of seeing, complete with flowered homes, art galleries, quaint cafes, and the famously rose-hued Hotel Baudy!

If you were an American Impressionist back in the day, these were your stomping grounds.

4. Guided Day Trip to Monet’s Garden in Giverny From Paris

• Duration:  5 hours
• Departure:  Outside La Flamme in Paris
• Departure Time: 2:00 PM
• Includes:  Entry to gardens, Monet’s House, tour guide for garden, transport by minibus

If you’d like to escape from the business of Paris into a serene world of beauty and genius, look no further than the Guided Day Trip to Monet’s Garden in Giverny from Paris !

It’s also perfect if you don’t want to commit to a full-day tour, but are still very interested in experiencing the majesty of Mnoet’s Garden and the village of Giverny! If you’re looking for inspiration in your life, this is certainly one experience you want to sign up for.

Lasting 5 hours and starting in the morning, it’s perfect if you have dinner or other plans at night as you’ll be back well before then.

Start off the tour by meeting your guide and the rest of our party outside La Flamme cafe in Paris, which is located conveniently for the vast majority of travelers. Then head off in your air-conditioned vehicle until you arrive to the magical paradise that is Monet’s Garden and home.

As you enter Monet’s garden in Giverny, you’re transported into a pool of immense beauty, seeing the Japanese water gardens complete with the famous lily ponds and bridge depicted in the artist’s famous works.

No matter where you stroll here, you’ll smell the delicate fragrance of an array of gorgeous flowers, that make the experience just that much more fairytale-like.

Inside his home, you’ll get to see the intimate spaces where the artist lived and worked, and you’ll see how the rooms’ vibrant colors and furniture reflected Monet’s artistic aesthetic.

You’ll then head over to see the artist’s tomb, which offers a moment of reflection after seeing his amazing work and the place he spent so much of his life.

Located right near his beloved gardens, this tribute is a serene and tranquil place where many pay their respects to the man who forever changed the world with his revolutionary talent and techniques. If you’re a Monet fan or even just know of his name, this is one of the most immersive opportunities to learn more.

5. Giverny Monet’s House & Versailles Palace Private Day Trip from Paris

• Duration:  9 hours
• Departure:  Hotel pickup and drop-off available
• Includes: Private Tour Exclusive services Licensed Professional Driver Guide, Transport by air-conditioned minibus Skip-the-Line access & Priority admission, Guided visit: Monet’s house and gardens & Versailles’s palace and gardens

This next tour is one of the most complete of its kind out there, offering you a fantastically immersive experience you’re sure to love!

For me, both Monet’s house and the Palace of Versailles are must-see sites that will open your eyes to the artistry and grandeur throughout French history. The Giverny Monet’s House & Versailles Palace Private Day Trip from Paris is simply magical, offering a history lesson that you’ll never be able to find in a classroom.

One of the things I love about this tour is how organized it is, making sure that there’s more than enough time for everything. You’ll start out by being picked up at your hotel at 8:00 am, which means that you don’t have to deal with heading to a meet-up point or paying for extra transportation.

Your transport for the day is a comfortable, air-conditioned minibus that allows for enough legroom and unobstructed views of the French countryside.

Upon arrival at the charming Giverny, you’ll make your way over to the house and gardens of Claude Monet, which is a pilgrimage so many Impressionism fans make every day.

Wander at your leisure through the romantic water garden, where you’ll see the famous Japanese bridge, wisterias, water-lily pond, weeping willows, and irises that create a real-life work of art.

Head over to Monet’s home located right next to the garden, where you’ll get to tour through the drawing room, bedroom, study, and kitchen to see what family and art life was like for him.

Then, head over to the immense Palace of Versailles, which is an architectural marvel and one of the biggest castles in the world.

Standing as a testament to the French artistry of the 17th century, you’ll be blown away by the opulent Hall of Mirrors, Marie Antoinette’s apartments, gilded bronze sculptures, and so much more.

The grandeur isn’t contained just within the palace’s walls though, as you’ll see with the meticulously-designed gardens and the world’s largest open-air museum.

6. Giverny Half-Day Trip small group from Paris with Monet’s Gardens & Gravesite

• Duration:  4.5 hours
• Departure:  6 Av. de Wagram, 75008 Paris
• Departure Time: 8:00 AM or 2:00 PM
• Includes:  Small group tour, expert guide, chauffeur, transport by air-conditioned minivan, priority entrance to Claude Monet Estate

If you have a tight schedule but really want to see Monet’s gardens and Giverny, I can’t recommend any tour more than this one.

The Giverny Half-Day Trip Small Group from Paris with Monet’s Gardens & Gravesite  is easily one of the most breathtaking experiences one can have in France, and at an incredibly affordable cost.

Thanks to their great organization, professionalism, and vast knowledge, we were able to have an experience not many get the opportunity to.

Start out by meeting your guide in central Paris, where you and the rest of your small group will hop on an air-conditioned minivan and drive out to Giverny. Your tour will start sometime in the morning, so if you’re still feeling sleepy you can just sleep on the minivan.

The route is very smooth, so even if you don’t plan on getting some zzz’s you may drift off before arriving at the village (don’t worry, you won’t miss much).

Upon arrival to Giverny, you’ll benefit from having priority entrance so you’ll skip right past the long entrance queues and head straight to the magnificent gardens.

Here you’ll have at least 30 minutes to stroll around and explore the place that so obviously inspired hundreds of Monet’s works.

You’ll see that there are 2 different gardens at Monet’s home: the Clos Normand boasts literally hundreds of flowers, creating a symphony of beautiful colors. At Fondation Claude Monet, you’ll see the famous waterlily pond, bridge, and the home where the artist lived for over 4 decades and raised 8 children.

The gift shop is located inside the home, and is actually filled with some pretty cool, unique gifts, so don’t forget to stop here before you and your group head over to Monet’s final resting place.

I felt that this order of events was a great way to honor his life, ending with a visit to his tomb which is tucked away in a little countryside church’s graveyard. The guide did a great job of explaining facts about his art and life, offering interesting stories that I’d never heard before.

7. Giverny’s House & Gardens plus Versailles Palace Day Trip with Lunch from Paris

• Departure:  41 Av. de la Bourdonnais, 75007 Paris
• Departure Time:  8:15 AM
• Includes:  Guided tour in English inside Palace of Versailles, lunch with drinks, small-group tour, skip-the-line tickets

Prepare to set off on a wild journey that will start out in the enchanting gardens of the genius, Claude Monet, to the gilded palace of Versailles. If you have any interest at all in French culture, history, or art, this is a tour you simply can’t pass up.

The Giverny’s House & Gardens plus Versailles Palace Day Trip with Lunch from Paris Tour  allows you to dive headfirst into a day of artistic and historical exploration.

Start out by meeting your guide and the rest of your group at a location close to the Eiffel Tower, making it easy to find in the morning. You and your group will board an air-conditioned minibus around 8:00 am, and head out to the serene countryside.

Upon arrival in Giverny, you’ll make your way to the former home of the Impressionist maestro, Claude Monet. Take some time to explore the vibrant flowers, serene lily ponds, and take some photos on the iconic Japanese-style green bridge, feeling the spirit of Monet all around you.

 It really is as close as you could possibly get to stepping into one of Monet’s paintings.

After checking out his former home and gardens, you’ll then fuel up at the “Moulin de Fourges” restaurant, which is a 200-year-old mill tucked along the banks of the Epte River.

Then, make your way to Versailles: one of the most magnificent palaces in the world that once was home to the Sun King himself, Louis XIV.

Here, you’ll venture through a guided tour with an expert on the location, seeing King Louis XIV’s opulent suite, the Hall of Mirrors, and of course, the “A la Française” gardens!

Depending on the time of year, you’ll either get to enjoy a mesmerizing Musical Fountain Show, or have some extra time to walk around at your own leisure.

FAQs About Giverny Tours

How far is giverny from paris.

Giverny is located about 75 km (47 miles) northwest of Paris, in the Normandy region. It’s about an hour and a half drive by car or train.

How can I get to Giverny from Paris?

There are several ways to get to Giverny from Paris. You can drive, take a train or bus, or our recommended way is to take a guided tour. Driving gives you flexibility but you will need to rent a car and pay for gas, tolls and parking. Taking a train is cheaper and faster, but you will need to transfer at Vernon and take a shuttle bus or a taxi to Giverny.

Taking a bus is convenient and affordable, but it takes longer and has limited schedules. Joining a guided tour is the easiest and most comfortable option, as you will have transportation, tickets, and a guide included.

What are the opening hours of Monet’s house and gardens?

Monet’s house and gardens are open every day from March 22nd to November 1st. They are closed from November 2nd to March 21st.

How much does it cost to visit Monet’s house and gardens?

The entrance fee to Monet’s house and gardens is $13 for adults, $10 for students and seniors, and free for children under 7 years old.

What is the advantage of taking a guided tour of Giverny?

By taking a guided tour of Giverny you will learn about Monet’s life and art. You will also get the history and culture of the village. You will have a professional and friendly guide who will show you around Monet’s house and gardens, as well as other attractions in Giverny, such as the Impressionism Museum, the Church of Sainte-Radegonde, or the Hotel Baudy. You will also have priority access to skip the long lines at the entrance and save time.

How can I book a Giverny France tour?

Booking a Giverny France tour is easy, there are several websites like GetYourGuide.com or Viator.com you can buy tickets.

5 Reasons You Should Go To Giverny

Visit monet’s house and gardens.

The main attraction of Giverny is Monet’s house and gardens, where you can see the places that inspired some of his most famous paintings. You can explore his colorful and cozy home, where he lived and worked for 43 years. You can also admire his stunning gardens, full of flowers, trees, ponds, and bridges. Don’t miss the water lily pond, where he painted his iconic series of water lilies.

Learn about Monet’s life and art

A tour of Giverny will not only show you Monet’s house and gardens, but also teach you about his life and art. You will have a professional and passionate guide who will tell you stories and facts about Monet’s personal and professional life, his family, his friends, his travels, and his influences.

Enjoy the scenic countryside

Giverny is located in the heart of the Normandy countryside, surrounded by green hills, fields, forests, and rivers. A tour of Giverny will let you enjoy the scenic beauty of this region, as you drive or bike along the winding roads and paths. You will also have the chance to stop at some of the picturesque villages and towns along the way, such as Vernon, La Roche-Guyon, or Les Andelys.

Taste the local cuisine

A tour of Giverny will give you the opportunity to sample some of the delicious dishes and specialties of Normandy, such as cheese, cider, apple tart, crepes, or duck. You can also visit some of the charming cafes and restaurants in Giverny, such as Le Jardin des Plumes, La Musardière, or Le Coin des Artistes.

Combine it with other attractions

A tour of Giverny can also be combined with other attractions in Normandy or nearby regions. Visit the city of Rouen, where Joan of Arc was burned at the stake. Mont Saint-Michel is an amazing cathedral that is definitely worth a visit.  And of course the beautiful Loire Valley, where you can see some stunning castles and chateaus.

Tour Guides

The Giverny and Versailles Palace Guided Day Trip is our Editors Choice for the best Giverny tour from Paris

Krysha Thayer

Related articles, the 5 best stonehenge tours from london [2024 reviews], the 5 best wine tours from florence [2024 reviews], the 7 best vatican tours ⛪ [2024 reviews], the 5 best seine river dinner cruises [2024 reviews].

How to Visit Monet’s Gardens on A Day Trip from Giverny to Paris

By: Author Tiana Thompson

Posted on Last updated: June 9, 2023

Categories Day trips from Paris , France , Paris

Home » How to Visit Monet’s Gardens on A Day Trip from Giverny to Paris

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Let’s escape the French capital and make a day trip to Giverny, one of the most beautiful places in France.

In just an hour and a half from Paris you will arrive at this small village located northwest of the City of Light. This hidden gem is famous for being Claude Monet’s home and the inspiration for many of his iconic paintings.

A day trip to Giverny from Paris is the perfect opportunity to explore the home of the Impressionist painter, visit his beautiful gardens and enjoy a day in the French countryside.

And best of all – for day trippers, getting to Giverny is easy!

Unlike a day trip to London from Paris or a trip to the Champagne region of France , day-tripping to Giverny from Paris is a breeze. There are several transportation options from the French capital, including public transportation and private day tours.

In this post, we’ll cover everything you need to know about day trips from Paris to Giverny – how to get there, things to do in the village, and why it’s one of my favorite day trips from Paris .

This 10-page Paris travel guide includes all the best foods to eat in Paris, where to eat, the top things to do and see in Paris, including day trips, scenic tours, museums, attractions, and more. Find out the best (and worst) places to stay in Paris, including my top picks for hotels in each area. Links in this PDF are clickable so you can book your tours and hotels directly!

In this post, you'll find...

Where is Giverny?

Giverny is a village in the region of Normandy, located in the northwest of France, approximately 80km (50 miles) from Paris.

It is most famously known as the home of Impressionist painter Claude Monet who depicted its picturesque landscape in many of his works.

Is Giverny worth visiting?

Yes, Giverny is definitely worth visiting!

Not only can you explore the beautiful French countryside while traveling there from Paris, but once you arrive in Giverny, you have the opportunity to step into Monet’s world and stroll through his stunning gardens.

There are many things to do in Giverny including admiring the exquisite Water Lilies in Monet’s water garden, exploring the museum of Impressionism, and admiring the colorful flower beds.

You can also spend some time strolling around the village to admire its 11th-century church and visit art galleries featuring many of Monet’s famous works.

Monet’s Garden and House in Giverny

Monet’s house and gardens are the main attractions of Giverny. Monet lived in this house for 43 years, from 1883 until his death in 1926.

It was here that he created some of his most famous paintings.

Artworks like the Japanese Bridge, Water Lilies, and Haystacks were inspired by the house and gardens of Monet’s Giverny.

The house is full of vibrant colors, giving you a glimpse into the Impressionist painter’s life. You can explore Monet’s ground floor as well as the first floor and admire his art collection, including Japanese prints from his travels to Japan.

The house has been perfectly preserved, giving visitors a truly authentic experience.

When you visit the gardens of Giverny, you will be surrounded by a variety of colorful flowers and plants that inspired Monet’s works. The grounds include a large water garden with an orchard, a vegetable garden, and a pond full of beautiful water lilies.

The Clos Normand flower garden is particularly impressive, with its bright flower beds and trees.

Best Time to Visit Giverny

The best time to visit Giverny is from April to October , as this is when the gardens are in full bloom .

During the summer months, Giverny can be very busy and it is recommended to book a private tour or visit in the early morning before crowds arrive.

How to get to Giverny from Paris

There are several options for getting to Giverny from Paris: car, train , or private day trips .

Paris to Giverny day trip by car

Giverny is only about an hour and a half drive outside of Paris, so taking a day trip by car is a great option. You can either rent a car for the day or book a private tour that includes transport from Paris to Giverny.

Paris to Giverny by train + bus

The best way to get there is by taking the direct train from Paris to Vernon-Giverny. This is also the most convenient and affordable way of getting to Giverny from Paris . You can buy tickets on Omio or online via the official SNCF website.

Once you arrive at the station, you can take a shuttle bus to Monet’s home and gardens. The shuttle ride takes about 10 minutes and it is 5 euros for a one-way ticket. You can find the shuttle schedule and more information here .

Related: 8 Easy Day Trips from Paris (to other countries in Europe)

Book a Paris to Giverny tour

You can also take an air-conditioned coach day trip from Paris to Giverny, which includes a guided tour of the house and gardens.

There are a few different day tour operators offering day trips from Paris to Giverny and this is a great option for those who don’t have much time or would like to avoid the hassle of public transportation.

This half-day Giverny tour from Paris will give you all the insider knowledge about this beautiful place and, of course, plenty of opportunities to take fantastic photos.

You’ll be picked up from the center of Paris and transported in an air-conditioned van to Monet’s home and gardens, where you can enjoy the peaceful atmosphere of this idyllic spot. Your expert guide will show you the highlights and tell you all about Monet’s life and the history of Giverny.

For a more personalized experience, you can book a private day trip with a driver-guide who will pick you up at your hotel in Paris and take you directly to Giverny.

And if you’re feeling sporty, you can even take a bike tour of Monet’s Gardens.

Things to do in Giverny

When you arrive in Giverny, the first stop is a visit to the Fondation Claude Monet (Monet Foundation) where you can explore this artist’s house, garden, and dining room. Here you will be able to see some of Monet’s famous works, including his water lily paintings.

The day trip also includes a visit to the Clos Normand flower garden and its colorful flower beds, full of roses, irises, and other blooms.

Other highlights include a visit to the Japanese bridge over the water lily pond and a wander around the village of Giverny.

Visit Monet’s House and Workshop

The star of the show in Giverny is Monet’s house and workshop.

You can explore the ground floor as well as the first floor, where you can admire his art collection, including Japanese prints from his travels to Japan. Have a seat in Monet’s “Blue Room” and take in the peaceful atmosphere of his home.

You can also see Monet’s paint palette and some of his personal belongings, such as the straw hat that he would wear while painting in his garden.

Step into Monet’s Garden

The gardens of Giverny are truly breathtaking.

This large water garden is complete with an orchard, a vegetable garden, and a pond full of beautiful water lilies. The Clos Normand flower garden is particularly impressive, with its bright flower beds and trees.

Stroll through the daylily tunnel and you’ll be amazed by Monet’s favorite flowers in vivid colors. As you walk around the gardens, take your time to admire their beauty and imagine Monet as he wandered through the gardens, capturing their beauty with his brush.

This place is seriously like something straight out of a painting!

Visit Monet’s Water Lily Pond

Monet’s Water Lily Pond is one of his most famous works and a must-see for any visitor to Giverny. It’s the perfect spot to admire Monet’s impressionistic style and his use of light, color, and atmosphere.

This water lily pond is what inspired some of his most iconic paintings and its beauty will leave you speechless.

No day trip to Giverny is complete without a visit to this magical spot. Admiring the beautiful reflections on the water and taking in all the vibrant colors of the flower beds was one of my favorite things to do on my visit here.

It’s a great spot to just enjoy the peaceful atmosphere of Monet’s home and gardens.

Other Giverny attractions

In addition to all this, there are plenty of other sights worth seeing in Giverny such as the Church of Saint-Rémi , the Museum of Impressionism , and the charming town center.

If you have time after your day trip, you can even stay the night in one of the local hotels and enjoy a peaceful stroll through the town center.

Thanks for reading!

Thanks for reading my guide to the perfect day trip to Giverny from Paris.

Giverny is a must-visit day trip from Paris, no matter if you’re an art lover or simply looking for a peaceful day out in nature. The vibrant gardens full of colorful flowers and the tranquil atmosphere of Monet’s house and workshop offer a truly unique experience and provide a nice escape from Paris.

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Hi, I’m Tiana – founder of and author here at Where Tiana Travels. I’m a 20-something with a love for all things travel, photography, and food. I have been living abroad for the past 5 years and solo traveling the globe in my free time. I created this blog to share my travel stories and inspire other women to go out and see the world. Read more about me here!

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8 Easy Day Trips from Paris (to other countries in Europe) | Where Tiana Travels

Friday 17th of March 2023

[…] day trips from Paris include trips to Monet’s House in Giverny, the Palace of Versailles, or a day trip tour of the Champagne region of France. But you can easily […]

Day Trip to Giverny from Paris – Everything you Should Know

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Planning a day trip to Giverny from Paris ? Giverny is an understandably popular place to visit near Paris. Find out how to experience the best of Giverny with this complete guide, including:

What are the best things to do and places to visit in Giverny?

Should you visit giverny on your own or book a guided tour, how can you book a giverny guided tour from paris in advance, are there any combined tours including giverny and other attractions, how to get to giverny from paris, how long does it take to get to giverny from paris how long should you spend there, what is the best time to visit giverny how can you avoid the crowd.

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Only about 90 minutes outside of Paris lies the beautiful village of Giverny, a village of multiple charms, full of history and legends, where beautiful nature and fantastic architecture abounds.

Once home to the iconic Impressionist painter, Claude Monet, the village of Giverny was the inspiration for many of his most well known works of beautiful scenes of natural landscapes, and a trip to the area is an invaluable opportunity to see his work brought to life.

Don’t feel like reading ahead? Click on the following link to book a day trip to Giverny from Paris right now.

Just a short distance away from Paris, a day trip to Giverny provides the perfect escape from the busy pace of city life, surrounded by the tranquil natural charms of the village, and the beautiful gardens and fields around it. Most importantly, as the home of Claude Monet, the village is rich with Impressionist treasures, and provides the perfect place to see both the beautiful natural landscapes that inspired many Impressionists, as well as the chance to learn more about the artists that formed this movement. Some of Giverny’s attractions include:

• Fondation Claude Monet: Claude Monet’s home and gardens provide a fascinating insight into the life and work of the artist. Inside his home, you can explore various rooms, each painted a distinctive colour, reflecting the artist’s love of beautiful shades, as well as the chance to see his collection of Japanese prints. You can also visit his studio, where many of his works were stored during his working career. In the garden, it’s worth taking time to explore the rich variety of flowers, including tulips, roses, poppies and more, as well as the enchanting water gardens, filled with water lilies, that inspired Monet’s most well known works.
• Museum of Impressionism: Giverny was home to many other artists through the 19 th century, attracted by the rise in Impressionist art techniques, and features regular exhibitions by artists influenced by Monet’s work, as well as hosting events and activities.
• Saint-Radegonde Church: This lovely church is the resting place for Claude Monet, but it’s worth visiting for its captivating charm in itself. Dating back to the 11 th century, the church is rich with history.
• The hills of Giverny: beyond the cluster of galleries and gardens, you will find marked walking trails around the fields and hills of Giverny, including the Green Lizard Path, and Anklebone. Both routes take you across the vivid spectrum of colour across the village landscape, including vast fields of wildflowers and lush foliage.
• Vernon: If you are travelling to Giverny through Vernon, spend a little time in Vernon before you leave. Here, you will find historic churches dating to the 11 th century, the remains of an ancient castle and dungeon, and the old mill on the river Seine.

Depending on your budget, time and interest, you may choose to visit Giverny on your own or opt for an all-inclusive guided tour. Before taking a decision, you should know what you will benefit from a guided tour.

Save valuable time : Working out a day trip to Giverny on your own can become a time consuming affair, but a guided tour takes care of all the practical details, such as transport and where to meet your group. You can simply enjoy the experience of seeing the best of the village, without any worries. Why would you spend your precious holiday time finding the right public transport as well as finding the best place to have lunch and buy entrance tickets?

Stress-free planning : A guided tour to Giverny can be a much more enjoyable way to visit, as it will help you avoid busy crowds and long lines to get into attractions or features around the village. Instead, your guide will have already organised entry into the major sights around Giverny, and you will be able to go straight in, without having to wait. You shouldn’t have to go through the stress of organizing your tour on a holiday.

Get better value during your visit : guided tours are curated and designed by locals with the support of tourism offices. A guided tour will often include a number of attractions in one, providing a much better value experience overall. You will often have an expert guide to show you around and give you more insight into the beautiful sights around the village, and help you have a more rewarding experience.

To make the most of your trip to Giverny, it’s a good idea to book an all-inclusive guided tour beforehand.

Do you prefer to travel by train? Do you want to enjoy a bike tour while visiting Giverny? You are time limited and rather book a half day tour? Well, there are a lot of options available. You can find many packages through travel websites such as Getyourguide and Viator. We strongly recommend you to compare all the different guided tours so you can make sure to book the day trip to Giverny from Paris that suits best your needs. 

• Compare Giverny day trips from Paris

Booking a combined ticket when you are planning a day trip to Giverny is a great way to choose the best value experience, by combining your day out with another nearby attraction. Combined tickets can help you save both time and money, and ensure you get to see more fantastic sights for a more affordable price. Try some of these great combined tickets when you are planning a day trip to Giverny:

• Giverny + Versailles Palace day trip : visit the beautiful home of Impressionist art, before exploring the nearby splendour of Versailles with a wonderful day long trip.
• Giverny + Auvers-sur-Oise day trip : discover the important locations of two of the most renowned European artists, from Claude Monet’s breathtaking gardens and ponds in Giverny, to Vincent Van Gogh’s final home.
• Giverny + Rouen day trip : start your day by a visit of Giverny and then explore with your guide the capital of the northern French region of Normandy.

Giverny is a small village located 80 kilometers West from Paris in the region of Normandy, and more precisely 4 kilometres East from the town of Vernon.

There are no direct public transportation to Giverny. You can either get to Giverny by car or take a train to the nearby station of Vernon.

By road : take the highway A13 towards Rouen for about 55 kilometers and take the exit 14 (Bonnières) or exit 16 (Douains). Then follow the road signs Vernon and then Giverny. It takes around 1h30 by car to reach Giverny from Paris. Fortunately parking is free in Giverny. 

By train : The Vernon train station is situated on the train line Paris/Rouen/Le Havre. Trains depart from Saint-Lazare Paris train station. Once you have reached Vernon train station, you may either cycle, use the bus shuttle, take a taxi, or simply walk to reach your final destination, Giverny.

Traveling by car from Paris to Giverny takes about 1h30 minutes. If you travel by train, count around 50 minutes to reach Vernon and an extra 15 mins to reach Giverny.

It’s worth spending at least 3 to 4 hours around Giverny, to make the most of the gardens and museum, and have enough time to take it all in. While the village of Giverny is not very large, there is also a restaurant in the village, that provides the perfect place to relax and soak up the village atmosphere at a more leisurely pace.

It’s best to visit Giverny between April and October, although different flowers will be in bloom at different times of the year, giving you a unique experience whenever you go. Monet’s gardens tend to be busiest during June, when it can be most crowded. If you are visiting during summer months, it’s best to go early in the morning, when it is least busy, or towards the end of the day. It’s also most busy during weekends, so if possible, time your visit for a weekday, to avoid busy crowds.

The Foundation of Claude Monet is closed during the winter months, between November to March, though you may still visit other sites around the village. Opening hours for the Foundation are 9:30 am to 6 pm, with last entry at 5:30 pm.

Day trip to Giverny from Paris – Travel tips

• If you are planning to drive to Giverny, parking is available at Monet’s Gardens. If you are travelling by train and bus, ensure that you have sufficient change for the bus, as you can only pay by cash.
• As the gardens and outdoors are the main feature of the village, it’s a good idea to check the weather report beforehand, to ensure you have the best experience.
• The walking trails around Giverny are a chance to explore the stunning landscape, and it’s a good idea to request a map beforehand to avoid getting lost. These can be found at the Tourism House.
• Book a day trip to Giverny from Paris

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The Best Giverny Day Trip From Paris (+ Orsay)

Published 16 April 2024 by  Leyla Alyanak  — Parisian by birth, Lyonnaise by adoption, historian by passion

Only have one day to immerse yourself in the work of Claude Monet? I was recently invited on a fabulous full-day impressionist tour that with an Orsay Museum visit in the morning, before the crowds, and Monet's house in Giverny in the afternoon. Here's an overview of that tour. ( Or you can book it yourself right here .)

One of the loveliest sights in Paris is hidden up in the hallowed halls of the Musée d’Orsay.

The Sacré-Coeur in Montmartre peeks out from behind one of the two giant clocks that look out on Paris.

As the light cascades through, it provides an “impression” of Paris, setting the scene for the Impressionists displayed just down the hall.

150 Years of Impressionism

The orsay museum: a prelude to monet’s garden, 1. saint-lazare station, 2. rouen cathedral series, 3. the luncheon on the grass, impressionism at orsay, paris to giverny, the house of claude monet, giverny: monet's living canvas, the clos normand, the water garden, monet's house, things you should know.

NOTE: Pages on this site may contain affiliate links, which bring in a small commission at no cost to you.

It was April 15, 1874, and Monet had submitted a painting he thought to be groundbreaking. The occasion was the Salon, the informal name of the French artist's annual exhibition, which could make or break an artist's career.

Monet had every reason to believe that his work would stir the Parisian art scene.

After all, who could overlook this luminous interplay of light and shadow?

Like his peers, Monet had probably spent the final evening wringing his hands, wondering whether his fresh approach to landscape painting would be embraced or rejected.

He was soon put out of his misery when art critic Louis Leroy dropped his verdict. 

"Impression, Sunrise," he scoffed. 

"Impression – I was certain of it. I was just telling myself that, since I was impressed, there must be some impression in it... Wallpaper in its embryonic state is more finished than that seascape." 

This sarcastic critique inadvertently named and launched what would become known as the Impressionist movement, one of the most beloved in the world of art.

If you’re a fan of Impressionism, you’ve certainly come across Claude Monet, one of its foundational figures.

Until then, most art had been traditional and classic, focusing on the precise, the historical or mythological. What you saw on a canvas wasn’t that different from what you might expect to see in real life.

But Impressionism broke away from these forms, focusing instead on the natural play of colors and light, and on capturing fleeting moments of everyday life, including its harsher realities. Monet prioritized spontaneity, visible brush strokes, and a vibrant palette, none of which were considered positive attributes at the time.

Like many impressionists, Money would focus on the outdoors. He would paint a scene over and over, at different times of the day or month or even year, hoping to capture its essence.

His home and garden in Giverny, where he lived and worked for over 40 years, are perhaps the clearest expressions of his art, with the gardens themselves designed as living canvases that he would eventually transform into some of his most famous works.

“Water Lilies”, anyone?

To visualize the evolution of Monet’s work, our tour began with an early-morning visit to the Musee d’Orsay, led around the fifth floor on a private tour by a passionate Parisian-born guide, Manuel, whose face lit up each time he spotted an innovative brush stroke.

“Get closer,” he told us. “What color do you see? Closer! Can you see the tiny spots of red? That’s what gives this painting texture!”

With each successive painting, he pushed us to discover what made Impressionism so popular and Monet’s work so enduring.

The Musée d'Orsay in central Paris houses a number of Claude Monet's most magnificent works, although they come and go, on loan to other museums or taken away for maintenance. Here are just a few of my favorites.

I've always loved this painting, so much so that a few Parisian visits ago, I made a special trip to the gare Saint-Lazare to look at it from Monet’s point of view (his eye was definitely better than mine).

Monet’s focus on modern urban themes was part of the impressionist movement's shift towards contemporary subjects. The use of steam and light reflections captures the energy of the industrial era, a novel approach at the time.

Monet painted the façade of Rouen Cathedral at different times of the day and year to capture varying light conditions, and a key pillar of impressionist painting is the study of light and its effects on color and structure. Each "version" shows subtle changes in color and detail, reflecting the transient nature of what we see.

This large piece is a joy of light and shadows and in a way sets up his transition from painting indoors to the open air, which would become a hallmark of impressionist technique.

Monet’s works at the Orsay Museum showcase his development as an artist and the evolution of his use of natural light and everyday subjects. 

But Monet isn’t the only impressionist here. During our private tour, Manuel pointed out the ballerinas of Edgar Degas, the broken brushstrokes of Pierre-Auguste Renoir, and the radical politics of Camille Pissarro. And plenty more. We even snuck in a few glimpses of post-impressionists Van Gogh, Gauguin and Toulouse-Lautrec.

This collection is crucial for understanding the impressionist movement's core themes – the interplay of light while painting outdoors (a revolutionary technique at the time), the central role of nature and its landscapes (as opposed to the classical themes that preceded them), changes in seasons, and the contrast between the city and the countryside, jumping from the bucolic to the reality of industrialization – and back.

This skip-the-line guided visit to France’s premier impressionist collection was one of the highlights of our tour. We were allowed in before the crowds, and soon they would start pouring in.

Had anyone told me I could learn something at the Orsay in just a couple of hours, I would have laughed. But by being selective, our guide was able to present some of these paintings in a way both beginners and art lovers could appreciate.

But if the tour is formally called  From Orsay to Giverny: Skip-the-Line Museum Tour & Exclusive Monet House Day Trip , it’s because the Orsay is only the opening act of this unforgettable day.

After a few subway stops, we find ourselves in Saint-Lazare, so don’t forget to look up at the ceiling to see if you can capture what Monet saw when he painted it.

Saint-Lazare had been modernized but it’s not my favorite Paris train station, since it’s the one in which I get lost most often. For once, though, I didn’t have to worry as Manuel was handling it all.

In Monet’s era, as he rode the train for a scenic journey from the capital, the French countryside would have revealed itself much sooner. Paris, however, has rapidly built out, and its dense architecture unfurls until, finally, it delivers you into the clutches of Normandy’s open, pastoral landscapes.

From Vernon-Giverny station, you’ll ride the “Petit Train”, or tourist train, to the gardens. There’s also a bus shuttle but it doesn’t always connect with the train.

We almost become impressionists ourselves during this open-air journey, leaving Vernon's shops and churches to enter a world of fields, hills and the banks of the Seine, much as impressionists did in their own search for nature.

After a 15-minute ride, we can begin to visit Giverny, whose gates are a short walk from the train. Monet’s house is relatively large, although not huge by today’s standards, considering the size of his household.

He was father of two sons from his first wife, Camille, but after her death, he married his second wife, Alice, who had six children of her own. As Manuel explained, Monet’s private life was anything but tranquil.

"He first met Alice when she was the wife of Ernest Hoschedé, a wealthy businessman," Manuel told us. Hoschedé was a patron of Monet (he was the first owner of Impression, Sunrise ) and they all ended up living under the same roof while Camille was still alive.

Monet and Alice, still married to Hoschedé, would get together – relationships within artistic circles were quite liberal – after Camille's death, and there are those who believe Alice's youngest son is none other than Monet's.

During the day, Monet would paint, often from dawn to dusk, chasing the ever elusive light and shadows of his garden. In the evenings, however, the house would welcome fellow impressionist painters, along with writers and intellectuals.  They would exchange ideas over long dinners flowing with conversations about art and beauty.

The Clos Normand is the part of the garden directly in front of Monet's house, his first sight of the day. 

The garden is filled with flowerbeds of tulips, irises, peonies, roses, some for spring, some for autumn, and crisscrossed by central alleys covered in climbing plants. When it comes to color, nature here seems to have been let loose, a bit like in his paintings.

After visiting the Clos Normand, find the small tunnel under a road, with a flight of stairs, and you’ll emerge near the water garden, which reflects Monet’s fascination with Japanese art.

Twice a day, as though rocked by a gentle wind, pond cleaners wield their nets, clearing away any debris that had the temerity to stray.

While it’s easy to imagine how Monet would have found the atmosphere contemplative, idyllic even, reality is a bit different, more one of crowds jostling to capture their best Instagram photograph. 

But back then, there were no crowds and these gardens were a perpetual source of inspiration. Monet created his surroundings just as he would a painting and by choosing the flowers as he did, he would ensure he would have something to paint, whatever the season.

This was his garden, his muse and canvas, his outdoor atelier, the genesis of the works you would have seen at the Orsay earlier in the day.

Monet was quite the character. According to Manuel, he even managed to get the River Epte – which once ran through his property – diverted so he could build his pond. 

We can glean a lot about his daily by visiting the house in which he lived  from 1883 until his death in 1926. It is remarkably preserved, and inside, you’ll find replicas of his artworks, along with his personal collection of Japanese prints. The rooms may reflect the period's typical rural Normandy style, but they do so mixed with a dash of the artist’s genius. 

After our look at his private apartments, we’ll have some free time to admire Monet’s home from the outside and give the stunning flower gardens of Giverny a final whirl if we so wish. I chose to stop at the gift shop and buy yet another book about Monet and the last years of his life...

Nothing is perfect, but awareness is half the battle. 

• If you come during the tourist season (which seems to no longer have a beginning and an end), you’ll find crowds. 
• My visit took place during the school holidays, and travel during holidays in France is particularly crowded. For a better experience, check schedules and try to avoid visiting at the same time as half of France’s schoolchildren.
• The Orsay is huge, and a few hours can't do it justice. But not everyone can spend days in Paris admiring art, so if all you have are a few hours and a love of Impressionism, a well-organized tour will save you a few precious hours by having someone else handle arrangements and guide you to the essentials.
• This is a long day, and most of it – except for the one-hour train ride to Giverny – will be spent standing, so wear appropriate shoes or sandals, bring a hat and sunscreen, and make sure you’re mentally prepared.
• Listen carefully to your guide’s instructions, whether inside Paris, on the train or at Giverny. Transport schedules in France can be erratic and if you miss your bus, you may miss your connecting train back into the city.
• My personal take on Giverny: entries should be timed, and the number of visitors limited. The property is too small to accommodate the hundreds, or possibly thousands, who visited the same day I did. Plenty of major sites in France have a scheduling system, which just requires a bit of planning – and provides greater enjoyment for all.
• I was relieved to have taken the tour, because handling all those long lines and transport changes would have been tricky within the time frame – I was glad someone else took care of it all for me, even though I’m French and speak the language fluently.
• Also, the presence of a guide in the Orsay itself was inestimable, as he pointed out particularities of paintings we would not have seen on our own.
• Bear in mind that lunch is not included but there IS a stop in a nearby boulangerie, where you can grab a sandwich and salad, which you’ll eat on the train.

Was Giverny worth it? Absolutely! Combined with the Orsay, this was one of the more beauty-filled days I've experienced.

While I was delighted to have someone take care of everything for me, you can absolutely do all this on your own, without a tour, but your organization and time would have to be impeccable – buying your various tickets to the Orsay and Giverny, getting yourself to the train station and onto the bus and back, and doing plenty of research beforehand to know what you are seeing.

However, I’d rather spend my day viewing art rather than searching for the right train track. Schedules are tight and you’ll be fighting everyone for your place in line. So if you’d rather leave it all to someone else, Or you can just leave it all to someone else .

This Giverny day trip from Paris ends with a return to the capital, and during the train ride, I have a thought that makes me smile.

What would Louis Leroy, the sarcastic critic, have said upon hearing that “Meules”, one of Monet’s haystack series, was auctioned off by Sotheby’s for more than US$ 110,000?

Impression, indeed!

Before you go…

To better understand Monet’s work around light and seasons, explore his series of 30 paintings of the western façade of  Rouen Cathedral , several of which are in the Orsay Museum.

Or if you’d rather push further, the train to Vernon continues to Rouen, where you’ll find plenty of impressionist paintings – it's called the capital of Impressionism  for a reason.

And if you cannot take a full day and must sadly give Giverny a miss, at least book a skip-the-line-ticket to the Orsay Museum and spend a couple of hours being guided around its highlights.

Did you enjoy this article? I'd love if you shared it!

Bonjour! I’m Leyla! I was born in Paris and now live in the bucolic mountain foothills of Eastern France between Lyon and Annecy. 

I'm rediscovering my own back yard after years of living abroad in Canada, Spain and Switzerland as a journalist and a diplomat － and I'm loving every minute.

Passionate about history and culture, I’ve created Offbeat France to seek out my country’s mysteries and legends, less-traveled destinations, along with plenty of food stops and many castles － I am French, after all!

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Normandie Lovers

To awaken your senses in Normandy - Claire et Manu’s Blog

How to get to Giverny from Paris: 8 best days trips (+ tips)

by Claire ROBINSON , Region Lovers | April 11, 2024 | no intrusive ads, no sponsored content, just some affiliate links - if you use them, we get a small commission (read more)

Want to discover the magic of Giverny ? A number of excursions will enable you to discover this not-to-be-missed spot in Normandy on the Impressionists’ route.

Claude Monet ‘s heavenly gardens , his famous house with pink rendering and green shutters, Impressionist art, walks, bike rides and even hot-air balloon rides… This is a place to visit at least once in your life.

In this article, we’ve selected the 8 best excursions to explore the Village des Peintres and find out how to get to Giverny from Paris .

This opinion is completely independent , based on our experiences. We visited the area anonymously, making our own choices, and paying all our bills in full.

How to get to Giverny from Paris: our tips

Take an unforgettable stroll along the Impressionist route in Normandy . We’ve put together a few tips to help you make the most of your trip to Giverny – it’s well worth the effort!

Option 1 – Organized tours to Giverny from Paris

In our opinion, an organized tour from Paris to Giverny is the best solution. We’ll take care of you, so you don’t have to worry about travel or parking, and you can enjoy your activities to the full! Here’s a selection of our 4 favorite excursions:

• Guided excursion to Claude Monet’s Garden: over 1 half-day, visit the painter’s magnificent gardens and home, then stroll to the Church of Sainte-Radegonde where Claude Monet and his family are buried – see details, availability and booking .
• Private visit to Giverny: discover the gardens and the House of Claude Monet with a private local guide, then go to the Musée des Impressionnismes where the works of this movement, its modern architecture and its garden with its field of poppies will leave you speechless. see details, availability and bookings.

• Claude Monet’s Giverny by bike: visit the charming medieval town of Vernon by bike before cycling along the banks of the Seine to the village of Giverny on 2 wheels to admire its wonders: Claude Monet’s house and gardens, church, narrow streets and typical restaurants… – see details, availability and bookings.
• Giverny and Versailles: in 1 day, discover 2 jewels of French heritage at the gateway to Paris, the House and Gardens of Claude Monet at Giverny and the Palace of Versailles and its majestic gardens – see details, availability and book .

Option 2 – Getting to Giverny by car

Alternatively, you can drive to Giverny from Paris, some 75km away, by taking the A13 freeway for just over 50km, then exit 14 (Bonnières) or 16 (Douains). The freeway is free of charge up to Mantes-la-Jolie and then subject to a charge. Depending on traffic, the journey takes between 1h and 1h30. Follow signs for Vernon-Giverny.

The municipality of Giverny has installed large parking lots for visitors to park their vehicles. Find out all our tips for renting a car before going to Giverny.

Option 3 – Getting to Giverny by public transport (train, bus)

Getting to Giverny from Paris by public transport is possible, but we’d like to give you a few points to bear in mind:

• the train journey from Gare de Paris-Saint-Lazare is not direct, as you then have to take a shuttle from Vernon to Giverny,
• the average train journey time is 1h30,
• The shuttle bus or tourist train to Giverny takes around 30 to 40 minutes, depending on traffic (departing every 2 hours, 4 or 5 times a day),
• you’ll be dependent on these means of transport to get around, as there are few local options.

VISIT Giverny

Our favorite tours and visits:

• From Paris: Small-group guided tour
• From Paris: Private tour
• From Paris: Tour by bus, then by bike
• On site: Guided tour of the gardens

Our articles:

• Best things to do in Giverny: our 8 ideas
• How to get to Giverny from Paris

Where to eat in Giverny

1. Guided tour from Paris to Claude Monet’s garden at Giverny

What you will see.

Discover the sublime gardens of painter-gardener Claude Monet in the village of Giverny. On this guided tour, you’ll have the chance to admire over a hundred species of plant, including flowers, trees and climbing plants. Then stroll by the Bassin aux nymphéas, in the Jardin d’eau, which gave its name to Claude Monet’s monumental work. You’re sure to experience an enchanting journey into the artist’s dreams!

Having a colorful garden all year round was Claude Monet’s main ambition. And he succeeded! In fact, he cares for his garden as if it were the apple of his eye, since its flowers are his true source of inspiration for his works.

Then explore Claude Monet’s house on the Clos Normand side. From 1883 onwards, the painter lived in this long, pink-rendered house with his blended family for over 40 years.

You’re sure to be impressed by this one-hectare area with an apple orchard and vegetable garden. Inside, artworks, furniture, carpets, a collection of Japanese prints… you won’t know where to turn, as everything has been perfectly preserved!

Conclude the day with a visit to Giverny’s Sainte-Radegonde churchyard, where Claude Monet and his family are buried.

How long does the tour last?

Count on a good half-day’s drive from the café-restaurant La Flamme in Paris’s 8th arrondissement.

Why did we choose it?

We see several advantages to this excursion:

• a small-group outing for a more confidential tour experience,
• an English-speaking guide,
• Giverny’s main points of interest linked to Claude Monet in half a day.

Is the tour family-friendly?

You’ll probably love sharing this moment with your family and introducing your children to the wonders of this enchanting Normandy location! The gardens are easy to visit with a stroller or baby carrier, but there are a lot of stairs, some of them narrow, in Claude Monet’s house. Last but not least, access to the cemetery at Sainte-Radegonde Church is also via ancient stone staircases, so a baby carrier will come in handy.

See details, availability and book this tour!

2. Private excursion to Claude Monet’s house in Giverny and the Musée des Impressionnismes from Paris

Would you like to learn all about Impressionist art? Come and visit the house and gardens of one of the founding fathers of the art movement in Giverny, in the footsteps of Claude Monet. You can stroll through the avenues of dahlias, daffodils, carnations and daisies, or stroll in the shade of weeping willows and Japanese cherry trees.

Then enter the superb pink rendered house with green shutters built by Claude Monet, where he lived with his blended family for over 4 decades! You’ll see that everything is still intact. Take your time to discover each room and the objects it contains.

Your tour ends with a visit to the Musée des Impressionnismes in Giverny. Observe the building’s contemporary architecture. Combined with its remarkable gardens, you’ll be transported into the world of great French and American Impressionists such as Claude Monet, Auguste Renoir, Mary Cassatt and Henri Martin.

Allow a full half-day for this visit!

In our view, this tour has a lot going for it:

• pick-up directly from your hotel in Paris,
• special admission tickets for each site visited,
• English and French-speaking guide,
• a deposit directly at your Paris hotel on your return.

This is a great family outing, but there are a few points to bear in mind.

The Jardins de Claude Monet are accessible to people with reduced mobility and strollers. PRM entrance is via the group checkout. With toddlers, opt for the baby carrier. Stroll around the village in a stroller.

If you’d like to visit Claude Monet’s house, please note that there is no wheelchair access, and the stairs are steep and sometimes a little cramped. In fact, when it was built, it was not designed to accommodate the public.

The Musée des Impressionnismes complies with PRM accessibility criteria. Please enquire at the time of booking:

• if you wish to reserve a wheelchair,
• if you wish to reserve a stroller, as baby carriers are not accepted.

Discover this excursion!

3. From Paris: visit Claude Monet’s garden by bike

Fill your lungs with fresh air in the Normandy countryside on your 2 wheels! Visiting Giverny by bike from Paris is very pleasant and quite possible! Surrounded by greenery, you’ll travel by coach through fields of wheat and magnificent Normandy sunflowers. Then, hop on your bike to explore the charming medieval town of Vernon, 6 km from Giverny. Its historic heart, collegiate church and half-timbered houses make it a traditional Norman town not to be missed in the region. Pack a picnic lunch to enjoy on the shore.

Then head for the banks of the Seine towards Giverny. Bicycle paths and wide driveways make it easy to get around. After passing the Church of Sainte-Radegonde and its cemetery, where Claude Monet and his family are buried, as well as the village’s inhabitants and 7 British airmen who fell on June 8, 1844 during the Normandy landings , walk along Giverny’s main avenue.

Look out for typical restaurants like the old Hôtel Baudy, period houses and charming boutiques. Then enter the Gardens and House of Claude Monet, where the colors and beauty of the plants adorn this timeless place between the Jardin d’Eau and the Clos Normand. A stop at the Musée des Impressionnismes in Giverny will be the icing on the cake to round off this day on 2 wheels.

Allow a full day for this 2-wheeled outing, including travel time and local bike rides. Departure is from the 15th arrondissement of Paris, near the Dupleix or La Motte-Picquet Grenelle metro stations.

This tour has many advantages:

• bike and helmet rental (also for children as long as they can ride on their own),
• admission to Claude Monet’s House and Gardens in Giverny,
• accompaniment by a local guide,
• rain gear (€2 supplement per person),
• round-trip coach transport to and from Paris.

4. Guided tour of Claude Monet’s House and Gardens

Would you prefer to get to Giverny on your own, but enjoy a guided tour on site? It is possible! A local guide will tell you more about Claude Monet, his life, his work and his passion for the enchanting gardens that inspired his paintings. Stroll between dozens of different flowers, colorful flowering arches and tall trees from the 4 corners of the world in this enchanting garden.

Discover his famous collection of Japanese prints on display in his home at Clos Normand. Did you know that the artist brought together 231 engravings? Charmed by Japanese art, Claude Monet revealed a genuine infatuation with Japanese art, with repercussions for art and decoration in Europe in the 2nd half of the 19th century.

The guided tour of Claude Monet’s House and Gardens lasts 1h30.

This guided tour offers a number of advantages:

• a more intimate and confidential experience with a small-group tour,
• a local English-speaking and French-speaking guide,
• freedom of movement to visit other points of interest in and around Giverny,
• a dedicated entrance for groups.

5. Day trip to Giverny and Versailles from Paris with lunch

Discover 2 exceptional sites close to Paris, symbols of French culture: the House and Gardens of Claude Monet, and the Château de Versailles.

Start your day with a visit to the House and Gardens of Claude Monet in Giverny, nicknamed the Village of the Painters. Indeed, this charming commune attracted many Impressionist painters throughout the 19th century, including the famous gardener who drew inspiration from the Bassin aux Nymphéas for one of his major works. Visit his pink-rendered house with green shutters, where every object has been meticulously preserved.

After lunch, you’ll head for the Château de Versailles, the famous home of King Louis XIV. You’ll be overwhelmed by the beauty and finesse of the architecture of the buildings, as well as the magnificence of the gardens surrounding the edifice. Pass through the Hall of Mirrors before visiting the Grand Apartments of this royal residence for almost 4 centuries.

Devote a whole day to this outing, including travel time, with a return to Paris around 6pm.

This tour offers many advantages:

• a guide who speaks 9 languages,
• optional audioguide in 9 languages,
• a no-entry pass,
• a traditional lunch.

Is this tour family-friendly?

Absolutely, PRM and stroller access to the Jardins de Claude Monet is via the group ticket office. If you want to visit Claude Monet’s house, there are a lot of cramped staircases.

At the Château de Versailles, a multimedia tour adapted for children enables them to discover the main areas of the estate.

The château and its various areas are equipped with PRM access and elevators to all levels for visitors in wheelchairs or baby carriages. However, the château’s gardens are not easily accessible for people with reduced mobility.

If you’re taking this trip with toddlers, you’ll want to use a baby carrier.

Find out more about this excursion!

6. Discover Claude Monet’s Giverny by minibus from Paris

Accompanied by your guide, set off by minibus from your Paris hotel in the footsteps of Claude Monet’s Giverny. You’re free to choose a public or private tour of the gardens and house of this painter and gardener, one of the founders of Impressionism.

Discover the famous Bassin aux Nymphéas and its small Japanese green bridge, as well as all the sources of inspiration of this peerless artist who made his garden his artistic studio. Then stroll through the small village of Giverny, with its typical narrow streets, church and old-fashioned restaurants.

Allow a full half-day for this tour experience.

This tour offers several advantages:

• private pick-up and drop-off at your Paris hotel,
• entrance tickets and guided tour of Claude Monet’s House and Gardens,
• a local guide.

7. Day trip to Giverny and Vernon

Make your own way to Giverny by car or public transport (see all our tips here ). Start your day with a stroll through the narrow streets of the charming village of Giverny, then head for the Musée des Impressionnismes, where numerous French and American artists are on display. An all-inclusive ticket is sold on site, including a visit to the gardens and Claude Monet’s house.

In the garden surrounding the museum, you’ll see the magnificent field of poppies that inspired Claude Monet to paint his Champs de coquelicots à Giverny at the Musée des Beaux-Arts in Rouen .

We then head for the Maison et Jardins de Claude Monet to discover the 64 varieties of flowers planted by the painter-gardener to create this “open-air studio”, in bloom all year round. Le Clos Normand, le Jardin d’Eau, le Bassin aux Nymphéas… Prepare to be dazzled! You can also opt for an on-site guided tour .

Take a gourmet break for lunch at the Les Nymphéas restaurant opposite Claude Monet’s home. Take a seat on the flower-filled, country-style terrace and enjoy your meal with traditional Norman influences.

Once you’ve finished your meal, head for the medieval town of Vernon, a 10-minute drive from Giverny. Its historic heart, its collegiate church dating back to the Middle Ages, its town museum, its banks of the Seine and its old mill will give you a whole new perspective on one of Eure’s main towns.

Plan a full day to make the most of it.

This output allows you to:

• discover Giverny’s main points of interest,
• stroll through the town of Vernon, just 6km from Giverny,
• combine nature, art and historical heritage in a single day,
• be free to move around.

Discover our 8 ideas for things to do in Giverny.

OUR ADVICE FOR RENTING A CAR IN Normandy

• Compare prices on our preferred platform: DiscoverCars – one of the best rated sites.
• Choose a car that is comfortable enough (distances can be long) but compact (some parking lots and villages are narrow).
• Think of the complete insurance (some roads are tortuous and narrow).
• There is a lot of demand, book it early .

Contemplate superb panoramic views with your head in the clouds and the landscapes that inspired the finest Impressionist paintings. These moments will make for truly unforgettable memories!

Allow 2h to 2h30. Indeed, the flight alone lasts about 1 hour. Then there’s the briefing and pre-takeoff checks, and after landing, the time it takes for the ground vehicle to accompany you back to your car. The balloon moves with the wind and can land more or less far from the initial launch site.

This outing has a number of advantages:

• its originality and unforgettable images,
• a small circle for an intimate ballooning experience,
• care with safety measures.

To take a hot-air balloon flight, the French Civil Aviation Authority requires your child to be at least 6 years old. However, airlines suggest a minimum age of 10, so that children can enjoy the moment in the air and stay upright for the duration of the flight.

If you have any questions about your health during a hot-air balloon flight, consult your doctor. Ask about hot-air balloon tour companies near Giverny, such as Montgolfière du Vexin or Airshow .

USE OUR GUIDE TO PLAN A DREAM TRIP TO Normandy

All the information you need for your trip:

• 8 maps that make planning easier
• 160+ pre-selected locations
• Practical advice
• 300+ photos to help you choose

Pre-trip preparation: our tips

Before you set off on your excursion from Bayeux, here are a few tips to ensure you have an enjoyable and hassle-free day!

Check the weather

Known for its changeable climate, it can be sunny several times a day in Normandy, as the saying goes! We always check the weather forecast to choose the right clothes and comfortable shoes for the day.

Charging your cell phone

Before leaving your accommodation, make sure your phone is fully charged. A portable rechargeable battery may be useful if you need to recharge your phone while on the road. The same goes for your camera, if you’re using special equipment. Ready to immortalize lots of beautiful memories?

Pack a snack in your backpack

To avoid hunger pangs, don’t forget to pack a snack. Dried fruit and a bottle or flask of water, for example, are practical, healthy ideas for building up your strength and staying hydrated throughout the day.

Search for restoration options

If your tour doesn’t include meals (remember to check when you book), it’s a good idea to look in advance for places to eat.

Organizing your documents

Remember to take all the necessary documents with you: tickets for the places you’ll be visiting, identity card or passport, and transport card if necessary or car rental documents if applicable.

Now all you have to do is enjoy the moment! Take time to admire the scenery, absorb the atmosphere and enjoy every moment of this unique experience in one of France’s most beautiful regions: Normandy.

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Accommodation in and around Giverny

You can visit Giverny in a day to discover its wonders, or extend the experience by spending a night in this magical place. Here’s a selection of accommodations:

• Établissement Pluie de Roses: set in 6,000 m2 of parkland, this welcoming private home is a 15-minute walk from the Musée des impressionnismes and the House of Claude Monet. Enjoy the veranda while leafing through books or admiring the flower garden – see details, availability and bookings .
• Hôtel La Musardière: this attractive 3-star hotel offers comfortable, well-equipped rooms just a stone’s throw from Giverny’s sights – see details, availability and book .

• B&B Le Clos Fleuri: this pleasant guest house in the heart of Giverny offers cosy rooms, a lounge and a shared terrace for contemplating the beauty of the flourishing exteriors of this pretty Eure commune – see details, availability and book .
• Maison de Madame Baudy: this 19th-century guest house adjoining the Hôtel Baudy was home to painters from the American artists’ colony. Treat yourself to a suite overlooking the surrounding hills right in the center of Giverny – see details, availability and book .

Exploring Giverny and the surrounding area also means taking advantage of its excellent choice of restaurants. Michelin-starred, gourmet, on-the-go, brasseries, tearooms… there’s something for every taste and style! Here is a small selection:

• Restaurant Salon de thé Les Nymphéas: since 15 in the heart of Giverny, opposite the House and Gardens of Claude Monet, you can enjoy French gastronomic dishes in a pretty, bucolic, flower-filled setting.
• Restaurant Au Coin du Pain’tre: tarts, tasty dishes and fruit cakes await you at this pretty table and its sheltered terrace in the shade of trees overlooking Rue Claude Monet.
• Restaurant Le Jardin des Plumes: a contemporary, intimate setting in the heart of the Village des Peintres, discover the refined, Michelin-starred cuisine of this fine Giverny restaurant.

PLAN YOUR TRIP TO Normandy

Inspiration destinations

• Deciding where to go in Normandy – the best destinations
• Our weekend ideas: best-of , romantic , unusual , seaside , luxury , family
• 16 seaside hotels in Normandy
• The most beautiful charming hotels in Normandy

• Best things to do in Normandy
• Best cities in Normandy
• Most beautiful beaches of Normandy
• Most beautiful villages of Normandy
• Best castles of Normandy
• Best abbeys of Normandy
• Read our complete guide to visit the Mont-Saint-Michel
• Discover the D-Day sites

• Where to stay in Normandy – best places and hotels
• See our tips for renting a car at CDG airport , Orly airport , Beauvais airport , Caen , Rouen , Bayeux …

Other excursions around Giverny

Castle life around giverny.

The Eure department and the French Vexin Regional Nature Park are home to many old family homes. These fortresses are definitely not to be missed if you want to extend your visit to the region, and here are just a few of them:

• Château de Bizy: located in Vernon, this 18th-century fortification and its English park were inspired by the Château de Versailles.
• Château d’Harcourt: built on the estate of the same name, the building, its history and that of the Harcourts rank among France’s oldest families.
• Château de Gaillon: France’s 1st Renaissance-style château, this building was erected a few years before the châteaux of the Loire Valley. Treasure hunts are regularly organized to delight young and old alike!

Direction Rouen, city of Joan of Arc

Just 1 hour’s drive from Giverny, follow in the footsteps of Joan of Arc. With its rich historical heritage and colorful half-timbered houses, we were charmed by Rouen. Whether you’re passionate about history, gastronomy or art, this capital of Normandy is sure to surprise you. Cathedrals, churches, museums, restaurants and other good addresses abound. If you’re extending your stay in Normandy, check out our ideas for things to do in Rouen and our best places to stay in the city of a hundred spires.

Hiking around Giverny

It’s possible to take a breath of fresh air with your family just outside Paris! There are many nature options around Giverny, with hikes from Vernon to Giverny (approx. 10km), and from the charming village of Limetz in the Yvelines to Giverny (approx. 12km). You can also take a stroll in the French Vexin Regional Nature Park. This peaceful area is home to 410 km2 of nature in around 100 communes of the Val d’Oise and Yvelines departments. Between cultivated fields, forests and rivers, you’ll be well surrounded. Access is by car and bicycle.

Frequently asked questions

Are there any connections between paris and giverny.

On the way from Paris to Giverny, the train is direct to the Vernon-Giverny station, from where you can take the shuttle to the famous Painters’ Village. By car or via organized tours, the route is direct.

Are there any discounts for students, the elderly or children on the trip from Paris to Giverny?

Discounts for students, seniors and children are available on certain train journeys, especially to the Vernon-Giverny station. Find out more on the official SNCF website .

What’s the best way to get from Paris to Giverny?

In our opinion, the best way to get from Paris to Giverny is to opt for an organized tour, so that you can make the most of your time there and rest during the journey. It’s also convenient to get there by car or rental car. Discover all our tips for renting a car in France from Orly , Roissy-CDG or Beauvais airports.

SHE MADE THE TRIP AND WROTE THE ARTICLE Myriam

Region lovers' 10 commitments.

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• For each city, stay in at least one hotel and visit the ones we recommend.
• For each city, eat in at least one restaurant, visit the ones we select.
• Pay all our invoices in full, refuse any partnership or sponsorship.
• Periodically update our articles, with the help of our readers.
• Enrich our articles with our first-hand experiences.
• Use 99% of our own photos
• Use digital tools in a reasoned and transparent way, feeding them with information verified on site.
• Provide information on the traveler/writer pairing that gave rise to the article.
• Tell you what we do, and do what we tell you!

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Best Giverny Tours of Monet's Garden from Paris

• See & Do
• Monet's Garden in Giverny
• Giverny Tours from Paris

The 10 Best Giverny Tours from Paris for 2024

Are you planning to visit Claude Monet's sumptuous gardens, water lily pond, and home in Giverny from Paris?  

If so, you may be wondering:  what is the easiest, most stress-free way to get to Giverny, and how can you get the most out of your experience?

For most visitors, guided tours from Paris are the perfect fi t when you want maximum convenience . In addition to including transportation on comfortable air-conditioned coaches or minivans (easier/faster than taking the train from Paris to the closest station, and boarding a local shuttle for the last few miles), you'll enter through a dedicated tour-only entrance gate . 

Our Top Picks for Giverny Tours

• Giverny: Monet's Garden Half-Day Tour - Highly-rated small-group tour
• Monet's Garden Bike Tour - Explore Giverny by bike, picnic by the Seine, and soak up the beauty of Monet's home and gardens
• Giverny & Versailles Day Tour with Lunch - Make the most of your time by visiting both sites in one day, plus a tasty French lunch by a picturesque windmill

Depending on which tour you choose, you may also get the insights and and insider knowledge of an expert tour guide, transportation to see other nearby sights related to Monet, and lunch (there's even a gourmet option).  If you choose a private VIP tour, you'll enjoy the luxury of being picked up and dropped off at your Paris hotel or apartment.

To help you choose the best tour to fit your schedule, interests, and budget, we've compiled a list of the top 10 half-day and full-day tours of Giverny from Paris, including several combined with a visit to the Palace of Versailles, one with a fun bike tour of the Giverny area, and one which also takes you to Auvers-sur-Oise, where Van Gogh spent the final months of his life creating 70+ painting inspired by the beautiful Normandy landscape.

Here's what you'll find in this article:

• Half-Day Tours to Giverny from Paris
• Full-Day Tours to Giverny & Versailles from Paris
• Full-Day Tours to Giverny (Bike Tour & Giverny-Auvers Tour)

Top photo: Claude Monet's pink manor house with green shutters in Giverny, France, (c) Paris Discovery Guide

Paris Discovery Guide is a reader-supported publication.  When you buy through our links, we may earn a commission at no additional cost for you.  Learn more

Best Half-Day Tours of Giverny from Paris

These half-day tours of Monet's home rank at the top of the popularity list for Giverny tours because they're the easiest, fastest, and most convenient way to visit the gardens, pond, and house of the famous artist - and still have half a day left to do other things in Paris.  

1.  Giverny: Monet's Garden Half-Day Tour from Paris (Small Group Tour)

The highly-rated Giverny: Monet's Garden Half-Day Tour starts with a comfortable trip by air-conditioned minivan from Paris, which whisks you and up to 7 other participants through the beautiful Normandy countryside west of the city. 

As you enter the small Norman village of Giverny, you'll see charming stone houses and ivy-covered walls lining the narrow lanes.  Within a few moments, you'll arrive at Monet's estate where your guide will whisk you through a special tour-only entrance into the lush gardens.

Your guide will find a quiet spot to give you a quick briefing about Monet's life in the pink manor house at Giverny that he moved into in 1883 with Alice Hoschedé, who would later become his second wife, and their blended family of eight children. 

You'll learn how he carved out his now-famous gardens and pond from an unpromising piece of land divided by a road, and how he used them to inspire the approximately 250 oil paintings of water lilies he created between 1896 and 1920.

Find booking information and details for this tour

You'll then be free to explore the house, gardens, and pond on your own until the designated departure time.  Since Monet's house can become crowded at times, this approach lets you choose a non-busy time to enter and explore as much (or as little) as you wish.

In the gardens and pond area, avoiding the crowds is much easier, since there's much more space for spreading out.

As a bonus, before you leave the village of Giverny, you'll visit the Romanesque-Gothic country church (Église Sainte-Radegonde de Giverny) where Monet and his family worshipped, and the adjacent cemetery where he and numerous family members, including his sons Jean and Michel, are buried.

In addition to the Monet tomb, you can also discover a number of other interesting gravestones in the Giverny graveyard, including one shaped like a very large book. 

If you have a few minutes to explore, look for a gravestone with three British flags waving in the breeze. 

This simple tomb, perhaps the most moving memorial in the cemetery, contains the remains of seven British airmen from the Royal Air Force.  They died nearby when their plane was hit on the day after the D-Day landings, a reminder of the fierce fighting that took place in this now-tranquil spot during World War II.  Closer to the church, a propeller from their downed plane is embedded in another memorial commemorating their sacrifice for France.

2.  Half-Day Trip to Giverny from Paris

If your goal is to see only Monet's home, gardens, and water lily pond, the Half-Day Trip to Giverny from Paris tour is an excellent choice.

On this large-group tour, you'll travel to Giverny in a comfortable, large air-conditioned coach.  Choose a window seat to enjoy wonderful views of Normandy's golden wheat fields and rolling hills through the large windows - easy to imagine 19th century Impressionist painters such as Monet being inspired by this lovely landscape.

The key differences between this and the above tour are:  1) group size - this tour is with a potentially much larger group, 2) you'll go only Monet's house, gardens, and pond, and 3) as soon as you arrive at Giverny, your guide will give you a brief informative introduction about what you can see at the estate, but you'll explore on your own while using (if you want) an app for guidance to the house, gardens, and pond. 

Find more details & booking information for this tour

If you choose, you can spend some of your time enjoying a quick lunch at one of the town's charming cafes before you meet up with your group for the trip back to Paris. 

Bottom line:  What you get with this tour transportation, a quick briefing by your guide, the app, and entrance to the estate - much more convenient, comfortable, and faster than getting a train from Saint-Lazare station in Paris and then taking the shuttle to Giverny.  Think of the app as a bonus - use it if you want, but if not, just soak up all of the sensory pleasures of this spectacular destination.

3.  Monet's Gardens & House with Art Historian: Private Giverny Tour from Paris

For a special VIP experience, the Private Tour of Monet's Gardens & House with an Art Historian tour is an excellent choice for 2-8 participants, including up to 3 children (17 and under) - perfect if you're part of a family or friend group.  The cost varies by group size, but the per-person rate drops as the group size increases.

You'll be picked up from your Paris hotel or apartment (and also dropped off there after the tour), and will travel in a private air-conditioned with a licensed professional guide who is also an art historian passionate about Monet and Giverny. 

Your guide will share lots of informative, in-depth commentary about Monet, art, and the French countryside, and will customize it to your particular interests.

Once you arrive at Giverny, you'll enter with a skip-the-line ticket, and explore the house, gardens, and pond. 

As a bonus, you'll also get to visit the village of Giverny, which is filled with charming cafes, boutiques, and art galleries, as well as the rose-colored Hotel Baudy where other Impressionists such as Manet and Renoir used to paint after after Monet made Giverny famous.

Best Full-Day Tours of Monet's Garden in Giverny & Palace of Versailles

Do you have limited time in Paris but want to see both Giverny and the Palace of Versailles?   Full-day tours give you a convenient way to see the most iconic attractions at both destinations while saving you time and money compared with making separate half-day trips.

We profile five excellent options, with some key similarities as well as differences.

Similarities:   Air-conditioned transportation from Paris , skip-the-line admission, and an expert tour guide (one tour lets you opt for an audioguide).  You'll visit Monet's home, gardens, and pond in Giverny, and the most famous parts of Versailles, including the Hall of Mirrors, Royal Apartments.  Except the private option, you'll be picked up and dropped off at a central Paris location.

Key differences : 1) Group size  (large, medium, small, private), 2) lunch (included or not), 3) tour guide vs. audioguide,   4) Versailles' Palace gardens (included or not), 5) pickup location (only the private tour picks up and drops off at your Paris hotel or apartment

Here are the best full-day trips to Giverny and Versailles, with highlights about what makes each one unique.

4.  Giverny & Versailles Day Tour with Lunch at Moulin de Fourges

Giverny & Versailles Day Tour with Lunch - Medium (14 or less) group tour in a minibus. 

When you arrive at Giverny, you'll explore Impressionist artist Claude Monet's home, gardens, and the ponds where water lilies inspired his most famous paintings.

After enjoying a delicious 3-course lunch with wine at Moulin de Fourges, a restaurant in a delightful old mill house by a scenic river about 5 miles from Giverny, you'll head to Versailles.

An art historian will lead you on a guided tour of the Palace's most famous rooms, including the spectacular Hall of Mirrors.  Headsets will be provided to enable you to hear the guide. 

This tour also includes access to Versailles' magnificent gardens,  which means you'll get to see the Fountain Show or Musical Gardens on the days when they're available.

Please note: the private option mentioned in the "Includes" section of online description appears to not be available at the current time.

5.  From Paris: Versailles & Giverny Full-Day Trip - Small Group

Giverny & Versailles Full-Day Trip - Small (8 or less) group tour in a minibus.  Your guide will share lots of interesting information during the drive, and will brief you on more details and give you a general orientation as soon as you arrive at each destination. 

Then you're free to explore on your own, and spend as much or as little time as you want in each area.  At Versailles, you'll be given an audioguide to use (if you want) to get more details about each of the famous rooms and the garden.

Lunch is not included.

Versailles garden access is included,  which means you'll get to see the Fountain Show or Musical Gardens on the days when they're available.

6.  From Paris: Day Trip to Giverny & Versailles

From Paris: Day Trip to Giverny & Versailles - Large group tour in a large coach.  When booking, you choose one of two options:  1) a guided tour at both locations, or 2) an audioguide, meaning that you explore on your own. 

Lunch is included. 

Versailles garden access is included - except on Fountain Show and Musical Gardens days, which take place almost every day during the summer and some days during spring and fall.  However, you can buy a garden access ticket once you're there. 

7.  From Paris: Giverny & Versailles Palace Guided Day Trip

Giverny & Versailles Palace Guided Day Trip - Medium-sized (20 or less) group tour in a coach.  Guided tours at both attractions are included.  Headsets may be provided when appropriate to enable you to hear the guide.

Lunch is not included, but a lunch break is provided so that you can buy whatever you want.  Versailles garden access is included and you get to see experience the Fountains Show or Musical Gardens (when they are available). 

8.  From Paris: Giverny & Versailles VIP Private Full-Day Trip

Giverny, Versailles, Trianons, & Hamlet Private Full-Day Trip - Private VIP tour for your group of up to 7 people in a Mercedes sedan or mini-van, with pickup and drop-off at your Paris hotel or apartment for the ultimate convenience.  Ideal for families and friends groups who want to see the two top destinations outside of Paris in one day.

You will explore Monet's home and gardens, and will have free time to visit the village for lunch and the Museum of Impressionism in Giverny.

During the ride to Versailles, your private guide will history to life by sharing background information about the Palace of Versailles, which you will explore on your own (with the included audio guide) as you visit the Hall of Mirrors, the King's Apartments, and the Queen's Apartments inside the Palace. 

You'll then have guided visits to the Grand Trianon, the Petit Trianon, and Marie Antoinette's charming Hamlet. 

Finally, you'll stroll through the beautiful Versailles gardens before your return trip to Paris and drop-off at your hotel or apartment.

Please note:  This tour usually books up fairly far in advance, especially during the summer months, so check availability as soon as you know your travel dates to avoid disappointment.

Best Full-Day Tours (Including a Bike Tour) of Giverny & More

Do you want to see Giverny but hope for an experience beyond just a quick visit?  Consider these two special full-day excursions:

9.  Monet's Garden Bike Tour from Paris

Monet's Garden Bike Tour (which includes private transportation from/back to Paris) combines a visit to Monet's home, gardens, and lily pond in Giverny with a picnic lunch in a park, a leisurely 3 mile (5k) bike ride from the nearby town of Vernon, and time to explore the charming village of Giverny, located on the Right Bank of the Seine River.

Starting with the tour bus ride from Paris and continuing thoughout the day, your guide will give you lots of interesting stories insights about Monet and the birth of Impressionism, point out wheat fields, windmills, and other parts of the landscape that inspired Monet, and even teach you a bit of French before you stop at a local open-air market in Vernon to buy picnic supplies for a picnic lunch by the Seine River.

You'll see all the top sights in the area, including Giverny's small Romanesque-Gothic church and its 17th century cemetery where Monet and his family plus the downed RAF airmen from World War II are buried, plus the town of Vernon, Giverny village, and paths along the Seine River.

You'll have time to explore Giverny's narrow lanes, filled with small cafes, galleries, artist studios, and the Museum of Impressionism near Monet's estate, and soak up the pleasures of being in a small French village.  

Of course, the biggest highlight will be the time you spend in Monet's home and gardens, soaking up the beauty that inspired his famous water lily paintings.

After your fascinating day in Giverny, you'll appreciating the relaxing trip by coach back to Paris.

10.  Small-Group Giverny & Van Gogh's Room in Auvers from Paris

On the Giverny & Van Gogh's Room in Auvers small group day trip (maximum of 8 participants) from Paris, you'll travel by air-conditioned minivan to Giverny, where you'll visit Monet's gorgeous home, spectacular gardens, and the lily pond he created by diverting a branch of a nearby river - much to the chagrin of neighboring farmers. 

You and your guide will also visit the peaceful country graveyard where he is buried next to the church he attended with his large family.

Then, you'll head to the small town of Auvers-sur-Oise, located just 17 miles (27km) from the center of Paris, where Vincent van Gogh and a number of other Post-Impressionist artists such as Cezanne and Pissaro lived and created some of their most memorable paintings there, inspired by the beautiful hills and wheat fields. 

Auvers is also where Van Gogh died by suicide in 1890.

After lunch (on your own) at one of the small cafes or boulangeries, you'll explore the narrow cobblestone streets of the town and visit its surrounding area, inspiration for over 70 of Van Gogh's paintings. 

As you walk around, you'll be in the actual places depicted in some of his famous works, such as "Church of Auvers" and "Wheat Field with Crows."  Finally, you'll visit Van Gogh's simple gravesite before your return to Paris.

More Articles about Popular Day Trips from Paris

• How to Get to Giverny from Paris - 6 options for you to consider
• Top Things to See at Versailles Palace - You'll need more than a day!
• Best Palace of Versailles Tours from Paris - Which one will you like best?
• Easy Day Trips from Paris - Versailles, Giverny, Mont Saint Michel, D-Day Normandy Beaches, Disneyland Paris, Champagne tastings, Loire Valley castles, London, Bruges, & more!

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Recommended day trip to Giverny from Paris

Walking in the footsteps of Monet in Giverny, a quaint village nestled just 50 miles from Paris, is a hidden gem waiting to be explored. Now, let’s dive into the details of why taking the time to go to house of Claude Monet do a day trip to Giverny from Paris is a good idea.

What is Giverny?

Giverny is a canvas of natural beauty and artistic inspiration. Home to the legendary Claude Monet, this charming village invites you into the world of impressionist masterpieces. Stroll through Monet’s iconic water lily gardens and vibrant flower alleys, immersing yourself in the essence of his artistry.

How Far is Giverny from Paris?

Giverny is a short retreat from the bustling streets of Paris, merely 50 miles northwest. It’s a scenic journey that takes you away from the city’s hustle, promising a day filled with serenity and artistic inspiration.

How to Get to Giverny from Paris

By Train: Hop on a train from Gare Saint-Lazare to Vernon, a town close to Giverny. From there, a short bus ride will transport you to the village. The train journey itself offers picturesque views, setting the tone for a day immersed in nature.

By Car: For those seeking flexibility, a drive to Giverny takes around an hour and a half. The journey is an opportunity to witness the changing landscapes, creating a perfect prelude to the tranquility that awaits.

With a Private Tour Guide (Door to Door) : there are a couple of options below to book your day trip to Giverny and have the guide pick you up at your hotel or at a designated place and bring you back. This is the option if you prefer not to bother with public transportations.

Book Your Day trip to Giverny from Paris

Private guided tours (price for the group), small group guided tours (price per person).

As you step into Giverny, it’s not just a visit; it’s a journey into the heart of art and nature. Feel the brushstrokes of Monet come alive as you wander through his meticulously crafted gardens. Savor a quiet lunch in a local bistro, embracing the slow pace of village life.

In conclusion, a day trip to Giverny is more than a geographical excursion; it’s a sensory experience. So, when will you let the colors of Giverny paint your day?

Watch our Paris Day Trip to Giverny

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Giverny day trip from Paris

Exploring monet’s enchanting gardens.

Paris, the City of Lights, has captured the hearts of millions with its charming streets, iconic landmarks, and vibrant culture. While there’s no shortage of things to see and do within the city, taking a day trip to the enchanting village of Giverny is an absolute must for art enthusiasts, nature lovers, and anyone seeking a serene escape from the bustling metropolis. I will guide you through the picturesque journey of a Giverny day trip from Paris, immersing you in the world of Claude Monet and the stunning gardens that inspired his masterpieces.

Giverny day trip from Paris : The Magic of Monet’s Gardens

Claude Monet, the renowned French Impressionist painter, lived in Giverny from 1883 until his passing in 1926. His deep love for the countryside and passion for gardening led him to create the stunning gardens that would later become the subjects of some of his most celebrated works. Today, his home and gardens stand as a testament to his artistic vision and remain a source of inspiration for visitors from around the globe.

Giverny, a quaint village nestled in the scenic region of Normandy, is a place of undeniable beauty. The village’s picturesque landscape, dotted with charming cottages and lush greenery, instantly transports visitors to a bygone era. The serene ambiance and vibrant colors that once inspired Monet continue to captivate all who venture here.

Giverny day trip from Paris : What to See ?

The water garden: nymphéas (water lilies).

Monet’s Water Garden, home to the iconic water lilies, is a true masterpiece of landscaping and artistic vision. As you walk across the Japanese bridge, which he painted many times, you’ll feel like you’ve stepped into one of his paintings. The water lilies, gently floating on the pond’s surface, create a sense of tranquility and harmony that’s impossible to forget.

The Clos Normand: A Kaleidoscope of Colors

Adjacent to the Water Garden lies the Clos Normand, a vibrant and meticulously designed flower garden. This enchanting space showcases a wide variety of plants and flowers, carefully arranged by color to create a harmonious symphony of hues. As you stroll through the paths, the fragrant blossoms and artistic patterns will leave you awe-inspired.

Exploring Monet’s Living Space

Visitors have the opportunity to step inside Monet’s former residence, which has been meticulously preserved. The interiors boast an impressive collection of Japanese prints, an art form that greatly influenced Monet’s work, as well as personal artifacts and memorabilia that provide insight into his daily life.

A Glimpse into the Artist’s Life

Walking through the rooms where Monet lived and worked allows you to connect with the artist on a more personal level. You’ll gain a deeper understanding of his creative process and the surroundings that motivated him to create some of art history’s most beloved masterpieces.

Giverny day trip from Paris : Other Artists Drawn to Giverny

Monet’s allure wasn’t limited to visitors seeking natural beauty; Giverny also became a haven for other artists of the time. Many fellow Impressionists and friends, such as Renoir and Cézanne, sought inspiration in Giverny’s idyllic landscapes, fostering a vibrant artistic community that thrived on creativity and camaraderie.

The Impressionist Movement’s Influence

Giverny’s influence extended beyond the village’s borders. The artistic experiments and techniques developed by Monet and his contemporaries, known as the Impressionist movement, revolutionized the art world and left an indelible mark on the course of art history. Their groundbreaking approach to capturing light and atmosphere continues to inspire artists to this day.

Giverny day trip from Paris : What to eat ?

Local restaurants and cafes.

After a morning of exploring the gardens and immersing yourself in art, it’s time to savor the local cuisine. Giverny boasts charming restaurants and cafes that serve delightful dishes, often prepared with fresh ingredients sourced from the surrounding countryside. From traditional Norman delicacies to international flavors, there’s something to satisfy every palate.

Savoring Norman Cuisine

Normandy is renowned for its culinary delights, and Giverny is no exception. Don’t miss the opportunity to indulge in dishes like Camembert cheese, apple tart, and creamy Normandy-style seafood. Pair your meal with a glass of local cider or wine for an authentic and mouthwatering experience.

Giverny day trip from Paris : Beyond Monet’s Gardens

The church of sainte-radegonde.

While Monet’s gardens steal the spotlight, Giverny has more to offer for those who wish to delve deeper into the village’s culture. The Church of Sainte-Radegonde, with its impressive architecture and peaceful surroundings, is worth a visit. Its stained-glass windows and serene atmosphere add to the village’s enchanting charm.

Riverside Strolls and Countryside Charm

Giverny’s allure extends to its surroundings. Take a leisurely stroll along the Epte River or wander through the countryside, where you’ll encounter quaint cottages. Giverny’s charm is not confined to Monet’s gardens alone; it’s a destination that celebrates the beauty of nature in every corner.

Giverny is not just a place; it’s an experience that leaves a lasting impression on visitors. As you return to Paris or embark on your next adventure, the memories of this captivating village and Monet’s gardens will stay with you, inspiring your own creativity and appreciation for the wonders of nature.

Preparing for Giverny day trip from Paris

Giverny is conveniently located just 80 kilometers (50 miles) northwest of Paris, making it an accessible day trip destination. Travelers have several transportation options, including train, bus. You have the possibility to book private car services with or without a private guide to reach Giverny.

A Giverny day trip from Paris is a journey allowing you to immerse yourself in the world of Claude Monet. From the vibrant water lilies to the charming countryside, Giverny offers a respite from the urban hustle. So, if you’re seeking an escape into a world of artistry, Giverny awaits you with open arms.

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Useful Guide for a Day Trip From Paris to Giverny (2023)

If you’re visiting Paris and looking for the ultimate escape from the hustle and bustle of the city, consider doing a day trip from Paris to Giverny! This is one of my favorite places to visit and one of the reasons I always look forward to returning to Paris! And if you aren’t sure how to get to Giverny… don’t worry, I’ve got you! In this post, I’ll be providing you with everything you need to know to easily day trip to Giverny and explore Claude Monet’s Lily Gardens

🌸 No Time to Read? Here’s the Best Giverny Tour From Paris

From Paris: Guided Day Trip Monet’s Garden in Giverny — includes round trip transportation in a comfortable vehicle w/ air-conditioning, guided tour of Monte’s estate, and seeing his family’s tomb!

Table of Contents

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With Giverny being located only about an hour outside of Paris, I wholeheartedly believe that a day trip from Paris to Giverny is well worth the effort.

Not only is it a pretty easy excursion to do, but the quaint town is so pleasant to walk around. It seriously feels like you’re entering some fairytale book setting or being transported in time. And I know that sounds exaggerated, but think of Giverny being similar to the medieval city of Carcassonne in the South of France . For both places, it feels like you’re stepping into another time period because everything has been so well preserved or restored. Plus, you really notice the sharp contrast in the environment when you’re coming from a place as hectic as Paris or Toulouse .

All this said I know some people won’t understand my excitement and love for Giverny. That’s totally fine as this place undoubtedly will not fit everyone’s interests. For instance, if you need a fast-paced environment with lots of things happening to keep you entertained, like in Montreal or London, then Giverny may not be for you.

But, if you’re like me, and crave escaping to serene nature spaces after being in big cities, then I cannot recommend a day trip from Paris to Giverny enough! Well… this and I love exploring small towns since I come from a pretty small town myself :’)

What is Giverny Known For?

Giverny is a charming town that’s located northwest of Paris, in the region of Normandy. The village is forever immortalized by the famous impressionist painter Claude Monet.

Monet spent the final 40 years of his life in Giverny, constantly finding inspiration for his work. And Monet wasn’t just any old Impressionist painter, he was the founder of the Impressionist style of painting. He wanted to paint nature and life as he saw it with his eyes, exhibiting both movement and how the light hit different objects.

Just as a quick refresher, some of Monet’s most recognizable paintings include The Water Lilies , The Water Lily Pond, The Artist’s Garden, and Poppies.

NOTE: You can actually see the lovely the Water Lilies painting on full display in the Musée de l’Orangerie in Jardin des Tuileries in Paris!

How to Pronounce Giverny

Giverny is pronounced, Juh-ver-knee, with three distinct syllables and an accent on the “u” sound in the first syllable. It isn’t pronounced Give-ern-y, which is how I pronounced it at first lol.

How to Get to Giverny, France

Since Giverny is located only 76 km or 47 miles from the center of Paris, you have a few different ways to get to the village: by car, tour , or train .

🌷 NOTE : You can click the train or tour links above to skip to that section!

Your first option for transport to Giverny is by way of a car. Of course, this is only worth it if you have easy access to a car or are already road-tripping through France or Europe .

On your way to Giverny, you’ll get to pass through a picturesque landscape of rolling fields and peaceful villages and bask in the beauty of the French countryside. And you can make additional stops along the way and see other hidden gem towns or even travel to quaint towns beyond Giverny.

For example, both Rouen and the port city of Le Havre are beautiful destinations that are conveniently situated in the same direction as Giverny.

But if you just want to go to Giverny, it takes about an hour and 15 minutes to drive directly from Paris to Giverny – a perfect amount of time for a convenient day trip!

Now, the first option is to day trip from Paris to Giverny with one of the many tours from Paris to Giverny ! If you chose to visit with a tour, you’ll arrive at a pre-determined meeting point within Paris. Then you and the rest of your tour group will be driven in private transport to Giverny. Depending on the tour you select, you may see additional stops outside of Claude Monet’s House and Lily Gardens or you can opt to only see the main attraction. I love visiting Monet’s Gardens whenever I’m in Paris, so I have gone both on my own as well as with a tour group! Both experiences were absolutely amazing, but the tour group option was significantly less stressful. And, if you’re looking for the best Giverny tour from Paris to take , the one I highly recommend is below!

⭐️ RATING: 4.7 out of 5 Stars | ⏳ TOUR LENGTH: 5 hours

Giverny Half-Day Trip from Paris: Monet’s Gardens & Gravesite includes:

• A friendly and knowledgeable English-speaking guide
• Air-conditioning makes a world of difference when it’s peak summer!
• Skip the line entrance ticket to Le Fondation Monet
• Learning about Monet’s Life and his work
• Tour inside Monet’s home that he lived in for 40 years
• Time to wander through 2 gardens that Monet designed and curated
• Strolling around the famous water lily pond that inspired 250 of Monet’s paintings
• Visiting Monet’s and his family’s private tomb
• Can accommodate up to 8 participants

This is the highest-rated tour of Giverny available from Paris. You don’t have to worry about waiting in massive entrance lines because tour groups enter through a separate entrance. And with a guide, you’ll get to learn so much more information about Monet’s background and the history of Giverny. Plus, by doing a tour, you don’t have to stress about finding your way around local train stations, getting from the Giverny station to Monet’s garden, and the chaos that inherently comes with traveling on your own. Ultimately, this is the best option for anyone who wants an easy and carefree day trip to Giverny from Paris!

I was looking forward to this experience and far exceeded my expectations. Our tour guide was very knowledgeable and shared stork anecdotes that enlightened a group and made the whole experience special. ToDD B. (see more reviews )

✅ 🌷 Check availability for this fantastic Giverny Tour from Paris!

Now, if you don’t have a car and don’t want to take a tour, your last option is to travel from Paris to Giverny by train! This option is fantastic for those who want to take advantage of the amazing transportation network within France and are comfortable navigating it.

To do so, you just have to book a train ticket from Paris, France to Vernon-Givery . There are 15+ direct trains every day between the two cities, and it takes approximately 50 minutes to travel in one direction.

All you need to do is click the link below, input the date of your travel, and make sure you click round trip… unless you plan on traveling to other towns. Once you click enter, you’ll be able to see the available routes!

I suggest purchasing a second-class ticket since the train ride is so short, and you don’t really need reserved seating. Oh! And if you’re 25 or younger, you can opt for a youth fare ticket instead of an adult fare ticket, which will help you save a few euros!

✅ 🚂 Click to check routes and book your Paris to Giverny Train P.S. If you’ve never used Omio, sign up here to get $11 off your first booking!

🌷 PRO TIP: Download the Omio app after buying your ticket . It stores all your train tickets together on the app so you don’t have to print them out! And you can just scan the in-app QR code at the platform turnstiles as well as if the ticket officer checks your ticket!

How to Travel from Paris to Giverny by Train

For those who aren’t experienced in traveling via the train system in Europe, here’s how to do it! (Feel free to skip ahead to the next section if you know you don’t want to go via train or are confident with the train network!)

On the day of departure, I recommend getting to the Paris Gare Saint Lazare at least 30 minutes in advance! Since this is one of the six main railway stations in Paris, it’s pretty big and busy, so give yourself time to orient yourself.

Additionally, if you have second-class seating, you’ll want to get to the station right away in order to secure your seat since they use a first-come, first-served system.

Platform numbers are released anywhere from 15 – 25 minutes before departure, so it’s important that you arrive when they’re posted to ensure you get an actual seat! When determining your platform number, be sure to double-check the departure time as well as your train number.

Don’t Make This Mistake…

A short side story that almost turned disaster…My friend and I got to the train station early, and I told her to figure out the train number while I got a muffin at Starbucks since it was 7 AM in the morning.

This was her first time in Paris, so she looked at the departure time and not the train number. Well, there were multiple trains leaving at the same time, so she thought we were on a different platform number. Long story short, there was a lot of running and panic, and you should always cross-check your train number.

Anyways, head to the platform 10 minutes before departure, board the train when it arrives, and then find an available seat! Just make sure you’re in the correct seating class…there’s normally a large number on the wall near the doors!

How to Get to Claude Monet’s House & Gardens

Once you arrive at the Vernon Giverny Station, there are two ways of getting to Claude Monet’s House and Gardens. Your first option is to take the designated shuttle bus. When my friend and I took the train, the shuttle bus was about 50 meters up the street from the station on the right side when your back is to the station. The back of the white shuttle bus should have a giant poster of Claude Monet’s House and Gardens. In fact, my friend and I didn’t know there was a shuttle bus to the gardens…We only saw the sign, so we were pretty lucky on that front to notice it!

Anyways, you’ll have to pay €5 one-way in cash ( prices subject to change ) to ride the shuttle bus. Once on the mini-bus, which is pretty comfortable, it takes about 15 minutes to reach Monet’s House and Gardens. The second way is to call an Uber. But, I recommend taking the shuttle and then using Uber to reach other sites from Claude Monet’s Gardens.

Alrighty, now that you know how to get to Giverny, you’re likely wondering what all there is to do in this tiny town! Fret not! — here are my top 5 recommendations for things to do during your day trip to Giverny from Paris.

🌷 NOTE: I have everything listed in the order that I would recommend doing them to avoid unnecessary travel time. Furthermore, please note the hours of operation as many of the sites are open seasonally!

1. House of Claude Monet

The first place I recommend visiting is Claude Monet’s House! I know it’s a bit obvious, but seriously, Monet’s estate is worth every bit of praise it receives.

Monet spent his final decades living in this house, and it’s been both beautifully preserved and restored.

Inside, you’ll follow a one-way-only path through both levels of his home. Some of the rooms are roped off, but the doors are open, so you can still easily peek inside.

My favorite room is the kitchen, which features gorgeous blue and white tiles and just looks like it would be an absolute delight to cook in. That said, the dining room is a close second with its beautiful pastel yellow color and abundance of artwork on the walls.

In total, it takes about 15 – 20 minutes to tour his house. Of course, this depends on how long you choose to stay in each room — there is no specific time limit.

To do this, you’ll need to purchase an entrance ticket if you aren’t traveling with a tour group from Paris!

Fancy a Guided Tour of Monet’s Estate?

Alternatively, you can opt to take a guided tour of Monet’s property that begins in Giverny. This means you travel to and from Giverny on your own, but a licensed guide will give you a 1.5-hour tour of the estate.

This is great because you gain a more in-depth understanding of Monet’s life, his family, and everything you’ll see as you wander around. Plus, another perk to this small guided tour is that you’ll be able to skip the long entrance lines that always form! 🤠 Thus, if you want to save money on transit, have an enhanced experienced compared to exploring by yourself, and avoid waiting in massive lines…this is the way to go!

✅ 🌷 Check rates & availability for this comprehensive 1.5-hour tour of Monet’s Estate that begins in Giverny

2. Monet’s Gardens & Water Lily Pond

After you see the inside of Monet’s House, it’s finally time to enjoy the beauty of Monet’s Gardens!

In every direction, you’ll find yourself surrounded by an array of blooming flowers and lush greenery that will make you feel as if you’ve stepped into one of Monet’s paintings.

And strolling around the lily pond is everything and more. From the groups of lily pads and blossoming water lilies to the many trees encompassing the pond…you can easily understand why Monet’s artwork was often inspired by his own gardens!

While walking around, I often found myself wondering how much of what we are witnessing today is what Monet also saw. How much of it is original and how much has been restored or curated for tourists?

Regardless, make sure you take in all the breathtaking scenery and revel in the peaceful atmosphere. You may even see some cows grazing in nearby fields and can say hello to a few chickens found in the corners of his gardens!

3. Giverny Museum of Impressionism

Once you’ve completed the 1.5-hour guided tour or finished seeing Monet’s estate on your own, I recommend checking out the Giverny’s Museum of Impressionism . 

The inside of the museum is definitely on the smaller side, but there is still plenty to see! It features a good amount of artwork from various impressionist painters and they have rotating exhibitions.

Tickets cost almost €8, but if you’re an art history lover or just admire looking at artwork, then I’d say it’s worth it.

The museum is open almost every day from 10 AM – 6 PM between the months of March-November. And, you can easily see everything within an hour.

Plus, if you get hungry, there is a nice restaurant called La Brasserie des Artistes attached to the museum.

Fair warning though, all the restaurants in Giverny are on the expensive side, and this is no exception. So, prepare your bank account because I most certainly did not 🥲. Even so, I would still recommend the restaurant and suggest trying the onion soup if you’re not sure what to get!

4. Castle of La Roche-Guyon

When you’re ready for a change of pace, I suggest taking a 10-minute Uber ride to the Castle of La Roche-Guyon ! This castle is located in the very tiny picturesque town of La Roche-Guyon, which has a population of only a few hundred people (~500).

The castle is unlike any other castle in several ways. For one, the castle was hallowed out of the surrounding cliffside. As such, you can walk around the castle’s mountainside caves, which were once used to store German ammunition during World War II.

Along with this, there is a medieval keep or tower that you can climb and catch sweeping panoramic views of the village below as well as the River Seine.

However, it’s worth noting that this climb to the top is not for the faint of heart. I recommend it only for people who have no problem climbing several sets of uneven, winding stairs — you will be winded when you reach the top! That said, I believe the view is well worth it!!

And unlike other castles such as Versailles, the Castle of La Roche-Guyon is usually uncrowded. So, you can explore it at your own pace and take in castle ruins without feeling rushed or claustrophobic.

The castle is open from Feb 5 to Nov 27 every day and admission is only a few euros… so it definitely won’t break the bank, which I am always a fan of 🙂

5. Picnic Along the Seine

My final suggestion is to have a picnic along the Seine to watch the sunset before heading back to Paris.

You can take an Uber to Esplanade Jean-Claude Asphe, which is a lovely park in the center of Giverny. There are some beautiful gardens and lots of benches that overlook the Seine.

Therefore, if you want to round off your day trip to Giverny in the best fashion, I highly recommend grabbing some food at a nearby boulangerie (bakery) or the local Monoprix (similar to Target).

Then, give your feet a much-needed break, take in the glorious views of the Seine, and of course, enjoy whatever food you have purchased!

And when you’re ready to head back, the Vernon-Giverny train station is only a 13-minute walk away! But again, remember to give yourself at least half an hour to walk back so you can figure out platform numbers and get yourself oriented 🙂

If you’re planning your trip to France, you may be wondering what the best time to visit Giverny is.

First, it’s important to note that Monet’s garden is open seasonally, specifically from April 1 to November 1 . So, if you’re traveling outside of this period, you won’t find any tickets to Monet’s House and Gardens.

Peak season is from May-August. Thus, if you want to avoid the crowds, I suggest visiting Giverny in either September or October. And don’t worry — as someone who visited during the last week of September, the gardens still look incredible!

With regard to the time of day, I recommend going as early in the morning as you can! Again, you’ll beat the afternoon crowds and can enjoy all of the beauty in a much more tranquil setting.

Similarly, if you’re going with a tour group and they offer different time slots, try to book the earliest time slot.

Ultimately, when planning your day trip from Paris to Giverny – make sure you plan ahead, purchase tickets early, and go as early in the morning as possible!

To ensure you have a smooth experience and see everything you want, here are some tips for visiting Giverny.

• Make sure you wear comfortable walking shoes that have a stable bottom. The ground around the gardens is made up of gravel (little rocks). No one wants a twisted ankle or likes dealing with little rocks stuck in your shoes.
• If you’re traveling to Giverny on your own, bring Euros in cash or coin . To ride the shuttle from the Vernon-Giverny station to Monet’s, you’ll need to pay the driver with cash.
• Take a picture of the shuttle schedule that’s in the parking area where you’re dropped off at. This way you can effectively plan when you need to leave if you’re taking the train back to Paris on your own!

• Also, give yourself lots of time to get back to the Vernon-Giverny station since the shuttle isn’t always on time… as in leaving an hour before departure.
• I recommend touring Monet’s house first and then walking around the gardens. This is because a long line to enter Monet’s house generally forms in the afternoon.
• Lastly, there are a limited number of tickets available for each time slot, and they definitely fill up! As such, whether you go with a tour group that leaves from Paris , do a tour from Giverny , or opt to do everything on your own, I cannot stress the importance of booking your ticket in advance enough!

If you are looking for housing in Paris, here are some places that I recommend checking out. These are based on my research and multiple stays in Paris!

Also, I highly highly HIGHLY suggest booking your housing as soon as you know your travel dates ! Paris is the most visited city in the world, and prices only increase the closer your travel date approaches, especially if you’re going during the summer. From my experience, the best way to get the lowest prices on housing is when they have the most availability…this means booking as far out from your travel date as possible.

My Favorite Hostels in Paris

• Read my full review of this new hostel here
• The People Paris Marais – Great hostel in the trendy Marais district | ⭐️ 8.8 / 10

Lower-Cost Hotel Stays

• Hôtel Vic Eiffel : comfortable 3-star hotel next to metro stop | ⭐️ 8.8 / 10
• Maison ELLE Paris Etoile – Beautiful and chic 4-star Hotel | ⭐️ 8.9 / 10

Mid-Range Hotels

• Hotel Monte Cristo Paris : 4-star hotel next to Notre Dame | ⭐️ 8.8 / 10
• Chouchou Hotel: an absolute gem 4-star hotel | ⭐️ 9.4 / 10

Luxury Hotels

• 4-Star Hotel right next to Eiffel Tower | ⭐️ 9 / 10
• 5-star Hotel next to extravagant Paris Opera House | ⭐️ 8.6 / 10
• Top of the line 5-Star Hotel (see how expensive it can get lol) | ⭐️ 9.8 / 10

✅ Check Rates and Availability of other Hotels in Paris on Booking.com

There are three ways to get tickets. You can go on a tour from Paris that includes a ticket . Or, you can travel to and from Giverny independently and then join a guided tour that begins in Giverny . Lastly, you can tour Giverny on your own and purchase directly from the official Giverny Foundation .

The distance from Paris to Giverny via car is 76 km or 47 miles.

It takes about 50 minutes to go directly from the Saint Lazare Station in Paris to the Vernon-Giverny Station via train. The distance traveled along this route is approximately 75 km.

I know this question is a bit redundant by now, but yes — Giverny is a very doable day trip that you can do from Paris! Lots of tourists complete the day trip to tour the inside of Monet’s house and his gardens! There are also a few other sites and towns worth exploring nearby if you have time, such as Rouen!

All in all, if you’re looking for an unforgettable experience while in the City of Lights, then look no further than the tranquil village of Giverny. From getting to pass through the idyllic French countryside and stroll along the cobblestone streets of Giverny to wandering through Monet’s enchanting estate, this day trip is nothing short of a dream. And with this guide in hand, you’ll hopefully be able to make the most of your time and explore Giverny with ease! But, regardless if you decide to do to day trip from Paris to Giverny, I wish you the best of luck during your travels!

✅ 🌷 Check availability for my favorite Giverny Tour from Paris!

Read More About Europe

• Are you a wine aficionado or wine enthusiast that’s ready to taste some of the best wine that can be found in France? Consider doing a wine tour in Lyon’s famous countryside , which is only 2 hours south of Paris!
• Looking to witness the beauty of the famed French Rivera ? One city you won’t want to miss is the coastal town of Nice , which is home to some of the most beautiful beaches, a flourishing culinary scene , and excellent wine !

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Visiting Krakow and looking for fun excursions to do outside the city? In this article, I will provide you with everything you need to know about the hidden gem town of Zakopane, what you can expect while touring, and important information to ensure your day trip to the mountainous village is as amazing as mine was!

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Kristin is the founder of Global Travel Escapades, a blog dedicated to helping travelers explore beautiful destinations and planning their wildest travel dreams. She has explored 30 countries and is on a mission to visit 50 by age 30. Along the way, she has lived in places like sunny San Diego and the vibrant French capital! Ultimately, Kristin hopes her passion for adventure, delicious food, and all things F1 & tennis inspires others to plan their next travel escapade!

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Paris Day Trip to Giverny

Europe , France

There are many excellent day trips from Paris you can take. But if you visit the city in spring or summer, Giverny should be included on your Paris itinerary .

This article covers the best time to visit Giverny, how to get to Giverny from Paris, the best Giverny tours and what you can expect in Monet’s House and Gardens.  

Is Paris to Giverny Day Trip worth it?

Giverny is a charming French country town in Normandy and has been on my bucket list for a while. I was thrilled to visit Giverny on my recent trip to Paris. Monet’s house, flower garden, and water lily pond were stunning and exceeded my expectations in every way.

There are many reasons why Giverny is one of the most popular day trips from Paris :

• It is located northwest of Paris, just 80km away. It is easy to get there because it takes only one hour via train.
• The beautiful nature of Giverny inspired the French impressionist painter Claude Monet. He had lived 40 years in Giverny and painted many of his masterpieces, including the Water Lilies series.
• The main attraction here is Monet’s House and Gardens. If you are a fan of Monet or Impressionism, Giverny is a must-visit place. However, even if you are not interested in painting, Monet’s House and Garden is gorgeous, and you won’t regret it.

Table of Contents

Check out my other articles to plan your perfect trip to the City of Light!

Start here >> Paris Itinerary for 4 days Then this >> Where to Stay in Paris First Time Should you buy Paris Pass or Paris Museum Pass? 10 Best Small Museums in Paris Without the Crowds Female Solo Travelers >> How to Take a Fabulous Solo Trip to Paris & 15 Things to Do Alone Shopping: 10 Trendy Travel Shoes for Paris Shopping: Best Shopping Guide in Le Marais Food: 25 Iconic French Desserts in Paris Food: 20 Best Casual Restaurants in Paris   Paris Neighborhood Guide: Hidden Gems in Montmartre Paris Neighborhood Guide: 22 Amazing Things to Do in Le Marais 7 Most Beautiful Covered Passages in Paris Day Trip: How to Survive Overcrowded Palace of Versailles in Summer Day Trip: Best Paris Day Trip for Spring & Summer: Giverny Monet’s Gardens   Weekend Trips from Paris by Train or Car

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Best Time to Visit Giverny

Monet’s Garden is  open seasonally from April 1 to November 1 . Anytime during its available months present an excellent opportunity to appreciate the beauty of this luscious garden. (It is closed in winter due to being bare without greenery and flower.)

May and June is the best time to visit.  While the busy season has started, the crowd level is better than in July and August. And flowers are in full bloom. You will see cascading wisteria over the Japanese bridge, and the water lily comes out in the morning on the pond.

Expect the massive crowds if you are there in summer (May through August). Try to avoid weekends and get there first thing in the morning.

April is also an excellent time to visit Giverny to avoid the crowds. (I went there at the end of April.) You can start seeing various colors and fragrant flowers in the garden, such as hyacinths, violas, daffodils, tulips, etc. Wisteria on the pond has begun to bloom, but not cascading purple yet.

In September, the weather starts to cool off a bit. The water lily season (May – September) has not been over yet, so you can still see water lilies. Note that the water lilies come out around 10 am and close mid-afternoon. So you will need to be there in the morning to see them

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How to Get to Giverny from Paris

If you are on a road trip through France, renting a car might be worthwhile as you can make pit stops in the French countryside. Or, if you are interested in visiting other Normandy sites besides Giverny, such as D-day landing beach , Mont-Saint-Michel , Rouen , or Étretat , you can do it all in one go.

>>  Compare and find the best deals on rental cars for this trip. 

Take the “Grand Lignes” from Saint Lazare train station in Paris to Vernon (50 mins). Check the routes, schedule and book Paris to Giverny train here .

From the Vernon-Giverny train station, you have four options to get to Monet’s House:

• Hop on a shuttle bus that will take you to Monet’s House and Gardens (look for a sign at the back). The shuttle bus is €5 cash each way.
• Take a Petite Train . It takes 20 minutes to Monet’s House. €10 for a round trip. Depart every two hours, so align the schedule with your train time.  
• Rent a bicycle (€10 all day) or e-bike here . Monet’s House is about 6km away and takes about 20-30 minutes.
• You can also take a taxi.

Insider Tip : Book your train ticket as early as possible! There is a limited number of tickets in each time slot. And it fills up quickly. Also, Saint Lazare is one of the central train stations in Paris (the others are Gard de Nord and Gard de l’Est). Get there at least 30 minutes before departure to navigate your way.

By Shared Van

The guided tour is the most convenient way to get to Giverny, and this is what I recommend.

My goal was to get there BEFORE their opening time before it got crowded. I opted for a small group tour because I traveled solo during the Paris strikes in 2023. The group tour was super easy and less stressful as I did not have to sweat about disruptions, re-routing, or getting lost!

It happened to me when I visited the Palace of Versailles, and a 30-minute detour on a train in the morning resulted in devastating 2.5 hours of wait in line. I determined not to take the chance again.

I met with the tour guide at 8 am in Paris. We arrived right on time for the opening of the water garden. There were only two groups in the pond at that time. We could take our time to appreciate the view and take photos. As we left the pond, it got much busier. That 30 minutes can make a world of difference.

See my recommendations for the guided tour below.

Insider Tip : Book the earliest time slot to beat the afternoon crowds and see water lilies in the morning.

Best Giverny Tours from Paris

>> Giverny Half-Day Small Group Tour : A small group of travelers gathers at a meeting point in Paris, then the driver will bring you to Giverny in a comfortable van. The half-day trip takes you to Monet’s House and Garden, and a cemetery where his family is buried.

>> Giverny Monet’s Garden Bike Tour : Travel comfortably from Paris to Giverny in a van. Bicycle your way along the sunflower field to Monet’s Gardens. Swing by the local farmer’s market for your picnic lunch.

>> Monet’s House and Gardens Guided Tour : If you want to travel from Paris to Giverny on your own but join a skip-the-line guided tour, this is a great alternative to learning in-depth about Monet’s life and environment.

>> Giverny & Versailles Full-Day Tour : This full-day tour combines two most popular day trips from Paris in a day: Claude Monet’s House and Gardens in Giverny and the Palace of Versailles.

>> Giverny & Auvers Full-Day Tour : Monet lived in Giverny for 40+ years, whereas Van Gogh spent his last years in Auvers-sur-Oise. Immerse yourself in two different small towns these two impressionist painters loved. Highly recommended for cultural travelers who love impressionist paintings.

>> Giverny & McArthurGlen Outlet Tour : Visit Monet’s House and Gardens. Then, head out to the new McArthurGlen outlet mall for shopping.

Monet’s House & Gardens

Admission : €11 (Disabled: €5.50) | Age 7 and students : €6.50 | Under 7: free

Location : 84 rue Claude Monet, 27620 Giverny [ Open Google Map ]

Hours : The gardens are open from 9:30am to 6pm. Last admission 5:30pm.

Good to Know : The whole town shuts down by 6 pm.​

Recommended Order of Visit

Water Garden → Clos Normand → Monet’s House (→ Restroom) → Atelier (Souvenir Shop)

The tour I joined let us visit the Water Garden first. And I recommend visiting here first to immerse yourself in a tranquil nature. It gets crowded, so be there as early as it opens.

Plus, the flow is better that way. Monet’s House and Garden are on the other side of the street. You have to go through an underground tunnel to get to the other side. Then, you walk through the flower garden before entering the house. Once leaving the house, you continue to the left and stop by a restroom before the final stop at his Atelier. Head over to his Atelier, which is converted into a souvenir shop. Once you leave the souvenir shop, you are leaving the site altogether. (That is why I suggested making a bathroom stop before you enter the souvenir shop.)

Water Garden (Jardin D’eau)

Monet spent his final 40 years of life in Giverny. He loved being surrounded by nature. But he needed to make frequent trips to Paris for his projects. So he settled in the property near a train station in Giverny because it allowed him to travel frequently to Paris while enjoying nature in his countryside home.  

The Water Garden (a.k.a. Water Lily Pond) came alive ten years after he moved to the Giverny house. He envisioned creating a pond with water lilies, willows and other flowers. The artificial pond was built in 1893.

Initially, his neighbors, mostly farmers, were against the idea because they were concerned about irrigation. He was so determined that he diverted the Ru River to create the pond surrounded by weeping willows. He planted water lilies on the pond and built the Japanese bridge himself, decorated with cascading wisteria.  

All things Japanese were in vogue in the late 19th century in Paris. Many impressionists, such as Monet and Van Gogh, were influenced by Japanese prints and architecture. You will soon see his obsession with Japanese art in his cottage, too.  

The Water Garden is genuinely stunning. I enjoyed sitting on the bench to take in the serenity of the pond. I took a deep breath to appreciate the fragrant flowers and imagined Monet seated on the same bench to paint his masterpiece, the Water Lilies (Nymphéas) series.

Insider’s Tip : If you haven’t already, visit  Musée National de l’Orangerie  to see Monet’s most beloved Water Lilies paintings. Also,  Musée Marmottan Monet  has 300 original artworks by Monet, including Water Lilies.

>> READ: 10 Best Paris Small Museums WITHOUT the Crowds

Monet’s Garden (Clos Normand)

Passing through the underground tunnel, you will cross the street to Monet’s Garden. As the fragrance of flowers allures you, you will gasp because it is breathtakingly beautiful!  

The garden boasts rows of colorful flowers in front of his cottage house. Monet himself designed and landscaped to create this spectacular scenery. Wait until you go inside the house and look out the window, though.

Now Foundation Monet, a non-profit organization, preserves the property. Imagine how much effort Monet would put into landscaping and maintaining the entire site alone.

Where to Stay in Paris?

Paris has 20 arrondissements with distinctive pockets of neighborhoods. While Paris is gorgeous, some areas are better than others for tourists to stay. Here’s your guide to 10 Best Areas in Paris for all travel styles and budgets.

House of Claude Monet

Monet’s House is a pink stucco cottage with green accent colors, surrounded by his flower garden.  

It is a very cute house; but it doesn’t take long to look around. There can be a line to enter later in the day.  

I love the colors in this house. (Duh, he is an Impressionist.) It is full of light and colors. 

His studio wall showcases many of Monet’s paintings. I suspect these are the reproductions for display. Note that the original artworks are in museums all over the world. Nevertheless, you will see water lilies, self-portraits and landscapes he painted. 

The second-floor bedrooms overlook the flower garden. Monet would have woken up to this fantastic view from his window:

Dining Room

His bright yellow dining room is whimsical and happy. The fireplace, cabinets, and even the dining chairs are colored in matching yellow. The blue and white China gives a pleasant contrast of colors.  

The walls are fully decorated with Japanese art. I noticed many Hokusai creations, the most incredible Japanese woodblock printmakers, painters and book illustrators. You can see here Monet’s obsession with Japanese art.  

Behind the dining room, Monet’s kitchen has blue and white tiles all over the wall. He had many copper ware hanging on the wall; I was wondering if Monet used them because they were sparkling clean!  

Atelier Des Nympheas

Atelier des Nymphéas used to be Monet’s studio. Now it is converted into a souvenir shop. From the reproduction of Monet’s paintings to books, T-shirts and canvas bags, there are many souvenirs you can browse. They even offer some fragrances and candles.  

Dreaming of Paris?

No matter which season of the year, Paris is always a good idea . But it can be overwhelming to plan your perfect trip to the City of Light. Follow my Paris itinerary to see the highlights in just four days.

Giverny Cafes

Exiting the souvenir shop, you will leave the property. Immediately, you will see a few cafes for coffee or lunch.

Monet’s Cemetery  

A ten-minute drive from Monet’s House is a cemetery where the artist’s family is buried. His family grave is behind Église Sainte-Radegonde de Giverny.  

Unlike others, Monet’s tomb resembles a flower bed memorializing his love for flowers. Interestingly, he is buried with his wife, her first husband, and his two sons and their wives. I heard that it was not uncommon back in the day.  

Where to Go Next in Europe

>> Paris Itinerary 4 Days : Paris is always a good idea. And it is better with a good plan.

>> Amsterdam Itinerary for First-time Visitors : Explore the charming, liberal Dutch capital in just 4 days

>> One Day in Brussels, Three Itineraries : Three itinerary options to explore Brussels based on your interest.

>> Berlin Itinerary for 2 Days : Chill at the cool capital city of Germany for two days

>> Europe in Spring : 37 Best Spring Break Destinations in Europe

>> Europe in Summer : 40 Dreamy Summer Holiday Ideas in Europe

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Monet’s Garden – visit Giverny from Paris (2024)

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Taking a trip to Monet’s Garden in Giverny is a great call if you’re around Paris and looking for something different. It’s a solid pick, especially if you’ve already checked out the Paris Art galleries showcasing Monet’s works.

• Monet, a key figure in French Impressionism , lived most of his live in Giverny. Today, his house and gardens are open for visitors.
• You don’t have to be big on art to enjoy it here. The gardens offer a peaceful and visually stunning experience that’s worth your time.

Note : The House and Gardens of Monet are closed during winter and reopen on the 29th of March 2024

I visited Giverny for the fourth time this spring, and as always, it was a treat. But, there’s a twist. I only made it into the garden twice. Read on to know how to avoid my rookie mistake for your Giverny trip from Paris.

Salut, I am Lena – travel planning expert and parisienne since 2006 🩷

Highlights – most popular day tours from Paris to Giverny

Save precious time when planning your trip to Giverny from Paris and check right away the most popular and best rated tours from Paris to Monet’s House and Garden:

Monet’s Garden: Things to know

Monet’s Garden in Giverny is a great spot for a day trip from Paris. The garden is beautiful, and you probably have never seen anything like it. Monet lived in Giverny for 46 years and created the Gardens as a vivid inspiration for his paintings.

Did you know that Monet actually created 2 gardens? 

He first created the “ Clos Normand ” in front of his house. The one-hectare big property is made surprisingly symmetrical, yet wild, with colorful flowerbeds, orchards, and rose bushes.

The famous water garden with its pond and waterlilies is located on the other side of the road, built on an estate that Claude Monet purchased roughly a decade after moving to Giverny.

He was a fond admirer and collector of Japanese Art, which inspired him when creating the water garden. Hence, the appearance of a Japanese bridge.

But even if you are not overly keen on exploring the marvelous real-life botanic of Monet’s masterpieces, maybe you are interested in seeing how he lived? You can visit his house with plenty of artifacts and replicas of his legacy, but also admire his collection of Japanese art that is exhibited in his home.

Also, Giverny is a lovely village in Normandy and actually – after the stunning Mont Saint Michel – the 2nd most visited place in the region. If you have a bit of time, I strongly suggest taking a walk in the pretty and Normand village.

Editors Tip : Have a look at the best walking shoes for your trip to Paris 

Where is Giverny?

Even though Giverny lays only 70 km ( 43 mi) west of Paris, it’s already in another region. In Normandy . By choosing Giverny as your day trip from Paris destination, you will not only explore the beautiful garden, you also will discover a region, that is entirely different from what you’ve seen in Paris so far. Hence, Giverny is a great choice as it allows you to discover more of France than just the capital.

To fully immerse into the Normandie region, consider taking a guided bike trip through the villages and countryside around Monet’s House. You find more information on this excursion here .

Planning your trip to Giverny

Visiting Giverny is actually not very complicated. It is so close to Paris that you could even squeeze it in a half-day train trip from Paris . It is also very accessible by various transportation methods. After reading this article, you’ll know when it’s the best time to visit Giverny, how you’ll get there and how you are making the most out of your day trip from Paris.

What’s the best time to visit Monet’s Garden?

As for all gardens and parks, the best time to visit Monet’s Garden is definitely spring , but summer is beautiful as well. However, the site is closed from November to April anyway.

If you travel to Giverny in Spring, you will find most flowers and trees in full bloom. Especially the orchard is beautiful during this time of the year. During late June and July, you’ll find the water lilies in full bloom – certainly a highlight if you are an admirer of Monet’s waterlilies series. Monet’s garden is also a good destination if you like to see fall foliage.

How to get to Giverny from Paris?

The first thing to decide on when planning your day trip to Giverny is, if you want to go there by your own means or if you feel safer in the comfort of an organized tour. Personally, I don’t see any strong selling point of one way over the other. Each travel means has its strong points, however, joining a tour is certainly the most stress-free way. You can see your tour options right here. 

But overall It really depends on how many resources (time, budget, nerves (!)) you have to organize a trip to Giverny on your own. When doing my research for this article, I was surprised though to find that in many cases joining a tour is actually the low-cost option to visit Giverny as the price for trains depends on availabilities.

How to visit Giverny by Car

Click here to find the cheapest offer to rent a car in Paris

Update spring 2024: Parts of the A13 are blocked due to road works. Deviation leads you either through the suburbs of Paris or the A14. The latter is a paid highway.

The most independent way of traveling to Monet’s garden is certainly by renting a car in Paris and driving out to Giverny.

I can strongly recommend that you purchase your entry ticket in advance. The queues are crazy on site, and you are much quicker in if you got your ticket already.

You can book either directly at the Foundation Claude Monet or book your ticket as part of a guided visit to Monet’s House and Garden. 

However, the journey by car is not complicated – just join the A13 and the Monet House is not far from the exit. The journey takes around an hour.

Note that rush hour traffic can easily double the travel time. Giverny also lies on the way to the Normand coast, a region that many Parisians head to over the weekend. You can expect heavy traffic direction Paris on Sunday afternoons.

A good page to compare different rental car companies is autoeurope. I booked with them several times already and never had an issue. When renting a car in Paris , I recommend choosing a pickup location in the east (or north) of Paris, to avoid navigating through Paris after enjoying the French countryside.

How much does the highway from Paris to Giverny cost?

I know that several websites are warning visitors of insanely expensive highways in France. One site even mentions that it can be up to €100 to go to Giverny. DO NOT WORRY!  Maybe that’s what they spent on an Uber trip but the highway toll from Paris to Giverny is certainly not that high. I have been to Giverny in the summer of 2020, and we paid around €20 for the return trip . Also, parking in Giverny is free!

How to visit Giverny by train

Click here to see available train tickets for your Giverny trip

Update spring 2024: some trains are cancelled due to work. Make sure before buying your ticket if the train is running that day.

Knowing, that driving in France, let alone Paris is intimidating for many travelers, you also can get to Giverny by train. You easily can book your train tickets for Giverny here online . The closest train station is Vernon, from where you could either walk  (it’s an hour though!), or take a shuttle to the house and garden of Monet.

Trains to Vernon are leaving almost hourly at the train station Saint-Lazare and the journey takes around 50 min. Expect to pay at least €30 for the round trip and another €10 for the shuttle.

You can directly check for prices and train availabilities by using this search form:

To help you evaluate if traveling by train is the better option for you, I put together an overview to helo you compare your options:

Organize your day in Giverny

When arriving in Giverny on your own account, you still need to make sure to have purchased your tickets in advance. As you know, I once did not follow my own advice and given the queues to the ticket booths were more than 200m long, we decided not to visit the garden after all.

In times of Covid-19, things are worse. To control visitors’ flow and guarantee that visitors can maintain their distance, only a limited number of guests are allowed to enter the site. Hence, ticket booths on site are likely to be closed and the only way to obtain a ticket is online and in advance. You can do this either directly at the Foundation Claude Monet or you book your ticket as part of a guided visit to Monet’s House and Garden. 

If you are interested in Monet’s life, the history of the place, and curious to be filled in in some secrets and insider knowledge, I recommend booking a tour . I visited Giverny last summer without booking a guided tour and was indeed a little disappointed due to the lack of information. There are close to no displays or information boards.

However, if you just want to stroll around the gardens, you are completely safe to book just a ticket at the Foundation Claude Monet and enjoy your time. It’s worth it either way.

Smart Option: Joining a tour from Paris to visit Giverny

follow this link to compare all tours from Paris to Giverny 

If you don’t want to bother with travel planning, you can easily join a tour to Giverny from Paris. It’s certainly the most hassle-free way of visiting Monet’s Garden and the most efficient as well. It’s also the option where you can profit the most, as tours always include either a live tour guide or an audio guide.

Take a half-day trip if you are short on time

If you have only a few days in Paris , Giverny is a great destination. As it’s very close to Paris, you can visit it very efficiently in only a half-day. Check out this half-day trip from Paris to Giverny . It’s the best value for money and your very best option if you are not having much time at hand.

Combine Giverny with an excursion to the Castle of Versailles

You have quite some options to choose from, but if you want to make the most out of your day trip from Paris, I suggest combining your trip to Monet’s Garden in Normandie with a visit to the world-famous Castle of Versailles . Click here to see all tours with both highlights. 

Both destinations are located west of Paris and Versailles lies actually on the way to Giverny. Visiting both on the same trip is a rather logical thing to do. The table below shows a quick overview of the two most popular tours that combine Versailles and Giverny, click the links to get additional information.

Voilà, visiting the Gardens of Monet in Giverny is a stellar day trip from Paris that you should keep on your radar. It is also a rather affordable side trip, that is easy to organize. No matter if you opt-in for a guided tour or travel to Giverny on your own account, you can be sure to have a good time. Have fun!

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FAQ Visit Giverny

The closest train station to the Gardens of Monet is in Vernon, a short shuttle ride away from Giverny. There are several direct connections between Paris and Vernon per day. You also can drive to Giverny or take a guided bus tour from Paris.

The ride takes about 50 minutes from Paris to Vernon, the closest train station. From Vernon a shuttle service connects the train station with the gardens of Monet. The shuttle ride takes roughly 10 minutes.

Yes, if you like gardens, impressionist art, and/or want to explore the French countryside and parts of the Normandy

The garden of Monet is located in Giverny, a village in the French region of Normandy.

To see the flowers in bloom, it’s best to visit in spring or early summer. The waterlilies are in full bloom from late June until July.

Giverny lays approximately 70 km west of Paris.

Yes, due to COVID-19 it is necessary to purchase times entrance tickets in advance. On-site ticket booths might be closed. Outside the health crisis it is still advisable to purchase tickets in advance to avoid long waiting times.

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Wow what a lovely garden. Wish to visit some day

I’ve only been to Paris, but I really wish I’d had the chance to explore further afield. I think Giverny might be a good place to start.

I missed this the last time I was in Paris! It looks like a beautiful garden to visit, and I’ll definitely make sure to add it to my list for my next visit.

Such a lovely and informative article of this magic place! I have been so lucky to visit it last year and it was incredible to witness the real garden that can be seen in so many of Monet’s masterpieces. Definitely worth a day trip from Paris!

thank you! I am happy to hear that you enjoyed it 🙂

I’d love to visit Giverny, it looks like such a pretty place and definitely a great day trip from Paris. I’ve been to Paris many times so I’m always looking for something new to do on my next trip, this is great

Never had a chance to visit when I lived in (the south of) France, but certainly got to enjoy a lot of his art! Hoping to see the real thing some day.

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From Paris to Giverny: 4 Best Ways to Get There

Written by Lisa Alexander Updated May 26, 2022 We may earn a commission from affiliate links ( )

Monet's Garden in Giverny is one of the top attractions of Normandy , a picturesque region of woodlands, pastoral meadows, and verdant valleys. Just over a one-hour drive from Paris, Monet's Garden is an easy day trip .

There are several ways to reach Giverny from Paris. The various options include taking an organized group tour, a private guided excursion, bus tour, or public transportation.

When deciding on the best way to get there, tourists should consider their personal preferences. For instance, a knowledgable guide can enhance a visit, especially for travelers who are interested in learning about Monet's life and about the world of Impressionist art.

On This Page:

• From Paris to Giverny on a Guided Tour
• From Paris to Giverny by Small-Group Transfer
• From Paris to Giverny by Train and Bus
• From Paris to Giverny by Car

1. From Paris to Giverny on a Guided Tour

Many tourists find that taking a guided tour is the most enjoyable way to visit Giverny. This option gives travelers a chance to hear in-depth insights about Claude Monet and the famous Impressionist paintings that he created in his garden.

The Half-Day Trip to Giverny from Paris is an organized excursion led by a guide who is a licensed art historian. This private tour includes round-trip transportation from Paris to Giverny, as well as "skip-the-line" priority admission to Monet's Garden in Giverny.

Your guide will share his knowledge of art history during a tour of Monet's house and garden. You will have a chance to see the iconic Japanese bridge, water lilies, and weeping willows of Monet's garden, and your guide will discuss some of the lovely Impressionist works that Monet painted here.

To see the gardens at the peak of their beauty, visit during the springtime or summer. Daffodils and tulips bloom in April; wisteria, irises and geraniums blossom in May; and roses and poppies burst onto the scene in June. During summertime (beginning in July), the famous water lilies appear in the garden's pond, and it's easy to see the inspiration for Monet's paintings.

This recommended guided half-day trip departs in front of the Pullman Paris Eiffel Tower Hotel in the 15th arrondissement. You can choose a morning or afternoon departure time. Traveling by luxury coach, the ride from Paris to Giverny is about one hour and 30 minutes each way.

The half-day tour takes five hours in total. It's a great choice for travelers who do not want to spend an entire day visiting Giverny.

2. From Paris to Giverny by Small-Group Transfer

A convenient way to visit Giverny from Paris is by taking a small-group transfer. This takes the stress out of transportation (no need to figure out train and bus schedules). Plus, you can enjoy the company of other travelers as you journey to and from Giverny.

The Giverny Monet's House & Gardens Tour takes a small group of travelers (up to eight people) to Giverny and then back to Paris. This service includes a "skip-the-line" admission ticket to Monet's Garden, where you will spend a few hours exploring the gorgeous property (both Monet's house and garden) at your own pace.

This transfer service does not provide a guided tour. However, the service includes an additional stop at either the Museum of Impressionism in Giverny or in the charming village of Giverny, which is brimming with flower-bedecked houses, inviting boutiques, cafés, and art galleries.

To make it even easier, there is an option to be picked up and dropped off at your hotel in Paris. You can also choose a morning (8am) or afternoon (12pm) departure.

Transportation is by air-conditioned minivan with an English-speaking chauffeur. The drive takes about one hour and 30 minutes each way.

3. From Paris to Giverny by Train and Bus

For travelers seeking an affordable way to visit Giverny from Paris , a train and bus trip is a great solution. This option allows travelers to relax while the train takes them from Paris to Giverny, through the lush countryside that leads to the Normandy region.

The journey begins in Paris at the Gare Saint-Lazare (train station), which gives travelers a chance to see the place that Monet depicted in his group of Gare Saint-Lazare paintings (created in 1877). Similar to the images in Monet's paintings, the Gare Saint-Lazare has a bustling feel, as it is one of the major terminus train stations in Paris.

Travelers take the SNCF train from Paris (Gare Saint-Lazare) to the Vernon-Giverny station (on the same train line that goes to Rouen). This direct train ride takes less than one hour. Upon reaching the Vernon-Giverny station, tourists can take a shuttle bus to Monet's Garden.

From spring through autumn, shuttle buses transfer visitors from the Vernon-Giverny station to Monet's Garden. (Shuttle buses are scheduled to pick up passengers around the time trains arrive from Paris.) Another option is taking a taxi from the train station to Monet's Garden. It's even possible to walk (five kilometers) from the Vernon-Giverny train station to Monet's Garden.

4. From Paris to Giverny by Car

Giverny is 75 kilometers west of Paris, and the drive takes about one hour and 30 minutes. Much of the journey affords glimpses of beautiful rural landscapes. Travelers who enjoy scenic drives should consider a car rental as their mode of transportation.

Driving from Paris to Giverny is an ideal choice for travelers who would like to combine a visit to Giverny with a travel itinerary in the Normandy region.

Renting a car allows tourists to visit some of the country villages and nature sites of Normandy that can't be reached by public transportation. Also, Normandy's D-Day landing beaches and memorials are only accessible by car.

A driving itinerary in Normandy could include the quaint historic towns (not accessible by train) of Honfleur, Le Bec-Hellouin, and Jumièges, which are all within easy reach (about one hour and 30 minutes) by car from Giverny.

When visiting Giverny by car, travelers have the opportunity to see another of the region's top attractions. With its picture-perfect harbor, Honfleur is considered one the most charming towns in Europe . Impressionist painters appreciated Honfleur and the Normandy coastline for its captivating seaside beauty. Today, Honfleur is home to the Musée Eugène Boudin, which displays paintings by Boudin and other Impressionist artists.

Another excellent detour from Giverny, the village of Le Bec-Hellouin delights visitors with its old-world ambience. Half-timbered houses featuring flower-bedecked balconies cluster around the village church. The village is also renowned for its abbey founded in the 11th century (the buildings date to the 17th, 18th, and 19th centuries).

Listed as a Historical Monument, the Abbaye Notre-Dame du Bec-Hellouin today is a working Benedictine monastery. The abbey is open to the public for guided visits and retreats.

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Other Tourist Attractions in Normandy : The Normandy region features a pastoral landscape of farmlands, orchards, meadows, and forests, dotted with historic towns. Some of the top places to visit are Mont Saint-Michel , a UNESCO-listed medieval abbey, and the enchanting medieval town of Rouen , with its winding cobblestone streets, well-preserved half-timbered houses, and magnificent Gothic cathedral.

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Monet’s House, Giverny, & Versailles Fully Guided Day Trip from Paris

• Parisians love to escape the city! On this tour, our passionate English-speaking guide will take you to discover two of France’s most remarkable retreats. One, an opulent and luxurious palace built for royalty . The other, an artist’s home where the landscape will seem all too familiar.
• Meet in central Paris and take a private air-conditioned coach to Giverny . After visiting the enchanting house and gardens of Claude Monet , you will have time to enjoy a quaint lunch and discover the picturesque town at your leisure.
• Next, visit the Palace of Versailles where Skip-the-Line Access and an Official Palace guide ensures you a great experience. Listen to stories of Louis XVI, the Sun King, and Marie Antoinette while visiting their Royal Apartments, the Hall of Mirrors, and more . Finally, end the day in the magnificent Gardens of Versailles and possibly see the Fountain Show.

Tour Description

What's included.

• Expert, English speaking tour guide
• Round trip transfer from Paris in a comfortable air-conditioned coach
• Entrance tickets and reservation fee for the Château de Versailles and Gardens
• Entrance fee to Monet's house and gardens
• Headsets when appropriate, so you can always hear your guide
• Food & Beverages

Sites Visited

• Palace of Versailles
• Gardens of the Palace of Versailles
• Monet’s house and gardens
• Giverny town

This tour combines trips to two of the most notable attractions within driving distance of Paris: Claude Monet’s estate at Giverny and the famously extravagant Palace of Versailles. Learn about two different chapters from French history – the Baroque-era excess of Versailles and the hugely influential Impressionist art movement.

In the morning, travel from Paris to the quaint country village of Giverny by air-conditioned coach. During the drive, which takes around an hour, your guide will provide an enlightening introduction to the day’s agenda. Your first stop is the Fondation Claude Monet, where you’ll be treated to an informative introduction to the estate where the Impressionist master Monet made his home.

After the orientation tour, you are free to explore at your leisure. Stroll around the lily pad-peppered ponds of the garden that were made famous by Monet’s own masterpieces. Admire the fabulous explosion of blooms which change depending on the season. Make your way around the artist’s ivy-clad house which has been restored to show how it would have appeared during the painter’s lifetime. You can also grab lunch in one of the town’s tranquil bars or restaurants, which exude provincial charm.

After lunch, we’ll regroup and make the short trip to Versailles on the outskirts of Paris. Upon arrival, an official Palace of Versailles tour guide will accompany you for your comprehensive two-hour guided tour of the Palace.

Enjoy skip-the-line access via our pre-booked group entrance to Versailles as your guide leads you around the labyrinthine interior, showing you the resplendent rooms where Louis XVI and Marie Antoinette threw lavish soirées for fellow aristocrats as well as the royals’ own private chambers. Marvel at the sheer array of magnificent art, which could rival even the finest museum collections. You’ll see the King and Queen’s apartments, the Chapel, the Coronation Room, the Hall of Mirrors, and the Salon of Abundance.

Just when you think that you have seen all that the Palace of Versailles has to offer, you’ll step out into its dazzling manicured gardens. The gardens measure more than 1,800 acres in size so we'll give you plenty of time to wander them at will. From April to October, you'll get to xperience the musical show inside the gardens of Versailles. (Tickets are included in tour price on show days). The Fountain Shows sees Versailles’ famous water features spray and spurt to life, while the Musical Gardens event allows you to enjoy the garden against a soundtrack of classical music. After ambling around the gardens at your preferred pace, hop back on board the return coach to Paris.

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Important Notes

• Please note that Paris will host the 2024 Olympics from July 26th to August 11th, followed by the Paralympics from August 28th to September 8th. This may have an impact on our travel plans. While we are committed to minimizing any sort of inconvenience, please be aware that unforeseen issues may arise. We will make every effort to navigate challenges and ensure a smooth experience for you.
• Tickets for the Musical Fountains Show or Musical Gardens are added automatically to the price when running. When not running a standard guided tour of the gardens is provided. Some parts of the palace may be temporarily closed for renovation. If this occurs, these areas will be substituted with other important rooms depending on the day of your visit.
• Due to increased security measures at many attractions some lines may form on tours with 'Skip the Line' access. Please note that Musical Gardens and Fountain show may be subject to last minute schedule changes that are not under our control.
• We strongly recommend all clients who are traveling with infants to bring their own infant or child seat. It is the responsibility of the parent or guardian to ensure the safety of their child.

Cancelation Policy

This tour is subject to a 24-hour cancelation policy. If you wish to cancel or amend your booking, you can do so without charge by contacting us up to 24 hours in advance of your expected departure time.

You should expect to receive an email within minutes of booking with your confirmation voucher.

Currently we offer private tours in many destinations and can arrange many of our tours as private tours.  If you are interested in a private tour please refer to the private tours offered online. If the private tour you are interested in, is not listed, please contact our Customer Care team.

Our tours are very popular amongst visitors to Italy, Paris and London, so we suggest booking your place on them at your earliest convenience. If you are not ready to book yet and have some questions, we would be happy to help over the phone, via email and Live Chat. It is our mission to ensure that you get the most out of your visit!

• Book with Confidence: Free cancellations up to 24 hours before the experience begins (local time).
• Multilingual Customer Service: Talk to us, we are here to help.
• No Hidden Costs: All taxes and fees included.

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Palace of Versailles Tour & Giverny in one day

with Fountain Show & Marie-Antoinette's private village

Small Group Tour

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• Description •
• Tour Highlights •

Two iconic homes & gardens in one day

Discover two of the most iconic homes and gardens in France on this small group day trip from Paris! In Versailles you’ll visit King Louis’ opulent Palace, see the Musical Fountain Show in the French Gardens, and explore the private Hamlet of Queen Marie-Antoinette. In Giverny you’ll discover for yourself the inspiration Claude Monet found in his flower filled Clos Normand garden, his Japanese styled Water garden and colorful home of more than 40 years.

Giverny and Versailles are less than a 1 hour drive west of Paris, so combining them both into a one day trip is easy and relaxed. This tour starts with the calm and almost otherworldly beauty of Claude Monet’s Home and Gardens in Giverny. Learn about the famous Impressionist artist and then enjoy free time to explore inside his vibrantly colored home, stroll along the charming paths of his flower garden, and admire the water garden with the lake full of his famous water lilies.

In the afternoon the guide will share the scandals surrounding the French Revolution and Marie-Antoinette during your visit to her private farm village (hamlet) and explore the famous French Gardens while the spectacular Musical Fountains Show is running. You’ll then have free time to explore the Palace itself seeing the stunning Hall of Mirrors and so much more at your leisure.

Only minutes from Paris!

Start your day of exploration with a short 45 minute drive through the countryside from Paris to Monet’s Home and Gardens in Giverny. You’ll love the calm and artistic aspects of the garden.

Inside the gardens our guide will share interesting stories about Claude Monet’s life and give details about some of the paintings inspired by his home and gardens in Giverny. Then you’ll enjoy 90 minutes of free time to explore the interior of Monet’s brightly colored home and stroll through his gardens at your leisure.

Inside his home, of more than 40 years, you’ll see his personal rooms as well as the artistic studio where he put the finishing touches on thousands of his works. There are also many pieces from other great artist friends, such as Renoir and Pissarro, and a large collection of Japanese block prints in blue to admire on the walls of Monet’s home.

Monet’s Gardens and Final Resting Place

Outside of the house you’ll marvel at the lovely gardens designed by Claude Monet himself. You’ll admire the thousands of beautiful flowers in the Clos Normand garden and you’ll feel as though you’re walking in one of Monet’s famous Nymphea paintings in his Japanese styled garden where the colorful water lilies fill the lake with delicate charm.

lived in them. As such this tour makes a special stop at the charming little church of Sainte Radegonde where Claude Monet worshipped on Sundays. There, hidden in the little graveyard, you’ll see the humble gravesite of Claude Monet and have a chance to pay your respects in person.

Afterwards you’ll have a 30 minute drive through the lush green countryside to the town of Versailles for a very different adventure in a gilded Palace with a stunning French Garden full of statues, perfectly trimmed hedges, and fountains that dance to music.

Versailles: the Magnificent

In Versailles you’ll have a 1 hour lunch break at a trendy French creperie near the Palace. They have dozens of great options for all types of diets and everything on their menu is very reasonably priced between 5€ and 15€. After lunch your guide will take you to Marie-Antoinette's Private Domaine and share her life story with you. Then you'll have free time to walk among the adorable thatched roof buildings and farm yard full of cute ducks, sheep, and donkeys.

Then you’ll tour the famous French Gardens together enjoying the Musical Fountain Show and perfectly trimmed topiaries. As you explore the French Gardens you’ll learn about what really happened during the French Revolution and why Marie-Antoinette lost her head to the guillotine.

Last but not least you’ll visit the Palace itself where you’ll be able to visit at your own pace with an audio-guide. The glittering gold and luxurious decorations are sure to impress you and you’ll marvel at the elegance in the famous Hall of Mirrors. At the end of your visit to the Palace you will be brought back to Paris in comfort in our luxury van.

Good to Know:

• This tour requires that all participants are able to walk well, even on hot summer days. If you have trouble walking or get faint in the hot sun then this is NOT a good tour for you.
• Due to the parking arrangement in Versailles it is REQUIRED to walk through the French gardens after having visited the Chateau of Versailles. It is not possible to skip them.
• This tour starts and finishes in Paris next to the Arc de Triomphe. The exact meeting point will be given in your confirmation email after booking.
• Food and drinks are not included in our tour price. There are many great options, all with very reasonable prices, for you to choose from at the creperie where we stop for lunch in Versailles. All dietary restrictions can be met for vegetarians and people who require gluten free food.
• There will be opportunities to go to the restroom, several times, during this tour.
• Gratuities aka "tips" are not included but welcomed by our guides.

Max. 8 pers. per tour

9hrs Back in Paris around 6:30PM

What's Included

• Transportation by luxury A/C minibus
• Friendly & Knowledgeable guide
• Versailles Palace ticketss
• Monet’s Home & Gardens tickets

All of our tours are commented in English

Dates & Times

April to October 8AM

Meeting point

12 Avenue des Ternes

Click here for picture Reservation required

For the Versailles + Giverny Day Trip from Paris you will meet with your driver-guide outside of 12 Avenue des Ternes in Paris.

Tour Highlights

Monet’s Home

For more than 40 years Claude Monet lived in and personalized every aspect of decoration in his home.

Monet’s flower garden

Wander through the flower garden that provided the inspiration for Monet’s most famous paintings.

The Japanese Footbridge

Cross the lovely green footbridge that is in so many paintings and admire the water lilies in the pond.

Monet’s Grave

Pay your respects to the man behind the paintings when your guide takes you to his humble grave.

The Palace of Versailles

Enjoy special skip the line entrance into the Palace of Versailles and free time inside with an audio-guide!

The Hall of Mirrors!

Walk through the Hall of Mirrors and see the extravagance of King Louis XIV.

Famous French Gardens

See the meticulously planned out French Gardens in Versailles.

Marie-Antoinette

Learn about France’s last queen and the scandals leading to the French Revolution.

Paris largest and most celebrated Church, built in a true Gothic fashion it has the most beautiful Rose windows and flying buttresses.

Once the Royal Palace, now the largest and most visited museum in the world. The Louvre is home to the mysterious Mona Lisa, Venus de Milo, and the famous glass Pyramid.

The Musée d’Orsay

Home to some of the most beautiful paintings in the world, the Musée d’Orsay has several works of Monet, Renoir and Van Gogh.

Rue Cler market

Parisians have been coming to rue Cler market street since 1826! Taste some of the best of Paris here when you stop for the 30 minute break.

Seine River banks

The banks of the Seine River, in Paris, are so enchanting that they have become a UNESCO World Heritage Site. You'll ride along them and behold the beauty of the river life.

Place de la Concorde

Place de la Concorde is the place where Marie-Antoinette lost her head! Today is has a 2,000 year old Egyptian Obelisk at its center.

The Grand Palais

Constructed for the 1900 World’s Fair, the Grand Palais is a magnificent architectural feat with its glass, iron and steel beautifully combined.

Champs-Elysées

Known to many as « The most beautiful avenue in the world » you'll have a wonderful view all the way up this avenue to the famous Arc de Triomphe.

Invalides (Napoleon’s Tomb)

Les Invalides was once a hospital for wounded soldiers, and is currently a military museum that is home to the tomb of Napoléon Bonaparte.

Frequently Asked Questions

If you think Giverny is only good to visit in the springtime you are mistaken. Giverny is open from the end of March to the end of October and it’s absolutely beautiful throughout this entire time. The gardeners in Giverny do an amazing job caring for and changing out the different flowers from the Springtime all the way through the fall.

So, now when we answer your question it hopefully won’t be too much of a surprise when we believe that a nice sunny day in October is the best of all! There are still plenty of flowers in bloom but there are also fall colors in the trees and a lot less visitors than during the other months. Your taste might be different than our though so we suggest that you look for #giverny pictures on Instagram to get an idea of what Monet's gardens look like at different time of the year.

We allow you to cancel, for any reason, up to 24 hours before the start of your tour. It’s easy to cancel just send us an email then we’ll give you a full refund.

If you fail to email with your cancellation at least 24 hours before the tour starts then we will not be able to provide you with a refund.

Our small groups fill up very quickly. You should book your spots on this tour about 3 weeks before the date of the tour you want to take.

Love It Or Get Your Money Back

We are committed to giving you the best experience possible, in case the tour you took with us didn’t meet your expectation we are happy to give a full refund as long as you participated in the entire tour and tell your guide at the end of the tour.

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Planning on booking multiple tours with us? Contact us to receive a 10% discount . Discount only apply when booking 2, 3 or 4 tours on different dates.

Free Cancellation

We understand that unexpected events can change your travel plans; for this reason Blue Fox Travel offers a full refund, for any reason, if you cancel more than 24hrs before your reserved tour is scheduled to start.

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These are the Terms & Conditions that apply to any tour run by BLUE FOX TRAVEL in France under the brands BLUE BIKE TOURS or BLUE FOX TRAVEL. In this document, BLUE BIKE TOURS might be abbreviated as BBT and BLUE FOX TRAVEL as BFT.

BLUE FOX TRAVEL is a registered SARL (Société à Responsabilité Limitée - Limited Liability Company) at the Paris Chamber of Commerce under the number : 534 151 576 BLUE FOX TRAVEL is a registered French Travel Operator under the licence : IM075160040 BLUE FOX TRAVEL is a registered Public Service Vehicle Operator under the Licence : 2016/11/0007784 Because BLUE FOX TRAVEL is a registered French company, and all of our tours take place in France, only the French Law will apply in the case of any conflict. Last updated : January 2019. Valid until : the end of the world.

I - Cancellation Policy

BFT offers a 100% refund if a reservation is cancelled more than 24 hours before the scheduled start of the tour. The notification must be made by email. No refunds are given for ANY reason once within the 24 hrs prior to the scheduled tour. All of our tours run Rain or Shine. We do not issue refunds if you choose to skip your tour because the weather doesn’t suit you. You can always wait until the last minute to book your tour to ensure the weather suits you that day. BFT reserves the right to cancel any of its tours last minute in case of an Act of God or crazy act from a large group of people. Flooding, hail, dangerous weather conditions, riots, etc. In such instances full refunds will be given to anyone who had their tour cancelled.

II - Satisfaction Guarantee Policy

If the tour you took with us didn’t live up to what we promised you on our website and failed to meet your expectations, we will be heartbroken. We will also give you a 100% refund so long as you do all of these things: You remember that we we are in no way responsible for the weather and that our guides actually have to give 110% of themselves to you on days when the weather is not as nice in order to help you enjoy the tour. You participate in the entire tour from: being on time at the meeting point until the “goodbyes” at the very end of the tour. You can’t leave a tour half-way and ask for your money back. At the end of the tour you tell your guide, in person, that you were not satisfied with the tour you took. You provide your tour guide with the reasons you were not satisfied with the tour itself.

III - Payment Policy

A valid credit card is required to secure your booking. All reservations must be prepaid online prior to the tour. We accept Visa, Mastercard. None of your personal credit card or billing information is stored by BFT.

IV - Privacy Policy

We are committed to protecting your privacy. Your personal informations will never be disclosed to any third parties.

V - Child Policy

All reservations made for children under the age of 18 years old must be made by an adult and we must be informed at the time of booking exactly how many children are in your party and their ages. This is vital information as it allows our guide to prepare the proper child sized equipments for the bike tours and the booster seats for all day trips/excursions that use one of our vans. All reservations made for a minor under the age of 18 years old must also include the reservation for an adult who will be 100% solely responsible for the safety and well being of the child while on the tour. Every child, under the age of 12 years old, partaking in a bicycle tour will be required to wear a helmet and a reflective vest as per French Law. The adult who accompanies the child agrees to the responsibility of choosing a properly sized helmet, adjusting the helmet, and keeping the helmet on the head of the child during the whole tour. Blue Fox Travel has helmets in multiple sizes for you to choose from at no cost. Don't forget: Children who will be riding in a baby/child seat, on a tandem attachment bike, or in a booster seat in one of our vans absolutely MUST have their seat reserved beforehand. We NEED to know exactly what your child will need before they show up. Please make it clear in the “Special Requirements” section of our booking form.

VI- Child Bike Policy

Children who will be riding on their own may be subject to a very short test run before the tour starts in which they will be expected to demonstrate: that they are well suited for their bike’s size and settings, that they know how to brake properly and that they are, in general, good cyclists who can be trusted to follow their tour guide in a safe manner. We own 20” and 24” kids bikes (size of the wheel). Adult bikes are 26”. If the guide, or manager, finds that the child is not, for any reason, a good enough cyclist then the guide, or manager, has the right to refuse to let the child follow the tour on a personal bike. This means they will either be asked to ride on one of our ‘tandem attachments’ which is attached to the back of a parents bike OR asked to ride in a child seat attached to the back of a parents bike. If the child refuses the change, then the guide or manager has the right to cancel the reservation, and not allow you and your child on the bike tour. Refunds will not be issued if your reservation is cancelled because of your child not being able to cycle and their refusal to ride attached to you. Baby seats are for kids that are between the ages of 1 and 3 years old (max weight 22 kg (48 lbs)). We also have some cool Burley™ tandem attachment bikes that are suitable for little kids who are too big for the baby seat but too small to cycle on their own (max weight 38 kg (85 lbs) - max height 137 cm (4 ft 6 in)).

VII - Damages to Blue Fox Travel Property

If you or anyone in your party damages a vehicle, a Blue Bike™, a vehicle, a child's bike, a helmet, a baby/child seat, a tandem attachment bike, any bike attachments, or a booster seat in such a way that it becomes badly disfigured, broken, or unusable, then BFT reserves the right to claim a fee of up to the cost of repair of the damaged bike/vehicle or object.

VIII - Miscellaneous

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Uber from Giverny to Paris? - Giverny Forum

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From the Eiffel Tower to the Louvre: Unraveling the Magic

P aris, the capital city of France, is a dream destination for travelers from around the world. With its charming streets, iconic landmarks, rich history, and vibrant culture, Paris has an undeniable allure that captivates visitors. From the moment you set foot in this enchanting city, you are greeted with an atmosphere of romance, sophistication, and artistic inspiration. Whether you are strolling along the Seine River, sipping coffee at a sidewalk cafe, or exploring the magnificent architecture, Paris never fails to leave a lasting impression.

A Brief History of Paris

Paris has a long and storied history that dates back over 2,000 years. It was founded by the Celtic Parisii tribe in the 3rd century BC and was later conquered by the Romans. Throughout the centuries, Paris witnessed the rise and fall of empires, endured wars and revolutions, and emerged as a beacon of art, culture, and intellectualism. From the Renaissance to the Enlightenment, Paris became a center for creativity and innovation, attracting writers, philosophers, and artists from all over the world. Today, the city stands as a testament to its rich past, with architectural marvels and historical landmarks that tell the story of its evolution.

Top attractions in Paris – Eiffel Tower, Louvre Museum, Notre-Dame Cathedral

No visit to Paris is complete without experiencing its iconic attractions. The Eiffel Tower, a symbol of the city, offers breathtaking views of Paris from its observation decks. As you ascend the tower, you can see the sprawling cityscape, the meandering Seine River, and the intricate network of streets below. Another must-visit landmark is the Louvre Museum, home to some of the world's most renowned artworks, including the Mona Lisa. With its impressive collection spanning thousands of years, the Louvre is a treasure trove of artistic masterpieces. Notre-Dame Cathedral, with its magnificent Gothic architecture, is another must-see destination. The cathedral's intricate stained glass windows, towering spires, and serene atmosphere make it a place of awe-inspiring beauty and spiritual significance.

Exploring the neighborhoods of Paris – Le Marais, Montmartre, Saint-Germain-des-Prés

Paris is a city of distinct neighborhoods, each with its own unique character and charm. Le Marais, located in the heart of the city, is known for its narrow cobblestone streets, historic buildings, and trendy boutiques. This vibrant district is a hub for art galleries, fashion designers, and gourmet food. Montmartre, situated on a hill overlooking Paris, is famous for its bohemian atmosphere and artistic legacy. It was once home to renowned artists like Picasso and Van Gogh, and you can still feel their presence as you wander through the charming streets and visit the iconic Sacré-Cœur Basilica. Saint-Germain-des-Prés, on the Left Bank of the Seine, is a literary and intellectual hub. This neighborhood has been a gathering place for writers, philosophers, and artists for centuries, and its cozy cafes and bookstores continue to inspire creativity.

Parisian cuisine – from croissants to escargots

Paris is a culinary paradise, offering a wide range of gastronomic delights. French cuisine is renowned for its elegance and sophistication, and Paris is the perfect place to indulge in these culinary delights. Start your day with a freshly baked croissant or pain au chocolat from a local bakery. For lunch, savor a traditional French dish like coq au vin or boeuf bourguignon at a charming bistro. In the evening, treat yourself to a gourmet dinner at one of Paris' Michelin-starred restaurants, where you can sample exquisite dishes like foie gras, escargots, and crème brûlée. And of course, no visit to Paris would be complete without trying some of the finest wines and cheeses the country has to offer. From the neighborhood cafes to the upscale dining establishments, Parisian cuisine is sure to delight your taste buds.

The art and culture scene in Paris – museums, galleries, and theaters

Paris has long been a haven for artists and intellectuals, and its art and culture scene is unparalleled. The city is home to numerous world-class museums, including the Louvre, Musée d'Orsay, and Centre Pompidou, where you can immerse yourself in the works of masters like Monet, Renoir, and Rodin. The art doesn't end at the museum doors, though. Paris is also known for its vibrant street art scene, with colorful murals adorning the walls of neighborhoods like Belleville and Le Marais. In addition to visual arts, Paris boasts a thriving theater scene, with venues like the Comédie-Française and the Théâtre du Châtelet showcasing a wide range of performances, from classical plays to avant-garde productions. Whether you are a lover of art, theater, music, or dance, Paris offers a wealth of cultural experiences to satisfy your artistic cravings.

Shopping in Paris – luxury boutiques and flea markets

Paris is a paradise for shoppers, with its mix of luxury boutiques, designer stores, and charming flea markets. The city is renowned for its fashion heritage, with iconic brands like Chanel, Dior, and Louis Vuitton calling Paris home. The renowned shopping street, Avenue des Champs-Élysées, is a must-visit destination for fashion enthusiasts, with its flagship stores and high-end fashion houses. For a more unique shopping experience, head to the city's flea markets, such as the Marché aux Puces de Saint-Ouen. Here, you can browse through a treasure trove of vintage clothing, antique furniture, and quirky collectibles. Whether you are looking to splurge on luxury goods or hunt for one-of-a-kind bargains, Paris offers a shopping experience like no other.

Day trips from Paris – Versailles, Giverny, and Disneyland Paris

If you have more time to spare, take advantage of the convenient day trips from Paris to explore the surrounding areas. Just a short train ride away is the Palace of Versailles, a UNESCO World Heritage site known for its opulent gardens and grand architecture. Step back in time as you wander through the lavish halls and marvel at the intricate details of this former royal residence. Another popular day trip is to Giverny, the home of renowned impressionist painter Claude Monet. Visit Monet's house and gardens, which inspired some of his most famous works, and immerse yourself in the beauty of the water lilies and vibrant blooms. For a dose of family fun, head to Disneyland Paris, where you can experience the magic of Disney in the heart of Europe. With its thrilling rides, enchanting shows, and beloved characters, Disneyland Paris is sure to delight visitors of all ages.

Parisian fashion and style

Paris is synonymous with fashion and style, and its residents effortlessly exude an air of elegance and sophistication. From the impeccably dressed Parisians to the world-renowned fashion houses, the city is a trendsetter in the global fashion industry. Paris Fashion Week, held twice a year, showcases the latest collections from top designers and attracts fashion enthusiasts from all over the world. The city's streets are also a runway of style, with locals effortlessly combining classic pieces with contemporary trends. To emulate Parisian style, opt for timeless pieces like a tailored blazer, a little black dress, or a pair of chic ballet flats. Don't be afraid to mix and match, and always remember that confidence is the key to pulling off any outfit with panache.

Tips for visiting Paris – transportation, safety, and etiquette

Before you embark on your journey to Paris, it's helpful to know a few tips to make your visit smooth and enjoyable. When it comes to transportation, the city has an extensive public transportation system, including the metro, buses, and trams, which makes getting around a breeze. It's also worth noting that walking is a great way to explore the city and discover hidden gems along the way. As with any big city, it's important to be mindful of your surroundings and take precautions to ensure your safety. Keep an eye on your belongings, especially in crowded tourist areas, and be aware of common scams. Lastly, familiarize yourself with the local customs and etiquette. French people appreciate politeness, so a simple “Bonjour” (hello) and “Merci” (thank you) can go a long way in making a positive impression.

Conclusion – the allure and magic of Paris

In conclusion, Paris is a city that captures the imagination and leaves a lasting impression on all who visit. From its iconic landmarks and world-class museums to its charming neighborhoods and culinary delights, Paris offers a wealth of experiences for every traveler. Whether you are an art enthusiast, a food lover, a fashionista, or a history buff, the city has something to offer you. So, pack your bags, immerse yourself in the magic of Paris, and let this enchanting city weave its spell on you.

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