Is the village of Giverny worth a visit? Planning your next vacation or weekend getaway?
Do you love gardens, botany, art, walking, cycling and culinary discoveries? Then you’ll love (re)discovering Giverny! It’s a place to visit at least once in your life. We can’t get enough of this charming, flower-filled commune, which, among other things, was home to the great painter Claude Monet. But that’s not all!
In this article, we give you our 8 reasons for recommending Giverny, and a few points to keep in mind.
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.
Is Giverny worth a visit?
Giverny is definitely a place worth visiting. Nicknamed the “Village of Painters”, the commune is above all famous for having been the home of Claude Monet, the French painter and founder of Impressionism, for over 4 decades. Did you know that this village has existed since the 5th century? In the Middle Ages, Giverny was home to several monasteries and even a leprosarium, a hospital where leprosy was treated.
It was the arrival of Claude Monet at the end of the 19th century, known for his Impressionist work and his passion for gardens and botany, that brought Giverny its greatest renown. Just a few kilometers from Paris, you’ll discover flourishing gardens that inspired great artists and one of the pioneers of Impressionism!
A museum dedicated to this unprecedented artistic movement is just a stone’s throw from Claude Monet’s house. Take the time to stroll or cycle through the narrow streets of this peaceful village. A change of scenery is guaranteed!
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:
Where to stay 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.
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.
Reason 1 – For the timeless charm of its village
A small commune of 500 inhabitants just 80km west of Paris, we enjoyed strolling along Giverny’s main avenue, the Chemin du Roy. Elegant wrought-iron gates form a kind of hedge of honor, giving a glimpse of the beautiful red-brick houses. You’ll see that some of the homes hidden behind wooden porches date back to the Middle Ages!
In fact, before Claude Monet made Giverny his home, did you know that the village had existed since Merovingian times? That’s between the 5th and 8th centuries – fascinating, isn’t it?
Take a stroll through this pleasant, flourishing haven. Take the time to explore every nook and cranny of this charming village, as a beautiful garden with views of the surrounding hills can be found between the narrow streets. Or a delicious restaurant can be hidden behind the trees and rose bushes!
Discover all the things to do in Giverny without further ado.
Reason 2 – For Claude Monet’s famous house
Le Clos Normand is the 1st part of Claude Monet’s home, which we had the pleasure of visiting. From 1883 onwards, the painter lived in this long, pink-rendered house with his blended family for over 40 years. This area covers one hectare with an apple orchard and vegetable garden. Impressive, isn’t it?
When we entered the 1st room of his house, his artwork, furniture and carpets were all still perfectly preserved. It’s quite striking to soak up this atmosphere, where you can feel the artist’s effervescence and inspiration. It’s all in the details.
After wandering upstairs to the bedrooms, you’ll arrive in the magnificent flamboyant yellow dining room, home to a large part of Claude Monet’s Japanese print collection. We spotted a few equally scattered around different rooms and down the stairs.
As the rooms are laid out in rows, the tour of the house ends with the kitchen, covered in blue and white Rouen earthenware tiles. Colors and materials that stand out against the metal of the stove and the copper of the utensils! The kitchen was a very important part of the artist’s home, and demands your full attention during the visit. Indeed, beyond the resplendent colors of these luminous rooms, many decorative objects are on display.
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Reason 3 – For the majestic Gardens of Claude Monet
The world-famous Jardins de Claude Monet are a must-see at least once in a lifetime. The Impressionist painter’s ambition: to have a colorful garden all year round. In fact, he cares for them as if they were the apple of his eye, as they are the true source of inspiration for his work.
The painter-gardener conceived his garden as a canvas, combining colors, shapes, textures and varieties of flowers and plants to bring it to life. We were overwhelmed by the beauty everywhere we looked.
You’ll discover many varieties of flowers, plants and trees in this floral paradise. Dahlia, daffodil, rose, water lily, calendula, carnation, gladiolus, nasturtium… 64 different kinds of flowers are planted throughout the year in this wonderful place. Can you recognize them on your visit?
Among the trees, a few marvels are nestled in this verdant nature, such as weeping willows, Japanese cherry trees, poplars and black bamboos.
Above, you can admire the famous water lily pond in the Water Garden, which gave its name to Claude Monet’s monumental work. Experience an enchanting journey into the artist’s dreams!
Discover our article on the best ideas for things to do in Giverny.
Reason 4 – For his affinity with the Impressionists
Giverny’s green spaces and flowers have inspired many an artist. Claude Monet is the main one. Other great names, notably American Impressionists such as Theodore Robinson and Dennis Miller Bunker, joined him to reveal their creativity at the tip of the brush.
The Musée des Impressionnismes in Giverny is dedicated to this artistic movement and its suites, which celebrate the alliance between modernity, the outdoors and vivid colors.
This exceptional setting, with its modern architecture and remarkable gardens, takes you into the world of great Impressionists such as Claude Monet, Auguste Renoir, Mary Cassatt and Henri Martin.
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.
Read our article dedicated to the Musée des Impressionnismes in Giverny.
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Reason 5 – For its gastronomy and fine dining
Exploring Giverny also means dining at one of its bucolic restaurants. Surrounded by climbing plants and flowers, each more colorful than the last, we really enjoyed our meal after these 1st visits!
There are plenty of restaurants to choose from in this village in the Eure region, and you’ll find many specialties such as Norman breaded camembert and andouillette. Here, at the excellent Restaurant Les Nymphéas, just across the street from Claude Monet’s House and Garden, we’re in for a treat!
In the choice of restaurants, there’s something for everyone. If you’re looking for a place to enjoy a tasty snack, don’t panic, there are plenty of charming tearooms to welcome you at any time of the afternoon.
Read our review of the best restaurants in and around Giverny.
Reason 6 – For its Romanesque church
Giverny’s Église Sainte-Radegonde is located on the west side of the village, just a few minutes’ walk from Claude Monet’s house and gardens. In Romanesque style, the oldest part of the building dates back to the 11th century. Decorated with beautiful stone statues and murals, this church has been listed as a historic monument since 2009.
If you walk past the Musée des Impressionnismes, continue straight ahead and you’ll see this lovely building on your right. Climb the stone steps and 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.
Reason 7 – For its pretty surrounding villages
The Eure department boasts many charming communes just a few minutes’ drive from Giverny. The best-known is, of course, Vernon, a medieval town between Évreux and Paris. You’ll be transported back to another era as you stroll through the narrow streets of the historic center, lined with half-timbered houses. We were impressed by the Collegiate Church of Notre-Dame de Vernon, an imposing Norman Gothic structure.
Vernon is also home to the 17th-century Château de Bizy and its immense park. Also in the region and close to the banks of the Seine, you can discover the Château des Tourelles, the Château de Gaillon and the Château de Beaumesnil. Which one will you choose?
On the banks of the Seine, the reflection of beautiful houses surrounded by green hills can be seen in the water. A very relaxing setting, far from the hustle and bustle of the city! You’ll also catch a glimpse of the Vieux Moulin de Vernon on a bridge!
Reason 8 – For its proximity to Paris
This little floral paradise is less than 80km from Paris, or 1h20 by car depending on traffic density. You can go for a day or even a weekend! Large parking lots have been set up by the municipality to allow the many visitors to park their vehicles before strolling through the village on foot.
If you prefer to travel by train, opt for a journey of around 1h30 from Gare Paris Saint-Lazare to Vernon-Giverny. Then 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).
There are many excursions and organized tours to choose from, and we’ve selected some of our favourites!
Discover our article on the best excursions to Giverny from Paris.
Some disadvantages of a trip to Giverny
The tourist influx
In 2022, Giverny welcomed 630,000 visitors, according to the Claude Monet Foundation. This charming village is a popular destination for tourists. 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 bloom to admire the gardens
To take full advantage of the beauty of the flowers in the Jardin de Giverny, open from April 1st to November 1st, we advise you to plan your visit during the flowering 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.
A wide variety of flowers can withstand the sun and remain in bloom all summer long, producing beautiful flower beds even in September!
Iris, roses, peonies and the inevitable water lilies create a breathtaking visual spectacle. Vivid hues and delicate petals immerse you in lush nature.
The rates
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.
Changeable weather
As in many parts of France, and particularly in Normandy where the weather can be fine several times a day, weather conditions in Giverny can be unpredictable. On the same day, you can witness rain, clouds and sunshine, all of which can affect your visit to the gardens. The dazzle of this unrivalled floral spectacle will be worth the wait under the raindrops!
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How to get to Giverny, France
Giverny is a commune in the Eure department in Normandy.
Here are a few practical tips to help you get there easily and with peace of mind:
- By car: Giverny can be reached from the A13 freeway. The municipality has installed several parking lots in the city.
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.
See available timetables and book your train and coach tickets now.
- on an organized tour from Paris: sit back, relax and take in the scenery on an organized tour – all you have to do is let yourself go! Find out more about our favorite excursions to Giverny from Paris here.
