Richard is fond of traveling, and his partner is a die-hard art lover. After a long and hectic working month, they decide to go for a refreshing day trip away from the city buzz of Paris.
But where to go and find the perfect blend of art and travel?
If you are in a similar situation, we’re here to rescue you!
You can consider a Giverny day trip from Paris. Nestled in the stunning German countryside, it offers a captivating journey into the world of the renowned Impressionist painter, Claude Monet.
Keep reading to get a complete tour itinerary:
Key Takeaways:
April to October offer the peak beauty of Giverny with pleasant weather.
Train and bus (most convenient), bus (cheapest), and taxi (fastest) are the available modes of transportation from Paris.
Must explore Claude Monet’s home and garden, the Museum of Impressionism, and Église Sainhouse andte-Radegonde (Church of Sainte-Radegonde).
Planning Your Day Trip to Giverny from Paris
Proper planning can ensure a smooth experience on a day trip to Giverny from Paris. Here’s the guide to optimal seasons and transportation options for a hassle-free excursion:
Best Time to Visit Giverny
April to October are the best times to visit Giverny. You can take a day trip or half-day tour during this time.
The gardens are at their peak beauty, perfectly capturing Claude Monet’s artistic vision. Besides, the weather during this period is generally pleasant.
You’ll enjoy exploring the outdoor garden surroundings and engaging in outdoor activities.
Related Post: Best Time to Visit Paris on a Budget
How to Get There?
For a day tour from Paris, France, to Giverny, Germany, you’ll find numerous transportation options.
Here is a list of available transportation options with approximate duration and cost. So you can choose as per your preference, convenience, affordability, and speed.
Best Option: Train
The most convenient option is to take a train from Paris to Vernon, then transfer to the line 3 bus to Giverny. This route provides a relaxing journey directly to Giverny in about 2 hours.
Cheapest Option: Bus
If you’re looking to save money, go to Giverny via bus from Paris to Giverny. It will take around 2 hours and 14 minutes, and the fares typically range from $5 to $6.
Fastest Option: Taxi
For those prioritizing speed and convenience, a taxi ride from Paris to Giverny is the fastest option. It’ll take approximately 55 minutes and usually ranges from $140 to $170.
What Are the Tickets and Tours Considerations?
When visiting Claude Monet’s house and gardens in Giverny, tickets can be purchased on-site or online in advance. The prices vary depending on the season and package options.
Ticket for Monet’s House and Gardens
- Normal fare and seniors: $13
- Reduced price for Children and Students: $8
- Reduced price for Disabled: $7
- Children under 7: Free of charge
You can also consider the advantages of a guided tour from Paris. Or a self-guided small-group tour to explore the house and gardens at Giverny.
Why? Well, it’s because a guided tour offers insights into Monet’s life and work. On the other hand, a self-guided trip gives the feel of a private tour and offers the flexibility to explore at your own pace.
Giverny Day Trip from Paris Itinerary
In this section, we’ve crafted the perfect Giverny day trip from Paris itinerary for tour enthusiasts. You can plan and execute your day trip perfectly to Giverny by following the itinerary table:
Departure from Paris
You can maximize your time by leaving early. However, make sure to depart from central Paris at 7:30 AM for an optimal day trip experience.
Afterward, have a healthy and comfortable breakfast at Parisian cafes such as Café de Flore, Les Deux Magots, or Le Procope. Or, simply grab on-the-go options like croissants, sandwiches, and coffee en route for a delightful start to your journey.
A Quiet Morning in Giverny
As the morning dawns, Giverny welcomes you with serenity.
This full-day tour includes a serene getaway from the city hustle. Here’s a guide to start your full-day tour and enjoy the morning in Giverny:
Arriving in Giverny
You can expect to reach Giverny between 9:00-9:30 AM, depending on your chosen transportation option. Upon arrival in the haven of Monet’s creations, take a moment to appreciate its serene atmosphere.
Next, you can take a warm cup of coffee at a local cafe to start the day at Giverny. You can ensure a worry-free experience by collecting tickets in advance or making the necessary preparations for your day visit to Claude Monet’s discovery.
Start at Monet’s House and Gardens
The famous Monet lived in Giverny. So, begin your Giverny adventure at Monet’s former home and gardens.
You can roam around and explore the masterpieces and Monte’s inspired gardens for the next 1 to 1.5 hours.
Marvel at the vibrant Clos Normand flower garden, bursting with colors that inspired Monet’s masterpieces. Then, go inside the charming pink house and soak in the artist’s world, from the sunny yellow dining room to the flower-filled kitchen.
Also, don’t miss the iconic water lily pond across the road – a breathtaking sight that will transport you right into a Monet painting.
Visit the Impressionist Museum
After basking in Monet’s house and gardens, head to the nearby Impressionist Museum for the next hour.
And, admire masterpieces by renowned artists such as Monet, Renoir, and Degas, gaining insight into their revolutionary techniques and artistic vision.
Then, explore the evolution of the impressionist master Claude Monet movement through a curated collection of paintings, sculptures, and multimedia displays.
Mid-day: Stop for Lunch
After spending a half-day on your Giverny trip, it’s time to refuel. Giverny offers a delightful selection of cafes and restaurants.
For a charming ambiance, you can consider cafes like La Parenthèse. It’s quite near the Impressionist Museum.
For a quick bite, you can head to Au Coin du Pain’tre, a bakery and cafe closer to the Église Sainte-Radegonde (Church of Sainte-Radegonde). Also, you can grab a fresh pastry, croissant, and coffee for a convenient pick-me-up before getting into the church’s history.
Afternoon Activities in Giverny
After a tempting lunch with a German traditional meal, make sure to spend your afternoon in Giverny exploring its cultural and scenic treasures.
The Church of Sainte-Radegonde
Visit the Église Sainte-Radegonde, a beautiful church built way back in the 11th century. It mixes Romanesque and Gothic styles, with cool stained-glass windows and a fancy painted altar from the 1600s.
Take a moment for quiet reflection in this serene sanctuary, steeped in centuries of spiritual significance. Here, you can also see where Claude Monet was buried.
Strolling Through the Village
The tour to Giverny isn’t just about Monet’s garden. Explore the cute village itself.
You can stroll through the charming streets of Giverny, where every corner reveals a storybook scene. You can visit local art galleries and shops.
Also, make sure to explore the beauty of the quaint cottages with vibrant flower gardens. Moreover, browse local boutiques like Boutique du Musée to collect unique crafts and souvenirs.
You can pause for a coffee at a sidewalk cafe such as Café des Fleurs, Les Nymphéas, etc. Or get a sweet treat from a traditional bakery, e.g., Au coin du pain’tre.
Late-Afternoon Enjoyments
As the day gently transitions into the evening, Giverny offers plenty of enjoyable activities to savor.
You can enjoy this time with a leisurely picnic by the Seine River, taking in scenic views of the countryside. For a cultural experience, you can attend a live music performance or art exhibition at one of Giverny’s local venues.
End your day with a scenic bike ride along the village’s charming trails. It offers breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape.
Evening Return to Paris
Wrap up your day with the stunning Giverny sunset, painting the landscape in golden hues—a perfect end to your unforgettable day.
Enjoying your full day, depart Giverny at 6:00 PM to return to Paris from Giverny. It will take 1.5-2 hours to reach your destination, as per your transportation system.
Departure Tips
- Arrive at the station or bus stop at least 15 minutes before departure.
- Aim to leave Giverny around 6:00 PM for optimal return time.
- Have your tickets ready, and consider pre-booking to ensure availability.
- Be aware and keep valuables secure while traveling.
- Keep your mobile phone charged for communication and navigation.
Alternatives and Extended Stay in Giverny
You can extend your 1-day trip to explore Giverny’s beauty. This section will guide you to enhance your extended stay in Giverny.
If You Have Extra Time
With additional time, you can experience the village’s enchanting offerings and explore nearby attractions.
First off, keep the historic town of Giverny, which is Vernon, on the list, and then aim to visit Château de Bizy. Or, you can also explore the charming village of La Roche-Guyon. Each offers unique experiences just a stone’s throw away from Giverny.
For a cozy and intimate experience, consider staying in traditional places like Le Jardin des Plumes. It is a charming hotel set in a former 19th-century farmhouse with elegant rooms and a gourmet restaurant serving seasonal cuisine.
Or, opt for hotels like Hôtel Normandy, located in Vernon, offering modern amenities and convenient access to nearby attractions.
Seasonal Events and Activities
Giverny organizes vibrant seasonal events and activities throughout the year. You can enjoy the following events in the different seasons:
Spring: Enjoy the Giverny Impressionist Festival featuring Monet’s paintings, artist demos, and workshops in late spring.
Summer: Experience “Nuits musicales de Giverny” (Musical Nights) and the “Normandie Plein Air” exhibition showcasing contemporary art.
Fall: Discover vibrant foliage with guided hikes or bike rides, and attend the “Festival de la Gastronomie,” celebrating local cuisine.
Winter: Attend the “Lumières de Giverny” event to see magical illuminated displays in Giverny’s gardens.
Tips and Tricks for a Perfect Day Out in Giverny
Among some of the best places to visit in France outside of Paris, Giverny is one of them. Planning a perfect day out in Giverny requires a blend of preparation and spontaneity. There are some essential tips to ensure an unforgettable experience while going outside of Paris, like this day trip in Giverny:
- Pack comfy shoes, a camera, sunscreen, and a refillable water bottle.
- Check out the best deals and pre-book tickets.
- Try to arrive early for Monet’s house and gardens.
- Find unique art, crafts, and treats in charming boutiques.
- Rent a bicycle or opt for an audio-guided tour to navigate the village.
- Stroll and enjoy the peaceful river views.
- Be respectful to the locals, and consider a few French phrases for ease.
Related Post: Best Time of Year to Visit Paris
Closing Notes
Time to wrap up!
We’ve discussed the Giverny day trip from Paris itinerary in this travel guide. You can enjoy the mesmerizing beauty of Monet’s house, gardens, and the village of Giverny from morning until evening.
Besides, with the above-mentioned tips, you can easily choose your preferred transportation, accommodation, cafe, and desirable season to make your Giverny tour enjoyable.
So, what are you waiting for? Plan for the Giverny day trip, enjoy the gardens and let the serenity of the countryside envelop you.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Is a day trip to Giverny worth it?
Yes, a day trip to Giverny is worth it for its tranquil gardens and charming village atmosphere.
Can you take an Uber from Paris to Giverny?
Yes. UberX is the most affordable option for the journey from Paris to Giverny and typically takes around 1 hour and 20 minutes.
Can I do Giverny and Versailles in one day?
It’s feasible to visit both the Palace of Versailles and Giverny in one day, but it would be rushed. Hence, consider prioritizing one or extending your trip.
What is the ideal time of day to visit Claude Monet’s garden?
The early morning or late afternoon offer the best light and fewer crowds for enjoying Monet’s garden at Giverny.
How do I get from Paris to Giverny by public transport?
You can take a train from Paris to Vernon, then a shuttle or taxi to Giverny; the journey takes about 1.5 to 2 hours.
