Giverny and Monet’s Garden Day Tour from Paris: The Ultimate 2026 Guide
Planning a Giverny and Monet’s Garden day tour from Paris is one of the most rewarding cultural excursions you can take. Just over an hour from the French capital, Giverny is a charming village in Normandy where Claude Monet spent the last decades of his life crafting the flower-filled paradise that inspired his iconic Water Lilies. Whether you prefer a guided tour from Paris, a self-guided train trip, or a private driver, this guide covers everything you need to know: the best time to go, how to get to Giverny from Paris, tickets and skip-the-line tips, a detailed itinerary, and practical advice to make the most of your day trip.
Why Visit Giverny and Monet’s Garden?
Monet’s Garden is more than a pretty backdrop—it’s a living masterpiece that shaped the course of Impressionism. You’ll stroll the Clos Normand flower garden bursting with seasonal color, cross the green Japanese bridge over the lily pond, and step into Monet’s pastel-hued home, preserved as it was when the artist lived and worked here. A day trip from Paris to Giverny offers:
- Immersive art history in the very landscapes that inspired Claude Monet’s paintings.
- A peaceful escape to Normandy countryside, perfect for photography and slow travel.
- Easy logistics: short train ride or comfortable coach from Paris.
- Optional visits to the Museum of Impressionism Giverny and the river town of Vernon.
Essential Info at a Glance
| Topic | Quick Facts |
|---|---|
| Location | Giverny, Normandy (Eure), approx. 75 km from Paris |
| Season | Typically open early April to early November, daily |
| Core Sights | Monet’s House, Clos Normand, Water Garden, Japanese Bridge |
| Travel Time | Paris to Giverny: ~1–1.5 hours each way |
| Ideal Visit Length | Half day (3–4 hours) to full day (6–8 hours) with extras |
How to Get from Paris to Giverny
1) By Train + Shuttle (Most Flexible)
Take a direct train from Paris Saint-Lazare to Vernon–Giverny station (about 45–50 minutes). From the station, hop on the seasonal shuttle bus (about 20 minutes) to the village. You can also rent a bike at Vernon and enjoy a scenic ride along the Seine and country lanes (approx. 7 km).
2) Guided Coach Tour from Paris (Easiest)
Join a Giverny tour that includes round-trip transport from central Paris, skip-the-line entry, and a guide. This is the most stress-free option, especially in peak season. Some tours combine Giverny with Versailles for a full-day experience.
3) Private Driver or Car (Most Comfortable)
Drive via the A13; the journey usually takes about 1–1.5 hours depending on traffic. Parking is available near the site. A private driver or small-group minivan tour offers comfort and a flexible schedule.
| Transport | Time (One Way) | Pros | Considerations |
|---|---|---|---|
| Train + Shuttle | ~1h10–1h30 | Budget-friendly, frequent departures, flexible timing | Need to coordinate train/shuttle; bus can be busy mid-day |
| Guided Coach Tour | ~1h15–1h45 | No logistics, commentary, often skip-the-line | Fixed schedule; less time for Vernon/Giverny village wandering |
| Private Car/Driver | ~1h–1h30 | Comfort, door-to-door, customizable | Higher cost; parking at busy times |
Best Time to Visit Monet’s Garden
Giverny is a seasonal destination. The gardens usually open from early April to early November. Each month brings a different palette:
| Month | Garden Highlights | Crowd Level |
|---|---|---|
| April | Tulips, narcissus, blossoming fruit trees | Medium |
| May | Iris and wisteria (late April–early May), peonies | High on weekends |
| June | Roses at their peak; lilies begin to bloom | High |
| July–August | Water lilies at their best; vibrant summer beds | Very high |
| September | Dahlias and late lilies; warm light | Medium |
| October | Autumn hues, asters, soft golden ambience | Medium |
Arrive early ( gates typically open 9:30) or late afternoon for softer light and fewer people. Weekdays are calmer than weekends and public holidays.
Tickets, Entry, and Skip-the-Line Tips
- Buy timed-entry tickets to Monet’s House and Gardens in advance, especially from May to September.
- Guided tours from Paris commonly include skip-the-line access—ideal when visiting mid-day.
- Tickets usually cover both the house and the gardens. The Museum of Impressionism Giverny is ticketed separately.
- Keep your digital ticket handy. On-site ticket queues can be long in peak season.
- Check hours and pricing on the official site before you go, as details can change each year.
Suggested Itinerary: A Perfect Day in Giverny
Morning
- Depart Paris around 8:00–8:30 by train (Saint-Lazare), coach, or car.
- Arrive at Monet’s Garden near opening. Begin in the Water Garden to enjoy the stillness and reflections on the pond.
- Cross the Japanese bridge, admire the bamboo groves, and photograph the water lilies as the light grows.
Late Morning
- Visit the Clos Normand in front of Monet’s house—long flower beds, arches, and seasonal blooms.
- Explore Monet’s home: the bright yellow dining room, blue kitchen, and studio room lined with reproductions.
Lunch
- Eat at a nearby café (e.g., Les Nymphéas, La Capucine) or bring a picnic for designated areas outside the gardens.
Afternoon Options
- Wander Giverny village, visit the Church of Sainte-Radegonde (Monet’s grave), or the Museum of Impressionism Giverny.
- Head to Vernon: riverside stroll, half-timbered houses, the picturesque old mill, and the small museum at Maison du Temps Jadis (opening days vary).
Return
- Catch an afternoon train/shuttle combo or return with your coach/driver. Back in Paris by late afternoon or early evening.
Practical Tips for a Smooth Giverny Day Trip
- Arrive early or late: Beat crowds and enjoy gentler light for photos.
- Wear comfortable shoes: Paths are mostly level but can be gravelled; the house has narrow stairs.
- Pack light: Large bags are typically not permitted inside the house; lockers are limited.
- Photography: Generally allowed in the gardens; inside the house, avoid flash. Tripods/drones are typically not permitted.
- Weather-ready: Bring a light rain jacket; spring showers and summer heat are common.
- Accessibility: Gardens are largely accessible; the historic house has stairs. Check the foundation’s site for current accessibility details.
- Family-friendly: Strollers are allowed in gardens (but not inside the house). Keep an eye on little ones near water.
- Eat smart: Cafés get busy 12:30–14:00; consider an early or late lunch.
- Combine smartly: If adding Versailles the same day, choose a guided combo tour to keep logistics easy.
What You’ll See: Highlights of Monet’s World
The Water Garden
Monet’s famed lily pond, fringed by willows and bamboo, showcases the floating pads and blossoms he painted for decades. The Japanese bridge—draped with wisteria in spring—frames classic views that echo his canvases.
The Clos Normand
A symphony of seasonal borders, rose arches, and vibrant beds planted with painterly intention. Here, Monet “painted with flowers,” arranging color harmonies that shift with the calendar.
Monet’s House
Inside the salmon-pink home, you’ll find the bright yellow dining room, blue-toned kitchen, and the airy studio area. Though the original paintings are elsewhere today, high-quality reproductions and period objects keep the atmosphere authentic.
Nearby Extras Worth Adding
- Museum of Impressionism Giverny: Exhibitions that contextualize Impressionism and its legacy (seasonal schedule; closed some days).
- Church of Sainte-Radegonde: Quiet spot where Monet is buried; a short walk from the gardens.
- Vernon Town: Timber-framed houses, the old mill, and Seine river views—great for a relaxed stroll or café stop.
Costs and Sample Budgets
Prices vary by season and provider. Use the following as a planning guide and check official sites for current rates.
| Option | What’s Included | Typical Cost (Per Person) |
|---|---|---|
| Self-Guided (Train + Shuttle) | Train, shuttle, timed ticket to gardens/house | €45–€70 total |
| Guided Coach Tour | Round-trip coach, guide, skip-the-line ticket | €75–€130 |
| Private Driver/Guide | Door-to-door transfer, personalized tour | €140–€300+ |
| Combo (Versailles + Giverny) | Transport, entries, guide at both sites | €150–€250 |
First-Hand Experience: A Day That Flows
“We caught the 8:20 train from Saint-Lazare and sipped coffee on the Vernon shuttle by 9:15. The gardens opened at 9:30, and we headed straight for the water lilies. The pond was mirror-still, a heron perched on the far bank. After looping the Japanese bridge and the bamboo grove, we circled back through the Clos Normand, where roses framed pastel shutters like brushstrokes. Inside the house, the yellow dining room glowed. We lingered in the village over a Normandy tart, then took an hour in Vernon to see the old mill. Back in Paris by 17:00, our camera roll looked like an Impressionist mood board—and we felt like we’d stepped into Monet’s mind.”
FAQ: Giverny and Monet’s Garden Day Trip from Paris
How long should I spend at Monet’s Garden?
Plan 2–3 hours for the house and both gardens. Add time for the Museum of Impressionism Giverny, village strolls, and lunch to make it a full day.
Do I need a skip-the-line ticket?
In peak season and on weekends, yes—book timed tickets or a guided tour with priority entry.
When do the water lilies bloom?
Generally from early summer through early autumn (June to September), with July–August being the most reliable months.
Can I bring a picnic?
Not inside Monet’s Garden, but you’ll find designated picnic areas and grassy spots around the village and near parking zones.
Is Giverny good for kids?
Absolutely. The gardens are enchanting for children; just keep a close eye near water. Strollers aren’t allowed inside the house.
What if it rains?
Bring a light raincoat. Soft, overcast light can make colors pop in photos, and the gardens are atmospheric even in drizzle.
SEO-Friendly Planning Checklist
- Decide your date range and check the opening season for Monet’s Garden.
- Choose transport: Paris to Giverny train, guided tour, or private driver.
- Book timed-entry tickets or a skip-the-line Giverny tour from Paris.
- Draft your itinerary (garden first, house second, village and museum after).
- Pack light, wear comfortable shoes, and bring a reusable water bottle.
- Allow time for Vernon’s riverside and the old mill if you can.
Responsible Visiting
Help preserve Monet’s legacy by staying on paths, not touching plants, and following staff guidance. Avoid drones and tripods unless explicitly permitted, and respect quiet spaces inside the house and churchyard.
Conclusion: Bring the Canvas to Life
A Giverny and Monet’s Garden day tour from Paris connects art history with living color: lilac wisteria in spring, velvet lilies in summer, and amber leaves in fall. With easy transport options, skip-the-line tickets, and a well-planned itinerary, you can step into the landscapes that defined Impressionism and return to Paris the same evening—camera full, heart fuller. Whether you’re an art lover or simply seeking a beautiful day trip from Paris, Monet’s Garden in Giverny is a masterpiece you can walk through.