Giverny is the mecca of Impressionist artists and admirers from all over the world. Eternalised in Claude Monet’s paintings are the water lily pond and the gardens at his home, and the landscapes of Giverny. A visit from Paris to Giverny is a must to see this picturesque town and the places that inspired him and a generation of impressionists.
More than 500,000 visitors make this journey every year to see the beautiful Monet’s gardens and his home and studio. Just 75 km away, Giverny is the ideal destination for a day trip from Paris.
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What Makes Giverny Special
Standing in front of the water lily pond with the Japanese Bridge in the background can give any art lover goosebumps, as nearly a century ago, Monet himself stood at the same spot.
Today, Giverny is synonymous with the Monet garden and Monet’s home, where the revered artist lived the last 40 years of his life. Giverny tours will take you through the spectacular gardens that Monet himself tended. In a sense, he created art twice — first in planning the exquisite garden, and then again painting his masterpieces and pioneering the Impressionist style. In his own words, “I’m good for nothing except painting and gardening”.
The Monet Gardens near Paris are not the only sights in Giverny. The town also offers an ode to Monet through the Musée des impressionnismes (Giverny Museum of Impressionisms), which promotes and displays works of other Impressionist artists and conducts regular workshops and classes.
All the walking in the colorful flower filled gardens is bound to make you hungry and a pitstop at the Michelin star restaurant – Le Jardin des Plumes is a must on your Giverny tour. If you are not in a rush, then you must extend your Paris to Giverny day trip and head to witness the glory of Palace of Versailles on your return journey to Paris.
Day Trip from Paris to Giverny
Giverny, Monet's Garden & Versailles Palace Full Day Trip from Paris
• Go on a guided tour of the Monet Garden near Paris, and explore the iconic Japanese garden and the Clos Normand garden.
• Discover Monet’s house and studio, which remains unchanged over the years.
• Savor local delicacies in a rustic country lunch and sample the fine wine and food.
• Enjoy priority entrance at the Palace of Versailles and go on a guided tour of the Hall of Mirrors and the Royal apartments.
• Admire the Gardens of Versailles at your own leisure.
Journey to Giverny Monet's Gardens from Paris for Half Day Tour
• Go on a guided tour of the Monet Garden near Paris, and explore the iconic Japanese garden and the Clos Normand garden.
• Discover Monet’s house and studio, which remains unchanged over the years.
• Savor local delicacies in a rustic country lunch and sample the fine wine and food.
• Enjoy priority entrance at the Palace of Versailles and go on a guided tour of the Hall of Mirrors and the Royal apartments.
• Admire the Gardens of Versailles at your own leisure.
Things to Consider When Booking Your Trip to Giverny
Every traveler wishes they could visit every destination on a holiday, but several constraints pull them back. If you are thinking of going on a Paris to Giverny Tour, take these aspects into consideration before booking:
Time
Giverny is about an away from Paris and it takes about two hours at least to explore Monet’s garden, his house, and the museum. If you are on a long trip to Paris, then go on a half-day trip to Giverny and enjoy the village at your leisure. If you are short on time then you can choose a private guided tour from Paris to Giverny. You can also extend it with a visit to the nearby Versailles, making sure you have filled your day with great sightseeing.
Cost
A guided Giverny Day Trip is an ideal option for all kinds of travelers, as it takes away the worry of figuring out public transport. You also get the services of a local guide, who will ensure you see all the sights and get interesting information about each place. You can also savor the local cuisine by opting for a guided tour that includes lunch. Or if you are looking to save costs, you can bring your own packed lunch.
Best Time to Visit
Try visiting Giverny between April and October. The gardens and the house are open only during the seven months of the year. The rest of the village also shuts down for tourists as there isn’t much else to explore. Monet had carefully tended plants that flower at different times during the year, and hence any time between April to October is a good time. However, the summer months of July to August offers the best of annual flowers.
Getting from Paris to Giverny
If you are wondering how far Giverny is from Paris, it’s only at a short distance of 75 km. It takes about an hour to reach Giverny. The best and fastest way to reach Giverny would be by private coach on a guided tour. If you are planning to visit on your own, you can choose to reach Vernon by train.
Vernon is about 4 km away from Giverny, and lies on the main train line of Paris-Rouen-Le Havre. You can take a bus shuttle or a private taxi from Vernon station. Or, if you are feeling adventurous and the weather is great, you can also walk to the Giverny from Vernon.
Tips
- Giverny is close to the town of Vernon, and you can explore the ancient town and its monuments on your day trip from Paris to Giverny. You can visit the Collegiate church Notre Dame, the Old Mill, Tourelles Castle, and the gothic Sainte-Radegonde Church.
- Similarly, Versailles is also fairly close to Giverny. You can explore the Palace of Versailles on your way back to Paris.
- Monet’s Gardens are wheelchair access friendly, however the home is not, so keep that in mind when planning the trip.
- Giverny is a great walking place, both the gardens as well as the village. Ensure you are wearing comfortable walking shoes.
- July 14th is the French National Day and if you are there on the eve of July 13th, catch the fireworks at Vernon over the Seine River near the Tourelles Castle.
Other Day Trips from Paris
Paris to Mont St. Michel
Travel back in time to the medieval ages with a day trip from Paris to Mont St. Michel. Mont St. Michel has a magnificent abbey built in the 8th century, which was once also used as a stronghold and prison. The Abbey forms a dramatic scenery, seemingly rising out of the flat sea. The interiors of the abbey are just as stunning as the exterior, and tell stories of warding of attacks and sieges over centuries. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, more than 3 million travelers visit each year making it one of the most popular destinations in France. Read more on planning a day trip from Paris to Mont St. Michel here.
Recommended Experiences
• Mont St. Michel's Abbey Full Day Trip from Paris
Paris to Normandy
The World War II ravaged many European nations, and Normandy in France is one of those sites that witnessed this on an unprecedented scale. On D-Day, in the early hours of June 6 1944, the Allied forces marched to victory defeating the Germans. Explore the region and admire the grit and courage of the soldiers who laid their lives for a righteous cause. Visit the museum in the German Bunker at Utah Beach, pay homage at the American Cemetery, tour a 17th century barn, and catch the sights of the English Channel from the cliffs at Pointe Du Hoc on a day trip from Paris to Normandy. Read more on planning a day trip from Paris to Normandy here.
Recommended Experiences
• WWII: Normandy U.S. D-Day Beaches Full Day Trip from Paris
