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 balloonrides… 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 head 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 booking.
- 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 book.
- 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:
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
What you will see
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.
How long does the tour last?
Allow a full half-day for this visit!
Why did we choose it?
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.
Is the tour family-friendly?
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.
3. From Paris: visit Claude Monet’s garden by bike
What you will see
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.
How long does the tour last?
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.
Why did we choose it?
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.
See details, availability and book this tour!
4. Guided tour of Claude Monet’s House and Gardens
What you will see
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.
How long does the tour last?
The guided tour of Claude Monet’s House and Gardens lasts 1h30.
Why did we choose it?
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.
See details, availability and book this tour!
5. Day trip to Giverny and Versailles from Paris with lunch
What you will see
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.
How long does the tour last?
Devote a whole day to this outing, including travel time, with a return to Paris around 6pm.
Why did we choose it?
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
What you will see
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.
How long does the tour last?
Allow a full half-day for this tour experience.
Why did we choose it?
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.
See details, availability and book this tour!
7. Day trip to Giverny and Vernon
What you will see
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.
How long does the tour last?
Plan a full day to make the most of it.
Why did we choose 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 thecomplete insurance (some roads are tortuous and narrow).
- There is a lot of demand, book it early.
8. Hot-air balloon ride in Giverny
What you will see
Hot-air balloon flights are organized in 5 stages: preparation with pre-briefing check procedures, then take-off aboard the balloon. You’ll feel as light as soap bubbles zigzagging through the air!
Imagine flying over the Gardens and House of Claude Monet and all the wonders of the village of Giverny and the French Vexin Regional Nature Park? It’s a truly unique experience!
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!
How long does the tour last?
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.
Why did we choose it?
This outing has a number of advantages:
- its originality and unforgettable images,
- a small circle for an intimate ballooning experience,
- care with safety measures.
Is the tour family-friendly?
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:
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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.
Where to eat in Giverny
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 of
Practice
- 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 fromOrly, Roissy-CDG or Beauvais airports.
