Introduction: Why Giverny Is the Perfect Day Trip from Paris

Just 75 km northwest of Paris, Giverny is where Claude Monet lived for over 40 years and created many of his most famous works, including the iconic Water Lilies. Visiting Monet’s House and Gardens is one of the most popular day trips from Paris, offering a peaceful escape into the landscapes that shaped Impressionism. Whether you’re planning a self-guided visit or a guided Giverny and Monet’s Garden day tour from Paris, this guide will walk you through everything you need to know—how to get there, when to go, what to see, and smart ways to avoid the crowds.

Top Reasons to Visit Giverny and Monet’s Garden

• Walk the Water Garden and cross the famed Japanese Bridge surrounded by bamboo, wisteria, and water lilies.
• Explore Monet’s pink house and studio, filled with reproductions of Japanese prints and personal objects.
• Admire the color-splashed Clos Normand flower garden, laid out like a vibrant painter’s palette.
• Combine art and nature at the nearby Musée des Impressionnismes Giverny.
• Enjoy a charming French village atmosphere, with stone cottages, hedgerows, and cafés.

How to Get from Paris to Giverny

Giverny is most commonly accessed via the town of Vernon (the station is Vernon–Giverny). From there, a shuttle bus, taxi, bike, or pleasant walk takes you to the gardens.

Transport Options at a Glance

Step-by-Step: Self-Guided Train Route

1. From Paris, take a TER train from Gare Saint-Lazare to Vernon–Giverny (approx. 45–50 minutes). Trains typically run at least hourly during the season.
2. At Vernon–Giverny station, board the seasonal shuttle bus to Monet’s Garden (about 15 minutes). Round-trip fares are usually around €10.
3. Alternatively, rent a bicycle near the station (around €15/day) for a scenic 20–30 minute ride along signposted paths.
4. Enter with your pre-booked e-ticket or buy at the gate (expect lines mid-morning to early afternoon in peak months).

Tip: For best prices and seat selection, purchase train tickets in advance via SNCF Connect or the station. Always check current timetables and shuttle schedules before you go.

Opening Season, Hours, and Tickets

• Season: Monet’s House and Gardens typically open early April to November 1, daily during the season.
• Hours: Usually 9:30–18:00 (last entry around 17:30). Arrive early or after 16:00 to avoid peak crowds.
• Tickets: Adult tickets are commonly in the €13–€14 range. Youth and child discounts are available. Prices can change—verify on the official Fondation Claude Monet website.
• Skip-the-line: E-tickets help you bypass the ticket-purchase queue, but there can still be security and entry lines at peak times.

Note: Always check the official site for the latest prices, opening days, and special closures.

Suggested Itineraries for a Giverny Day Trip from Paris

1) Classic Self-Guided Morning Visit (Train + Shuttle)

• 07:45–08:30: Train from Paris Saint-Lazare to Vernon–Giverny.
• 09:00: Shuttle or bike to Giverny; coffee near the entrance.
• 09:30–12:00: Explore the Clos Normand flower garden, Monet’s house and studio, and the Water Garden with its Japanese Bridge.
• 12:15–13:45: Lunch in Giverny (consider Restaurant Les Nymphéas or La Musardière).
• 14:00–15:00: Optional visit to the Musée des Impressionnismes Giverny.
• 15:30: Shuttle back to Vernon.
• 16:00–17:00: Stroll Vernon’s medieval center: the Old Mill, riverside views, and the Collégiale Notre-Dame.
• 17:30–18:30: Train back to Paris.

2) Late-Afternoon Strategy (Avoid the Crowds)

• Arrive around 15:30–16:00 for softer light and fewer tour groups.
• Wander the gardens, then dine in Vernon before a later train back.

3) Guided Coach Tour from Paris

• Choose a half-day or full-day small-group or private tour with hotel or central pick-up.
• Benefits include expert commentary, simplified logistics, and priority entry with your group.

What to See at Monet’s Garden and in Giverny

• Clos Normand: A tapestry of color with rose arches, tulips, irises, peonies, dahlias and more. The layout changes with the seasons.
• Water Garden: Willow-fringed pond with water lilies, bamboo groves, and the celebrated Japanese Bridge wrapped in wisteria.
• Monet’s House: Pastel-pink façade, green shutters, and a buttery-yellow dining room. See his bedroom, studio, and kitchen; note narrow stairways and small rooms.
• Village Walk: Stone lanes, art galleries, and cafés. The vibe is relaxed and photogenic.
• Musée des Impressionnismes Giverny: Rotating exhibitions and a good café terrace.
• Vernon: Medieval half-timbered houses, the scenic Old Mill on the Seine, and riverside paths ideal for a post-garden stroll.

Best Time to Visit Monet’s Garden

Each month brings a different mood. Spring means tulips and wisteria, summer is peak water lily season, and early autumn glows with dahlias and foliage.

Tip: Tuesdays–Thursdays are generally quieter than weekends and holidays.

Typical Costs for a Day Tour to Giverny

Benefits and Practical Tips

Why a Giverny Day Tour Is Worth It

• Accessibility: Easy train+shuttle connections make a self-guided day trip simple.
• Art immersion: See the real-life landscapes that inspired Impressionism.
• Flexible planning: Choose between DIY and guided options based on budget and time.

Time-Saving Tips

• Pre-book e-tickets to skip the onsite ticket purchase line.
• Arrive early for the first time slot or after 16:00 to avoid peak bus tour crowds.
• Visit the Water Garden first before it gets busy, then tour the house and Clos Normand.
• Weekdays are generally quieter than weekends—especially outside school holidays.

What to Pack

• Comfortable walking shoes (gravel paths in the garden)
• Reusable water bottle and sun protection
• Compact umbrella or light rain jacket (Normandy weather can shift)
• Camera or phone with extra battery

Accessibility & Families

• Pathways are mostly level but include gravel; strollers manageable with care.
• Wheelchair access is possible in parts of the gardens; the house has narrow rooms and stairs. Check the official site for current accessibility details.
• Restrooms available near the entrance; no picnics inside the gardens.

Photography Etiquette

• Tripods and drones are not allowed. Be mindful of foot traffic on narrow paths.
• Early or late visits provide softer light and calmer reflections on the pond.

Where to Eat in and Around Giverny

• Restaurant Les Nymphéas: Casual spot just outside the garden entrance—convenient for lunch.
• La Musardière: Boutique hotel restaurant with seasonal menus; pleasant terrace.
• Le Jardin des Plumes (Michelin-starred): For a special meal in the village.
• In Vernon: Plenty of bakeries and bistros; consider a Seine-side picnic after your visit.

First-Hand Experience: A Few Hours of Pure Inspiration

Arriving on the first shuttle from Vernon, the paths were still quiet. I crossed the Japanese Bridge under a veil of wisteria and watched koi ripple beneath the lily pads. In the house, Monet’s studio windows framed the same gardens he painted decades ago. After a simple lunch at Les Nymphéas, I wandered the village lanes, then hopped back to Vernon to see the Old Mill over the Seine. Door to door from Paris, it was under 10 hours—but the sense of calm lasted the rest of the week.

FAQ: Giverny and Monet’s Garden Day Tour from Paris

How long do I need in Giverny?

Plan on 2–3 hours inside Monet’s House and Gardens, plus time for lunch and a stroll in the village. With travel, a day trip from Paris typically runs 7–10 hours door-to-door.

Can I combine Giverny with another destination?

Yes. Some tours pair Giverny with Versailles, Auvers-sur-Oise, or Rouen. If self-guided, consider spending a little extra time exploring Vernon.

Are there lockers at Monet’s Garden?

Luggage storage is limited. Bring only what you need and avoid bulky bags to move easily through the house and pathways.

Do I need a guided tour?

No—DIY is easy with the train+shuttle. A guide adds context about Monet’s life, horticulture, and Impressionism and can streamline logistics during peak season.

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Conclusion: Make Your Giverny Day Tour Unforgettable

With its luminous gardens, tranquil ponds, and the intimate rooms of Monet’s own home, Giverny is a rare combination of art history and natural beauty—an easy and inspiring day trip from Paris. Book your tickets in advance, choose your travel style (train+shuttle, guided coach, or private), and time your visit for the light and blooms you love most. Whether you come for the water lilies in high summer or the tender greens of spring, Monet’s Garden rewards unhurried exploration—and a few quiet moments on the Japanese Bridge to soak it all in.