Are you visiting Normandy or Paris and hesitating to discover Giverny? For a day out, a weekend away or a vacation in the region, we’ve found plenty of things to do in Giverny.
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… Your days will be full! It’s a place to visit at least once in your life.
In this article, you’ll find a list of 8 ideas for the best things to do in Giverny (and bonus activities!). We’ll give you our opinions in pictures, along with suggestions on how best to organize your getaway.
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.
The best things to do in Giverny
Before revealing all our ideas for things to do and see in Giverny, here’s a short video to give you an initial impression.
1. Best things to do in Giverny: Visit the House and Gardens of Claude Monet
Why visit the House and Gardens of Claude Monet?
Nicknamed the Village of Painters, Giverny is famous for having been the home of Claude Monet, the French painter and founder of Impressionism, for 43 years.
The house and gardens of this illustrious painter and gardener are well worth a visit! You’ll see nearly a hundred different plant species, including flowers, trees and plants! Claude Monet would often repeat, “I don’t need a studio, my studio is the open air”. He has turned his home into a living work of art.
What you will see
Le Clos Normand is the 1st part of Claude Monet’s home, which we had the pleasure of visiting. In this long, pink-rendered house, the artist lived with his blended family.
Right from the 1st room of the house, we were invaded by the soul of his works, the furniture, the carpets, the decor, still perfectly preserved. Take the time to observe every detail, because from the bedroom to the kitchen to the dining room, we wanted to take a close, curious look at everything.
After wandering upstairs to the bedrooms, you’ll arrive in the flamboyant yellow dining room, featuring a collection of Japanese prints by Claude Monet. A few are also scattered around different rooms, so look up as you descend the stairs. When you finish your tour of the house, have you spotted the blue and white Rouen tiles in the kitchen?
With a surface area of one hectare, this estate is quite extraordinary. You’ll see an apple orchard and vegetable garden sharing the space with 64 varieties of flowers and dozens of trees and plants. Iris, carnation, rose, dahlia, daffodil, water lily, weeping willow, bamboo, Japanese cherry… What wonders!
Claude Monet’s ambition was to have a colorful garden all year round. 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. Embark on an enchanting journey into the artist’s wildest dreams!
How much time to allow
If you’re visiting the House and Gardens of Claude Monet, we recommend you allow between 2 and 2.5 hours to wander the aisles of this botanical gem in Giverny. Sometimes there’s a bit of a wait to get to the House of Claude Monet. If you choose to visit the Gardens on your own, allow around 1h30.
Further information on the House and Gardens of Claude Monet
Open year-round from April 1 to November 1, 9:30 a.m. to 6 p.m.
The gardens are accessible to people with reduced mobility and baby carriages, although some of the paths are a little narrow. But most are paved and easy to walk on. PRM entrance is via the group checkout.
If you’d like to visit the Maison de Claude Monet, please note that there is no wheelchair access, and the stairs are steep and sometimes a little cramped. In fact, it was not originally designed to accommodate the public.
If you’re visiting the gardens with toddlers, it’s best to use a baby carrier. Stroll around the village in a stroller.
Plants, flowers and trees may not be touched, and there are no lockers for bags and luggage. Pets are not allowed.
Avoid queuing and book your guided entry now!
2. Explore the Musée des Impressionnismes
Why visit the Musée des Impressionnismes in Giverny?
Dedicated to the artistic movement of which Claude Monet was one of the masters, the Musée des Impressionnismes in Giverny celebrates the alliance between modernity, the outdoors and vivid colors.
What you will see
Firstly, the building’s contemporary architecture, combined with its remarkable gardens, transports you into the world of French and American Impressionist greats such as Claude Monet, Auguste Renoir, Mary Cassatt and Henri Martin. Here you can admire Henri Martin’s Étude pour l’été from the early 20th century, an oil on canvas exhibited in this museum.
In the garden surrounding this place of art and history, you’ll see the magnificent field of poppies that inspired Claude Monet to paint Champs de coquelicots à Giverny at the Musée des Beaux-Arts in Rouen.
How much time to allow
You should allow around an hour to contemplate the museum’s entire permanent collection. There are also regular temporary exhibitions and the museum gardens are well worth a visit!
Further information on the Musée des Impressionnismes
Open from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. from April 1 to November 5, then with some variations in dates until early January, see details here.
The museum meets PRM accessibility criteria:
- if you would like to reserve a wheelchair, more information here,
- if you wish to reserve a stroller as baby carriers are not accepted, more information here.
You can buy a combined ticket for the Musée des Impressionnismes, Maison et Jardins de Claude Monet or Musée des Impressionnismes and Jardins de Claude Monet directly from the museum reception desk. This can save you queuing afterwards if you come on your own.
Pets are not allowed inside the museum and its gardens.
Discover our article dedicated to the Musée des Impressionnismes 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.
3. Stroll down Rue Claude Monet in Giverny
Why visit Rue Claude Monet?
Rue Claude Monet is the main alley in the village of Giverny. Pedestrians and cyclists are welcome. Only village residents are allowed to drive there. It’s a lovely walk, especially in fine weather!
What you will see
If you start in the western part of the village of Giverny, you’ll begin your walk along Rue Claude Monet, passing by the charming Église Sainte-Radegonde de Giverny and its cemetery, where the inhabitants, Claude Monet, his family and 7 British airmen who died during the D-Day landings in 1944 are buried.
You’ll see that the pretty old houses, some with red or beige bricks, follow one another along this pretty flower-lined alley. Stores and restaurants are also located on this main avenue, so you’ll have plenty to choose from!
On your left, you’ll come to the Musée des Impressionnismes, then a little further on your right to the House and Gardens of Claude Monet. The entrances to these places of interest are both located on this main street. Finally, a little further down the gently sloping path, you’ll discover another part of the village with hotels and eateries, and a view of the surrounding hills.
How much time to allow
Allow between 30 and 45 minutes if you take your time walking the entire length of this alley.
More information on rue Claude Monet in Giverny
We have no particular difficulties to report on rue Claude Monet in Giverny, a smooth concrete driveway. Public toilets are available near the parking lots.
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4. Discover Sainte-Radegonde Church
Why visit the Church of Sainte-Radegonde in Giverny?
On the west side of the village, just a few minutes’ walk from Claude Monet’s House and Garden, discover the Church of Sainte-Radegonde de Giverny. Built in the Romanesque style, the oldest part of the building dates back to the Middle Ages. It has been listed as a historic monument for 15 years, for a number of reasons.
What you will see
The interior is notably furnished with beautiful stone statues, wooden statues and wall paintings. Its original architecture, octagonal turret with pointed roof and octagonal spire between nave and choir make it an architectural gem.
Up the stone steps outside, you’ll find the adjoining cemetery where Claude Monet and his family are buried, as well as the 7 British airmen who fell at Giverny on June 8, 1944 during the Normandy landings.
How much time to allow
Allow 45min to 1h to visit the church and cemetery, depending on your interest.
Further information on Sainte-Radegonde Church in Giverny
The church does not have access for the mobility-impaired, but there are a few steps up into the building and into the cemetery at the rear.
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5. Have a snack at Les Nymphéas tea room
Why eat at Restaurant Salon de thé Les Nymphéas?
Exploring Giverny also means dining at one of its bucolic restaurants or tearooms. Surrounded by climbing plants and flowers, each more colorful than the last, we chose to take a gourmet break at Restaurant Salon de thé Les Nymphéas.
What to eat and drink
Open 24 hours a day, this charming establishment is located directly opposite the House and Gardens of Claude Monet. You have 2 options:
- Opt for the flower-filled terrace in the shade of the tall trees, with its white wrought-iron tables and chairs adding a touch of elegance to the setting,
- or sit indoors in a streamlined setting, in the ambiance of a grand old-style restaurant.
On the menu for a sweet break are hot and cold drinks, wines, beers and aperitifs, as well as chocolate fondant with whipped cream, ice cream sundaes and delicious Normandy or Tatin tarts. So what’s it going to be?
If you prefer savoury dishes, gourmet salads, starters and hot dishes are also available. The establishment even offers a children’s menu that’s sure to please the youngest guests!
How much time to allow
To take your time and enjoy your snack or meal, allow between 1h and 1h30. As the restaurant doesn’t take reservations, there may be a slight wait, but the wait staff will do their utmost to find you a table as quickly as possible.
More information about Restaurant Salon de thé Les Nymphéas
The restaurant entrance is just 2 steps from Claude Monet’s House and Gardens.
Open daily from 9am to 6pm, the establishment does not take reservations.
The restaurant is child- and family-friendly, with an à la carte children’s menu and baby highchairs available on request.
Read our dedicated review of Restaurant Salon de thé Les Nymphéas.
6. Go to the former Hôtel Baudy, artists’ haven
Why visit the former Hôtel Baudy in Giverny?
Did you know that this former hotel was a famous stopover for many French and American painters? Indeed, many great names in the art world have frequented this former grocery store, including Paul Cézanne, Auguste Renoir, Alfred Sisley, Auguste Rodin and even Mary Cassatt during Claude Monet’s time.
What you will see
Today considered a real source of inspiration for art lovers and professionals alike, the former Hôtel Baudy displays a number of decorative paintings inside. This former grocery store has been the haunt of many American artists who asked the Baudy couple, who own the place, for Willard Leroy Metcalf’s room and board.
You’ll also have the chance to visit an authentic period art studio in the garden dating back to 1887! The light streaming through the glass roof provides perfect conditions for working in a variety of artistic styles.
Enjoy the bar of the former Hôtel Baudy, its charming tea room, terrace and wooded park. If you’d like to spend one or more nights there, the site is adjacent to the lovely guest house La Maison de Madame Baudy – see details, availability and booking.
How much time to allow
Allow 1h to 1h30 depending on whether you’re having lunch or just a snack break. Take time to enjoy the green terrace and discover the workshop at the rear of the building.
More information on the former Hôtel Baudy in Giverny
Open Tuesday to Saturday, 11:30am to 11:30pm and Sunday, 11:30am to 6pm. Closed Mondays.
There are no particular difficulties in accessing the establishment, just a step down to the street.
To extend the experience, you can also stay at Madame Baudy’s House, a 19th-century guest house adjoining this charming venue.
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:
7. Cycling through the village of Giverny
Why visit Giverny by bike?
Riding on 2 wheels is always a pleasure, especially when you’re surrounded by greenery, fields of flowers and wheat! The village of Giverny and the medieval town of Vernon can also be reached by bike, with cycle paths and wide lanes for easy circulation.
What you will see
If you opt for one of our favorite bike tours, you’ll start the journey from Paris by coach, passing through fields of wheat and the magnificent sunflowers of Normandy.
First stop, the charming medieval town of Vernon, 6 km from Giverny. Stroll through the farmers’ market and cobbled streets of the historic heart. Then take the path along the banks of the Seine towards a riverside park.
After a 5 km stroll, you’ll finally arrive at Giverny. Pass the church of Sainte-Radegonde and its cemetery. Inhabitants of the village are buried here, as are Claude Monet and his family in their family vault, and 7 British airmen who fell on June 8, 1844 during the Normandy landings.
Stroll down Rue Claude Monet, Giverny’s main thoroughfare. Here you’ll find typical restaurants like the old Hôtel Baudy, period houses and charming boutiques. Then visit the Gardens and House of Claude Monet, where you’ll be amazed by the colors and beauty of the plants that adorn this timeless place between the Jardin d’Eau and the Clos Normand. Round off your 2-wheeled tour with a stop at the Musée des Impressionnismes in Giverny.
How much time to allow
Plan for a full day, 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.
More information on the Giverny bike tour
Tour includes:
- 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,
- round-trip coach transport to and from Paris.
Don’t forget to bring your rain gear if the weather changes! You can take your meal home with you or dine in one of the on-site restaurants at your own expense. In any case, take a snack and a flask of water to refresh yourself. Enjoy the ride!
Discover the options for visiting Giverny by bike!
8. Take a hot-air balloon ride over Giverny
Why take a hot-air balloon ride over Giverny?
You’ll agree that a hot-air balloon ride is a unique experience. So 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 promises to be a truly unforgettable experience!
What you will see
Hot-air balloon flights are organized in small circles for an intimate experience. There are 5 stages to a balloon flight: preparation with pre-briefing check procedures, then take-off aboard the balloon. You’ll feel as light as soap bubbles zigzagging through the air!
During the 1-hour flight, you’ll contemplate superb panoramic views with your head in the clouds. Admire from above the landscapes that inspired the finest Impressionist canvases – what unforgettable memories!
After identifying a landing site and reminding you of safety instructions, the balloon pilot will land before a ground vehicle picks you up and takes you back to your car.
How much time to allow
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.
More information about hot-air ballooning in Giverny
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 waiting until they are 10 years old, so that they can enjoy the moment in the air and remain upright throughout the flight.
If you have any questions about your health during a hot-air balloon flight, please consult your doctor. Pregnant women, for example, are not normally allowed on board.
Ask about hot-air balloon tour companies near Giverny, such as Montgolfière du Vexin or Airshow.
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…
Accommodation in 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.
You can also spend the night in the medieval town of Vernon, a 10-minute drive from the village of Giverny. Discover all the current offers for accommodation in Vernon!
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.
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What to do near Giverny
The area around Giverny also offers a plethora of activities for young and old alike! There are many reasons why the village of Giverny is well worth a visit, and this section contains our selection of them.
Notre-Dame de Vernon collegiate church
At the crossroads of several styles of medieval religious architecture – Romanesque, late Radiant Gothic, Flamboyant Gothic, late Gothic, Renaissance and Norman Gothic – the Collegiate Church of Notre-Dame de Vernon continues to inspire many artists today.
On the outside, contemplate the many details and moldings on its façade. An impressive building in the heart of Vernon’s historic center. Then enter the church. Antique stained glass from the Middle Ages and Renaissance illuminate the nave, along with a series of abstract modern windows created in the 1980s by theHermet-Juteau studio.
Did you know that Claude Monet painted many pictures of this religious edifice in accordance with local climatic variations?
Vernon Museum
Open since 1983, the Musée de Vernon is housed in the former mansion of the Le Moine de Bellisle family, who lived there for 3 centuries.
The museum’s itinerary is organized around Impressionism, featuring collections that are an essential part of any visit to Giverny. In fact, you’ll see some of Claude Monet’s paintings, as well as those of many of the artists who lived there, including Theodore Earl Butler, Blanche Hoschedé-Monet and Theodore Robinson. Take a stroll through the section dedicated to the region’s landscapes, and you’ll see works by the artist Pierre Bonnard.
Bizy Castle
Built in 1740 in a classical style inspired by the Château de Versailles, if you’re passing through Vernon, don’t forget to visit the Château de Bizy. French historical figures such as Louis XV, the Duc de Penthièvre and Louis-Philippe have all owned it. You’ll be captivated by the beauty and elegance of the salons, decorated with wood panelling and Bonaparte family memorabilia.
Take time to admire the Gobelins tapestries and a marquetry guéridon, a remarkable 19th-century object donated by Napoleon 1st. You can then stroll through the English-style park with its century-old trees, fountains, ponds and statues from the Age of Enlightenment.
What to do around Giverny with children
Vieux Moulin de Vernon
Visiting Vernon in the Eure? You can’t miss the Vieux Moulin de Vernon! The so-called “pendulum wheel” mill was powered by the river’s current. In the early 13th century, the mill was established on this bridge. In the Age of Enlightenment, did you know that 6 wheat mills were in operation in the area? In October 1849, the completion of a dam brought the mills to an abrupt halt, leaving the millers unemployed. The Vieux Moulin de Vernon and its bridge are still accessible and well worth a visit if you’re in the area!
Domaine d’Harcourt
A medieval fortress whose origins date back to the birth of Normandy, the Domaine d’Harcourt will seduce you with its medieval architecture, dating from the 12th and 14th centuries. A permanent exhibition explains the building, its history and that of the Harcourts, one of France’s oldest families. A superb arboretum, established in the early 19th century and considered the oldest in France, will delight your children! If you’re a keen walker, the park is particularly pleasant. Finally, a variety of workshops and wooden playgrounds are available for younger visitors. You can even organize your children’s birthdays here! Visitors aged 6 to 12 are offered a free visit booklet. Go for it!
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.
Gaillon Castle
Built in the 16th century in place of a medieval castle, Château de Gaillon is considered the 1st Renaissance-style castle in France. Did you know that it was built a few years before the châteaux of the Loire? Considered an architectural gem for its flamboyant Gothic and Renaissance styles, its harmonious architecture makes it a highly elegant building. A perfect blend of French tradition and innovative Italian Renaissance decor, this château is just a 30-minute drive from Giverny and 1h30 from Paris. Treasure hunts are regularly organized for children. More information on the official website here.
French Vexin Regional Nature Park
Would you like to take a breath of fresh air with your family? For a green getaway at the gateway to Paris, just 50km from the capital, the Parc naturel régional du Vexin français awaits you! This peaceful area is home to 410 km2 of nature in around 100 communes of the Val d’Oise and Yvelines departments. The only park in France to have been awarded the“Pays d’Art et d’Histoire” label, here you’ll find pretty, unspoilt villages and old farmhouses, some of which have been renovated. Between cultivated fields, forests and rivers, you’ll be well surrounded. Access is possible by car and even by bike!
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…
Practical tips and map: Giverny, Normandy, France
Where is Giverny?
The village of Giverny is located 80km west of Paris, in the Normandy region of France.
How to get there
To get to Giverny easily and peacefully:
- By car: Giverny can be reached from the A13 freeway. The municipality has installed several parking lots to facilitate access to the village.
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.
- By train: the TER Normandie regional train line serves Vernon-Giverny, with regular daily services from Gare de Paris-Saint-Lazare. Vernon SNCF train station is a 30-minute shuttle ride from Giverny. Board one of the 2 shuttle buses that will take you to the village of Giverny, the bus or the Petit train touristique de Vernon (same duration, approx. 30min).
See available timetables and book your train and coach tickets now.
- On an organized tour from Paris: sit back and enjoy the view from the comfort of your own home on an organized tour. All you have to do is let yourself go! You’ll soon find our favorite excursions to Giverny from Paris here.
Tips for visiting Giverny
Giverny is a highly sought-after village, with almost 630,000 visitors expected in 2022 according to the Claude Monet Foundation, so here are a few tips to help you prepare for your getaway:
- Avoid high season: this charming village is a popular tourist destination. This can be particularly busy during the peak season from June to September. You can sometimes face queues to visit Claude Monet’s famous House and Gardens, which can detract from the overall experience. To avoid queuing on the day of your visit, book your ticket now!
- Follow the blooming season to admire the gardens: you’ll enjoy the beauty of the flowers at the Jardin de Giverny, open from April 1 to November 1, if you plan your visit during the blooming season. It generally takes place in May, sometimes straddling June, depending on the year. This is when the gardens come to life with an explosion of dazzling colors, and when we can witness Claude Monet’s other great work, his passion for his garden. In fact, a wide variety of flowers can withstand the sun and remain in bloom all summer long, producing beautiful flower beds even in September!
- Anticipate your bookings: visiting Giverny comes at a price, and some excursions, accommodation and restaurants can seem expensive, especially in high season. We recommend that you book your activities and accommodation as early as possible, and invite you to discover the best hotels in and around Giverny.
- Bring comfortable clothes and shoes, depending on the weather: as everywhere else in Normandy, where the weather can be fine several times a day, weather conditions at Giverny are unpredictable. On the same day, rain, clouds and sunshine can fall, potentially affecting your visit to the gardens. You can be sure that the dazzling sight of this unrivalled floral spectacle will be worth the wait under the raindrops!
Visit Giverny in 1 day
Visiting Giverny in a day is quite possible, with a great program in store!
- Start your day with a visit to Claude Monet’s House and Gardens, for less crowds. If you start at home, you’ll probably queue a little less than during the day.
- Stroll through the flower-laden, wonder-filled paths of the superb Jardins de Monet, between the Clos Normand and the Jardin d’Eau, where you can admire the Bassin aux Nymphéas, which gave its name to the painter-gardener’s work.
- If your stomach is rumbling, take a gourmet break at Restaurant Salon de thé Les Nymphéas, just opposite the entrance to Claude Monet’s House and Gardens.
- Then discover the secrets of Claude Monet’s artistic movement at the Musée des Impressionnismes, in its contemporary building and splendid outdoor gardens.
- Continue your stroll through the village of Giverny along its main alley, Rue Claude Monet, where you’ll find charming boutiques and typical red or beige brick houses.
- Enter the Church of Sainte-Radegonde in Giverny, a Romanesque beauty with its turret and timber-framed bell tower. The cemetery houses the graves of the village’s inhabitants, the family vault of Claude Monet and his relatives, as well as the graves of 7 British airmen who died during the D-Day landings in June 1944.
- Round off your day with a gourmet break at the former Hôtel Baudy, a former buvette épicerie featuring an authentic 19th-century art studio preserved under its luminous glass roof.
Visit Giverny in 2 days
It’s perfectly feasible to visit the charming Village des Peintres and its surroundings in 2 days. For the 1st day, please refer to the “Visit Giverny in 1 day” section. For the second day:
- depending on your means of transport (car, shuttle bus or tourist train), set off for the medieval town of Vernon in the Eure region, 10 minutes from Giverny.
- visit the collegiate church of Notre-Dame de Vernon in the heart of the historic town center.
- Head to the Musée de Vernon to learn more about the town’s history and discover its collection of Impressionist paintings, including some by Claude Monet.
- It’s time to eat! Choose from Restaurant L’Inavoué, theHôtel Normandy‘s bistronomic restaurant, Restaurant l’Estampille or Restaurant Le Bistro des Fleurs. Enjoy!
- Take a leisurely stroll along the banks of the Seine and admire the Vieux Moulin de Vernon on the bridge over the water. Isn’t it a bucolic setting?
- Round off your visit with a tour of the majestic Château de Bizy and its English park!
