Useful Guide for a Day Trip From Paris to Giverny (2024)
If you’re visiting Paris and looking for the ultimate escape from the hustle and bustle of the city, consider doing a day trip from Paris to Giverny! This is one of my favorite places to visit and one of the reasons I always look forward to returning to Paris. And if you aren’t sure how to get to Giverny… don’t worry, I’ve got you! In this post, I’ll provide you with everything you need to know to easily day trip to Giverny and explore Claude Monet’s Lily Gardens.
Is It Worth It to Day Trip From Paris to Giverny? (2024)
With Giverny being located only about an hour outside of Paris, I wholeheartedly believe a day trip from Paris to Giverny is well worth the effort. Not only is it a pretty easy excursion, but the quaint town is so pleasant to walk around. It honestly feels like you’re entering some fairytale book setting or being transported in time.
I know that sounds exaggerated but think of Giverny being similar to the medieval city of Carcassonne in the South of France. For both places, it feels like you’re stepping into another period because everything has been so well preserved or restored. Not to mention, you notice the sharp contrast in the environment when you’re coming from a place as hectic as Paris or Toulouse.
All this said I also know some people won’t understand my excitement and love for Giverny. That’s completely fine as this place undoubtedly will not fit everyone’s interests. For instance, if you need a fast-paced environment with lots of things happening to keep you entertained, like in Montreal or London, then Giverny may not be for you.
But, if you’re like me, and crave escaping to serene nature spaces after being in big cities, then I cannot recommend a day trip from Paris to Giverny enough! Well… this and I love exploring small towns since I come from a pretty small town myself.
What is Giverny Known For?
Giverny is a charming town that’s located northwest of Paris, in the region of Normandy. The village is forever immortalized by the famous impressionist painter Claude Monet. Monet spent the final 40 years of his life in Giverny, constantly finding inspiration for his work. And Monet wasn’t just any old Impressionist painter, he was the founder of the Impressionist style of painting. He wanted to paint nature and life as he saw it with his eyes, exhibiting both movement and how the light hit different objects.
Just as a quick refresher, some of Monet’s most recognizable paintings include The Water Lilies, The Water Lily Pond, The Artist’s Garden, and Poppies.
🌸 NOTE: You can see the lovely Water Lilies painting on full display in the Musée de l’Orangerie in Jardin des Tuileries in Paris!
How to Pronounce Giverny
Giverny is pronounced, Juh-ver-knee, with three distinct syllables and an accent on the “u” sound in the first syllable. It isn’t pronounced Give-ern-y, which is how I pronounced it at first lol.
How to Get to Giverny, France
Since Giverny is located only 76 km or 47 miles from the center of Paris, you have a few different ways to get to the village: by car, tour, or train.
🌷 NOTE: You can click the train or tour links above to skip to that section!
By Car
Your first option for transport to Giverny is by way of a car. This is only worth it if you have easy access to a car or are already road-tripping through France or Europe. On your way to Giverny, you’ll get to pass through a picturesque landscape of rolling fields and peaceful villages and bask in the beauty of the French countryside. And, you can make additional stops along the way and see other hidden gem towns or even travel to quaint towns beyond Giverny.
For example, both Rouen and the port city of Le Havre are beautiful destinations that are conveniently situated in the same direction as Giverny. But, if you just want to go to Giverny, it takes about an hour and 15 minutes to drive directly from Paris to Giverny – a perfect amount of time for a convenient day trip!
Giverny Tours
Your next option is to day trip from Paris to Giverny with one of the many tours from Paris to Giverny! If you choose to visit with a tour, you’ll arrive at a pre-determined meeting point within Paris. Then, you and the rest of your tour group will be driven in private transport to Giverny. Depending on the tour you select, you may see additional stops outside of Claude Monet’s House and Lily Gardens or you can opt to only see the main attraction.
I love visiting Monet’s Gardens whenever I’m in Paris, so I have gone both on my own as well as with a tour group! Both experiences were amazing, but the tour group option was significantly less stressful. And, if you’re looking for the best Giverny tour from Paris to take, the one I highly recommend is below!
⭐️ RATING: 5 out of 5 Stars — 900+ 5-star reviews! | ⏳ TOUR LENGTH: 5 hours
Giverny Half-Day Trip from Paris: Monet’s Gardens & Gravesite includes:
- Private round-trip transport in a comfortable van
- Air-conditioning makes a world of difference when it’s peak summer!
- Skip the line entrance ticket to Le Fondation Monet
- Touring inside Monet’s home that he lived in for 40 years
- Wandering through 2 gardens that Monet designed
- Strolling the famous water lily pond that inspired 250 of Monet’s paintings
- Visiting Monet’s and his family’s private tomb
- Can accommodate up to 8 participants
This is the highest-rated tour of Giverny available from Paris. You don’t have to worry about waiting in massive entrance lines because tour groups enter through a separate entrance. And, with a friendly and knowledgeable English-speaking guide, you’ll learn so much more about Monet’s background and the history of Giverny.
Plus, with this tour, you don’t have to stress about finding your way around local train stations, getting from the Giverny station to Monet’s garden, and the chaos that inherently comes with traveling independently. Thus, this is the best option for anyone who wants to learn about Monet’s Life and his work but also a carefree day trip to Giverny from Paris!
I was looking forward to this experience and far exceeded my expectations. Our tour guide was very knowledgeable and shared stork anecdotes that enlightened a group and made the whole experience special.
ToDD B. (see more reviews)
✅ 🌷 Check availability for this fantastic Giverny Tour from Paris!
Paris to Giverny by Train
Now, if you don’t have a car and don’t want to take a tour, your last option is to travel from Paris to Giverny by train. This option is fantastic for those who want to take advantage of the amazing transportation network within France and are comfortable navigating it.
To do so, you just have to book a train ticket from Paris, France to Vernon-Givery. There are 15+ direct trains every day between the two cities, and it takes approximately 50 minutes to travel in one direction.
All you need to do is click the link below, input the date of your travel, and make sure you click round trip… unless you plan on traveling to other towns. Once you click enter, you’ll see the available routes. I suggest purchasing a second-class ticket since the train ride is so short, and you don’t really need reserved seating. Oh, and if you’re 25 or younger, you can opt for a youth fare ticket instead of an adult fare ticket, which will help you save a few euros!
✅ 🚂 Click to check routes and book your Paris to Giverny Train
P.S. If you’ve never used Omio, sign up here to get $11 off your first booking!
🌷 PRO TIP: Download the Omio app after buying your ticket. It stores all your train tickets together on the app so you don’t have to print them out! And you can just scan the in-app QR code at the platform turnstiles as well as if the ticket officer checks your ticket!
How to Travel from Paris to Giverny by Train
For those who aren’t experienced in traveling via the train system in Europe, here’s how to do it! (Feel free to skip ahead to the next section if you know you don’t want to go via train or are confident with the train network!) On the day of departure, I recommend getting to the Paris Gare Saint Lazare at least 30 minutes in advance! Since this is one of the six main railway stations in Paris, it’s pretty big and busy, so give yourself time to orient yourself.
Additionally, if you have second-class seating, you’ll want to get to the station right away to secure your seat since they use a first-come, first-served system. Platform numbers are released anywhere from 15 – 25 minutes before departure, so it’s important you arrive when they’re posted to ensure you get an actual seat! When determining your platform number, be sure to double-check the departure time as well as your train number.
Don’t Make This Mistake…
A short side story that almost turned disaster…My friend and I got to the train station early, and I told her to figure out the train number while I got a muffin at Starbucks since it was 7 AM. This was her first time in Paris, so she looked at the departure time and not the train number. Well, multiple trains were leaving at the same time, so she thought we were on a different platform number. Long story short, there was a lot of running and panic, and you should always cross-check your train number.
Anyway, head to the platform 10 minutes before departure, board the train when it arrives, and then find an available seat. Just make sure you’re in the correct seating class…there’s normally a large number on the wall near the doors.
How to Get to Claude Monet’s House & Gardens
Once you arrive at the Vernon Giverny Station, there are two ways of getting to Claude Monet’s House and Gardens. Your first option is to take the designated shuttle bus. When my friend and I took the train, the shuttle bus was about 50 meters up the street from the station on the right side when your back is to the station.
The back of the white shuttle bus should have a giant poster of Claude Monet’s House and Gardens. In fact, my friend and I didn’t know there was a shuttle bus to the gardens…We only saw the sign, so we were pretty lucky on that front to notice it. To ride the shuttle bus, you’ll have to pay €5 one-way in cash (prices subject to change). Once on the mini-bus, which is pretty comfortable, it takes about 15 minutes to reach Monet’s House and Gardens.
The second way is to call an Uber. But, I recommend taking the shuttle and then using Uber to reach other sites from Claude Monet’s Gardens.
5 Things to Do in Giverny During a Day Trip
Alrighty, now that you know how to get to Giverny, you’re likely wondering what all there is to do in this tiny town! Fret not! — Here are my top 5 recommendations for things to do during your day trip to Giverny from Paris.
🌷 NOTE: I have everything listed in the order that I would recommend doing them to avoid unnecessary travel time. Furthermore, please note the hours of operation as many of the sites are open seasonally!
1. House of Claude Monet
The first place I recommend visiting is Claude Monet’s House! I know it’s a bit obvious, but seriously, Monet’s estate is worth every bit of praise it receives. Monet spent his final decades living in this house, and it’s been both beautifully preserved and restored.
Inside, you’ll follow a one-way-only path through both levels of his home. Some of the rooms are roped off, but the doors are open, so you can still easily peek inside. My favorite room is the kitchen, which features gorgeous blue and white tiles and just looks like it would be an absolute delight to cook in. That said, the dining room is a close second with its beautiful pastel yellow color and abundance of artwork on the walls.
In total, it takes about 15 – 20 minutes to tour his house. Of course, this depends on how long you choose to stay in each room — there is no specific time limit. To do this, you’ll need to purchase an entrance ticket if you aren’t traveling with a tour group from Paris!
Fancy a Guided Tour of Monet’s Estate?
Alternatively, you can opt to take a guided tour of Monet’s property that begins in Giverny. This means you travel to and from Giverny on your own, but a licensed guide will give you a 1.5-hour tour of the estate.
This is great because you gain a more in-depth understanding of Monet’s life, his family, and everything you’ll see as you wander around. Plus, another perk to this small guided tour is that you’ll be able to skip the long entrance lines that always form. 🤠 Thus, if you want to save money on transit, have an enhanced experience compared to exploring by yourself, and avoid waiting in massive lines…this is the way to go!
2. Monet’s Gardens & Water Lily Pond
After you see the inside of Monet’s House, it’s finally time to enjoy the beauty of Monet’s Gardens! In every direction, you’ll find yourself surrounded by an array of blooming flowers and lush greenery that will make you feel as if you’ve stepped into one of Monet’s paintings.
For me, strolling around the lily pond was everything and more. From the groups of lily pads and blossoming water lilies to the many trees encompassing the pond…you can easily understand why Monet’s artwork was often inspired by his gardens!
While walking around, I often found myself wondering how much of what we are witnessing today is what Monet also saw. How much of it is original and how much has been restored or curated for tourists? Regardless, make sure you take in all the breathtaking scenery and revel in the peaceful atmosphere. You may even see some cows grazing in nearby fields and can say hello to a few chickens found in the corners of his gardens!
3. Giverny Museum of Impressionism
Once you’ve completed the 1.5-hour guided tour or finished seeing Monet’s estate on your own, I recommend checking out the Giverny’s Museum of Impressionism. The inside of the museum is definitely on the smaller side but still has plenty to see. It features a good amount of artwork from various impressionist painters and they have rotating exhibitions.
Tickets cost almost €8, but if you’re an art history lover or just admire looking at artwork, then I’d say it’s worth it.
The museum is open almost every day from 10 AM – 6 PM between March and November. And, you can easily see everything within an hour. Plus, if you get hungry, there is a nice restaurant called La Brasserie des Artistes attached to the museum. Fair warning though, all the restaurants in Giverny are on the expensive side, and this is no exception. So, prepare your bank account because I most certainly did not 🥲. Even so, I would still recommend the restaurant and suggest trying the onion soup if you’re not sure what to get!
4. Castle of La Roche-Guyon
When you’re ready for a change of pace, I suggest taking a 10-minute Uber ride (click here for an Uber discount) to the Castle of La Roche-Guyon! This castle is located in the very tiny picturesque town of La Roche-Guyon, which has a population of only a few hundred people (~500).
The castle is unlike any other castle in several ways. For one, the castle was hallowed out of the surrounding cliffside. As such, you can walk around the castle’s mountainside caves, which were once used to store German ammunition during World War II.
Along with this, there is a medieval keep or tower that you can climb and catch sweeping panoramic views of the village below as well as the River Seine. However, it’s worth noting that this climb to the top is not for the faint of heart. I recommend it only for people who have no problem climbing several sets of uneven, winding stairs — you will be winded when you reach the top. That said, I believe the view is well worth it!!
Furthermore, unlike other castles such as Versailles, the Castle of La Roche-Guyon is usually uncrowded. So, you can explore it at your own pace and take in castle ruins without feeling rushed or claustrophobic. The castle is open from Feb 5 to Nov 27 every day and admission is only a few euros, so it hopefully won’t break the bank, which I am always a fan of. 😌
5. Picnic Along the Seine
My final suggestion is to have a picnic along the Seine to watch the sunset before heading back to Paris. You can take an Uber to Esplanade Jean-Claude Asphe, which is a lovely park in the center of Giverny. There are some beautiful gardens and lots of benches that overlook the Seine.
So, if you want to round off your day trip to Giverny in the best fashion, I highly recommend grabbing some food at a nearby boulangerie (bakery) or the local Monoprix (similar to Target). Then, give your feet a much-needed break, take in the glorious views of the Seine, and enjoy whatever food you have purchased!
When you’re ready to head back, the Vernon-Giverny train station is only a 13-minute walk away. But again, remember to give yourself at least half an hour to walk back so you can figure out platform numbers and get yourself oriented.
Best Time to Visit Giverny
If you’re planning your trip to France, you may be wondering what the best time to visit Giverny is. First, it’s important to note that Monet’s garden is open seasonally, specifically from April 1 to November 1. So, if you’re traveling outside of this period, you won’t find any tickets to Monet’s House and Gardens.
Peak season is from May to August. Therefore, if you want to avoid the crowds, I suggest visiting Giverny in either September or October. And don’t worry — as someone who has visited during the last week of September, the gardens still look incredible!
Concerning the time of day, I recommend going as early in the morning as you can. Again, you’ll beat the afternoon crowds and can enjoy all of the beauty in a much more tranquil setting. Similarly, if you’re going with a tour group and they offer different time slots, try to book the earliest time slot.
Most importantly though, when planning your day trip from Paris to Giverny – make sure you plan ahead, purchase tickets early, and go as early in the morning as possible! Between all the rise of travel influencers on social media and news broadcasters talking about Giverny from the Paris Olympics *ahem* Lester Holt, Giverny receives more tourists than ever. So, don’t procrastinate on booking the tour, your train tickets, and/or your entrance tickets! 🤠
Tips for Visiting Giverny
To ensure you have a smooth experience and see everything you want, here are some additional tips for visiting Giverny.
- 👟 Make sure you wear comfortable walking shoes that have a stable bottom. The ground around the gardens is made up of gravel (little rocks). No one wants a twisted ankle or likes dealing with little rocks stuck in your shoes.
- 💶 If you’re traveling to Giverny on your own, bring Euros in cash or coin. To ride the shuttle from the Vernon-Giverny station to Monet’s, you’ll need to pay the driver with cash.
- 📸 Take a picture of the shuttle schedule that’s in the parking area where you’re dropped off at. This way you can effectively plan when you need to leave if you’re taking the train back to Paris on your own!
- 🚌 Also, give yourself lots of time to get back to the Vernon-Giverny station since the shuttle isn’t always on time… as in leaving an hour before departure.
- 🏡 I recommend touring Monet’s house first and then walking around the gardens. This is because a long line to enter Monet’s house generally forms in the afternoon.
- 🎟️ Lastly, there are a limited number of tickets available for each time slot, and they definitely fill up! As such, whether you go with a tour group that leaves from Paris, do a tour from Giverny, or opt to do everything on your own, I cannot stress the importance of booking your ticket in advance enough!
Where to Stay in Paris
If you’re looking for housing in Paris, here are some places that I recommend checking out. These are based on my research and multiple stays in Paris! Also, I HIGHLY suggest booking your housing as soon as you know your travel dates! Paris is the most visited city in the world, and prices only increase the closer your travel date approaches, especially if you’re visiting during the summer. From my experience, the best way to get the lowest prices on housing is by booking as far out from your travel date as possible.
Hostel Stay
- The People Paris Nation — Super clean & comfy hostel I loved | ⭐️ 8.6 / 10
- Read my full review of the hostel here
- The People Paris Marais — Great hostel in the trendy Marais district | ⭐️ 8.7 / 10
Low-Cost Stay
- Hôtel Vic Eiffel — Comfortable 3-star hotel next to metro stop | ⭐️ 8.7 / 10
- The Tribe Saint Ouen — Fantastic 4-star hotel I enjoyed staying at! | ⭐️ 8.7 / 10
- See my comprehensive review of this new hotel here
Mid-Range Stay
- Hotel Monte Cristo Paris: Upscale 4-star hotel next to Notre Dame | ⭐️ 8.8 / 10
- Chouchou Hotel — Super fun and eclectic 4-star hotel | ⭐️ 8.9 / 10
- Hôtel Moderniste — Chic 4-star hotel w/ private balconies I loved! | ⭐️ 9.6 / 10
Luxury Stays
- Hôtel Le Walt Paris — 4-Star Hotel right next to Eiffel Tower | ⭐️ 8.9 / 10
- Intercontinental Paris Le Grand — 5-star hotel by famed Opera Garnier | ⭐️ 9 / 10
- Four Seasons Hotel George V Paris — Top of the line 5-Star Hotel | ⭐️ 10 / 10
✅ Check Rates and Availability of other Hotels in Paris on Booking.com
Day Trip From Paris to Giverny: FAQ
If you’re interested in art history, love peaceful green spaces, or just want to venture around the French countryside, then Giverny is well worth visiting! You can see the small town that inspired so much of Claude Monet’s paintings as well as gather an intimate look into his personal life!
There are three ways to get tickets. You can go on a tour from Paris that includes a ticket. Or, you can travel to and from Giverny independently and then join a guided tour that begins in Giverny. Lastly, you can tour Giverny on your own and purchase directly from the official Giverny Foundation.
The distance from Paris to Giverny via car is 76 km or 47 miles.
It takes about 50 minutes to go directly from the Saint Lazare Station in Paris to the Vernon-Giverny Station via train. The distance traveled along this route is approximately 75 km.
The season for seeing water lilies bloom is from May until September. In terms of the time of day, the water lilies are out in Monet’s Garden around 10 AM. They then close back up mid-afternoon and have a life span of about 4 days before they begin decomposition.
I know this question is a bit redundant by now, but yes — Giverny is a very doable day trip that you can do from Paris! Lots of tourists complete the day trip to tour the inside of Monet’s house and his gardens! There are also a few other sites and towns worth exploring nearby if you have time, such as Rouen!
Wrap-Up: Day Trip from Paris to Giverny (2023)
If you’re looking for an unforgettable experience while in the City of Lights, then look no further than the tranquil village of Giverny. From getting to pass through the idyllic French countryside and stroll along the cobblestone streets of Giverny to wandering through Monet’s enchanting estate, this day trip is nothing short of a dream and one of the many reasons I think the French capital is worth visiting. And, with this guide in hand, you can hopefully make the most of your time exploring Giverny with ease.
✅ 🌷 Check availability for my favorite Giverny Tour from Paris!
Discover France
- 🍷 Lyon: Are you a wine aficionado or wine enthusiast who’s ready to taste some of the best wine that can be found in France? Consider doing a wine tour in Lyon’s famous countryside, which is only 2 hours south of Paris!
- 🌊 French Riviera: Looking to witness the beauty of the famed French Rivera? One city you won’t want to miss is the coastal town of Nice, which is home to some of the most beautiful beaches, a flourishing culinary scene, and excellent wine!
