Paris to Giverny Day Trip: A Guide to Visiting Claude Monet’s Gardens

I’ve been in love with Monet’s paintings since a high school field trip to the Art Institute in Chicago. So visiting Claude Monet’s gardens in Giverny has been on my list for a long time.

But the first five times I’ve been in Paris, it’s either been closed for the season or I just couldn’t make it fit. So when I was in Paris again this past July, it was finally time to make the Paris to Giverny day trip a reality.

And despite it being peak season, the day trip was absolutely worth it.

If experiencing Monet’s Giverny is on your list too, here’s everything you need to know to plan a smooth Paris day trip to Giverny.

Where is Giverny and Why You Should Visit

Giverny is a pint-size village in Normandy, about 46 miles (75 km) northwest of Paris. It’s best known as the longtime home of Claude Monet and the setting for many of his most iconic paintings, especially the water lilies and Japanese bridge.

The Fondation Monet, which runs his house and gardens, attracts visitors from around the world during its open season (March through early November). Whether you’re an art lover, a gardener, or just want a day away from busy Paris, Giverny is an easy and worthwhile day trip from Paris.

How to get from Paris to Giverny

There are three main ways to do a day trip to Giverny from Paris: by train, by guided tour, or by car.

Option 1: Day Tours to Giverny from Paris

Taking an organized day tour from Paris to Giverny is by far the easiest and most straight forward way to visit.

Tours include hotel pick up, round-trip transportation, entry, and a guide. Some even combine Giverny with Versailles for a full-day art history double feature.

Best Paris to Giverny Tours

Here are three of the top tour options if you’re looking for a great done-for-you day trip from Paris to Giverny:

• Monet’s House & Gardens Tour with an Art Historian (5h)
  Join a licensed art historian for a half-day deep dive into Monet’s world. You’ll explore his home and the iconic gardens he painted for 43 years, then wander the charming village dotted with flower-covered cafés and small galleries. Includes skip-the-line entry, luxury door-to-door transport from Paris and a professional guide.
• Versailles & Giverny Combo Day Trip (9.5h)
  Two iconic experiences in one day: a guided tour of the Palace of Versailles, and a visit to Monet’s home and gardens in Giverny. This private full-day trip includes expert commentary, all entrance tickets, lunch on the banks of the Epte River, and comfortable round-trip transport from Paris.
• Small Group Tour from Paris to Giverny (6h)
  A streamlined option that includes round-trip transport and prebooked tickets to the Fondation Monet. You won’t have a guide inside, but you’ll get an audio guide so you can explore on your own. Once in Giverny, you’re free to explore Monet’s home and wander his vibrant gardens at your own pace.
• Monet’s House & Gardens Small Group Tour (2h)
  Already in Giverny or planning to make your own way there on your own? This short and sweet guided tour dives into Monet’s home, studios, and those famous water lily gardens, all with expert commentary and zero waiting in line. Includes skip-the-line entry and runs in an intimate group of 12 max.

Option 2: Paris to Giverny by Train + Shuttle Bus (or Walk)

If you’re doing a day trip from Paris to Giverny on your own, the easiest way to get to Giverny is to take a TER (regional) train from Paris Saint-Lazare to Vernon, then either hop on a shuttle or walk from Vernon to Giverny.

Train from Paris to Vernon

The train from Paris to Giverny takes about 45 minutes. Trains run regularly, and you can book online or buy tickets at the station.

Unless you’re going on a holiday weekend or mid-summer Saturday, you don’t need to book far in advance. I bought my ticket two days before, mostly out of habit, but I would’ve been fine purchasing that morning.

Vernon to Giverny

Once you arrive at the Vernon-Giverny station (which is actually in Vernon, not Giverny), you’ve got a few options to get to Giverny: shuttle, taxi, or walk. 

Shuttle bus: There’s a shuttle bus and an open-air tourist “train”. Both are just outside the station and their schedules are coordinated with train departures and arrivals. They’re impossible to miss, just follow the crowd. The trip from the train station to Giverny takes about 15-20 minutes regardless of which one you choose.

Taxi: You can book a taxi with Giverny Taxi by calling 07 71 89 08 03.

Walk: Or, if it’s a nice day and you’d rather stretch your legs, walking the path from Vernon to Giverny. It takes a little over an hour, is flat, and travels through some beautiful French countryside. Just follow the signs for “Musées de Giverny piétons et cyclistes”.

Option 3: Paris to Giverny By Car

If you’re already renting a car or doing a broader Normandy road trip, Giverny is an easy drive, just about 1.5 hours from central Paris.

There’s a dedicated parking lot near the entrance to the Fondation Monet in Giverny. Just note that parking fills up quickly during high season, especially on weekends.

Fondation Monet Visiting Info

Opening Hours

Monet’s gardens in Giverny are only open seasonally, from late March through early November. It’s closed in winter, so if you’re visiting Paris between November and mid-March, you’re out of luck.

Tickets and Entry

If you’re visiting as part of an organized tour from Paris your tickets will already be handled for you.

Another great option is to book this guided tour of the house and gardens even if you arrived to Giverny on your own. These onsite tours also include an entry ticket.

Otherwise I highly recommend booking ahead, especially in spring and summer. When I visited, the line to buy tickets onsite was already long 15 minutes before the gardens even opened, so I was particularly glad I had purchased ahead of time. 

Tickets can be booked online in advance through the official Fondation Monet website, and you’ll choose a timed entry slot.

There are two ticket options:

• Standard entry ticket to the house and gardens
• Combo ticket that also includes entry to the nearby Musée des Impressionnismes in Giverny, or the Musée Marmottan Monet or Musée de L’Orangerie in Paris. Note that the combo tickets can only be purchased on-site.

Insider Tips for Visiting Monet’s Gouse and Garden in Giverny

Monet’s house, the lily pond, and the Clos Normand are why people come to Giverny — and honestly, they live up to the hype. It’s stunning. But it’s also one of the busiest spots in Normandy during spring and summer.

The whole thing is smaller than you expect. It’s not some sprawling estate with space to roam. Instead, it’s intimate, curated, and always full of people if the weather’s nice.

If you’re visiting on a sunny day (which you should, the garden glows in full sun), a bit of planning will go a long way in making the experience smoother and way more enjoyable besides the crowds.

Here are my pro tips for visiting Monet’s gardens.

1. Go as early as you can, especially during busy season.

I had a ticket, which is the first time entry slot, and thought it was busy when I arrived…until I saw what it looked like an hour later. The crowds build fast, especially in the house and on the narrow paths around the lily pond.

If you’re visiting in summer and want even a sliver of calm, book the earliest entry slot and plan to arrive in Vernon with time to spare. This also gives you some breathing room to visit the museum, have lunch, or stroll through the village afterward without feeling rushed.

2. Start with the house.

I know the flowers are tempting, but if you’ve booked an early time slot, head inside first. The house gets crowded fast, especially in the upstairs rooms.

If you wait too long, you’ll be joining a line of 30+ people waiting just to get inside then move in a slow and crowded procession from one brightly wallpapered room to the next.

3. Next, go to the lily pond

The lily pond is not inside the main garden, but across the road, connected by a short underground tunnel. Look for signs pointing to “J’ardin D’eau/Water Garden”.

The pond itself is exactly what you came for: the green Japanese bridge, the willows, the lily pads, the reflections. But the paths around it are narrow, and with even one or two tour groups, it gets very crowded very quickly.

4. After that, wander through the Clos Normand

Backtrack to the flower garden directly in front of the house. It’s packed with color and climbing roses and all incredibly photogenic. B

ut like everything else, it gets busy fast. The pathways are narrow enough that you’ll spend a lot of time politely stepping aside for strangers’ photo ops.

Things to See and Do in Giverny (Besides Monet’s Garden)

Most people come to Giverny just for Monet’s house and gardens, and honestly, if that’s all you do, it’s a solid day. But if you have a few extra hours, the rest of the village has a few things worth your time.

Visit the Musée des Impressionnismes

A short walk from the garden entrance, this small museum focuses on the broader Impressionist movement, not just Monet. It hosts temporary exhibitions that change throughout the year, and the space is calm, air-conditioned, and blissfully uncrowded compared to the Fondation Monet.

It’s a good stop before or after lunch, and a nice way to see work by Monet’s contemporaries and followers, many of whom also spent time in Giverny. There’s also a lovely manicured garden attached to the museum.

Stroll Through Giverny

Giverny is tiny. You can walk from one end to the other in about 30 minutes. But it’s full of French countryside charm, with climbing vines, flowerbeds, and well-kept stone houses everywhere you look.

The main road is lined with cafés, restaurants, small galleries, and guesthouses, plus a few artists’ studios and souvenir shops. It’s worth wandering around if you have time.

Visit Monet’s Grave

At the far end of the village, you’ll find the local church and cemetery where Monet and several of his family members are buried. It’s quiet and low-key.

Explore Vernon

Don’t overlook Vernon!! If you’re travelling by train take some time before heading back to Paris, to explore this town. The area around the train station is forgettable, but the short walk toward the river leads you to the postcard version of the town.

You’ll see the Vieux Moulin, a medieval half-timbered mill perched dramatically over the Seine river, sitting on the remains of an old bridge. It’s one of Vernon’s most iconic sights, especially with the Château des Tourelles looming just behind it.

A few nearby streets, especially Rue Potard, deliver classic Normandy charm, with rustic crooked timber-framed houses characteristic of this region. It’s quiet, quick to explore, and a lovely contrast to the more curated feel of Giverny.

It’s an easy 15-minute walk from the station to the Vieux Moulin, or you can ask the Giverny shuttle bus driver to drop you at the stop near the river before heading back to the train station.

Where to eat & drink in Giverny 

If you want to live it up there are two high-end dining options in Giverny that stand out: Le Jardin des Plumes, which has a Michelin star, and La Musardière, a Michelin recommended restaurant just a short walk from the gardens.

Both require reservations, and both are better suited to a more leisurely day in Giverny where you have time for a longer meal.

If you’re after something mid-range and don’t want to commit to a multi-course production, Restaurant Baudy is a solid bet. They have a shaded garden terrace, a menu of classic French dishes (the French onion soup was excellent), and a bit of art history appeal. (Monet and his friends used to hang out there.). 

Another good option is Les Nymphéas, which is directly across from the Fondation Monet entrance. The food is excellent, the garden is lovely, and it’s easy to fit into your day if you’re short on time. Note that they do not take reservations.

There are also a few casual cafés and bakeries along the main road if all you want is a sandwich or a quick salad.

Even during the week, tables fill up quickly, so if there’s somewhere specific you want to eat, reserve ahead of time.

The Best time to visit Giverny

If you want to see the gardens at their best, hold out for a sunny day. Everything looks better in natural light, especially the lily pond and all the flowering trellises.

April and May are typically a little quieter than midsummer, and September is also a good time to go if you want that late-summer color without quite as many tour groups.

I went in July, and while it was definitely peak season (read: crowded), the gardens were in full bloom, and I wouldn’t have traded the weather for thinner crowds.

Avoid weekends and holidays if possible. The gardens are closed in winter.

Paris to Giverny FAQ

Can you do Giverny as a day trip from Paris?
Yes, easily, and that’s how most people visit. Whether you go with a tour group or plan it yourself, a day trip to Giverny from Paris is entirely doable in a single day without feeling rushed.

How do I get from Paris to Giverny by train?
Take a TER train from Paris Saint-Lazare to Vernon-Giverny, then transfer to the shuttle bus or open-air tourist train. The train ride is about 45 minutes, and the shuttle takes 15-20 minutes. You can also walk the last leg if the weather is nice. It’s about an hour, flat and scenic.

Is there a direct train from Paris to Giverny?
Not exactly. The train takes you to Vernon, the nearest station. From there, Giverny is about 3.7 miles (6 km) away. This is why all Paris to Giverny train routes involve a shuttle or walk at the end.

Do I need to book tickets to Monet’s house and garden in advance?
It’s a good idea to book ahead, especially in summer. You book a timed entry slot, and morning tickets tend to go first. You can try to get tickets on arrival, but expect a long line, especially during peak season.

How long do you need in Giverny?
If you’re sticking to the essentials, Monet’s house, gardens, and lunch, 4 hours is plenty. If you want to take your time, visit the museum, or stroll Vernon afterward, plan for a full day.

Is Giverny worth visiting?
Absolutely. Just don’t expect a peaceful countryside escape (unless you stay overnight). Monet’s Jardin de Giverny is stunning, especially in good light, but it’s also incredibly popular, for good reason.

Can I visit both Versailles and Giverny in one day?
You can absolutely book a Versailles and Giverny combo tour from Paris if you’re rushed. That said, if you have the time in your schedule, doing a standalone day trip from Paris to Versailles is well worth it.

Can I drive from Paris to Giverny?
Yes. Paris to Giverny by car takes about 1.5 hours. Parking is available near the entrance to the Fondation Monet, but it fills up fast in peak season. If you’re already doing a road trip through Normandy, it’s a very easy stop.

Are there good places to eat in Giverny?
Yes, from Michelin-starred restaurants to casual cafés. If you’re staying for lunch, try La Musardière or Le Jardin des Plumes for something upscale, and Restaurant Baudy or Les Nymphéas for solid classic French cuisine. Make a reservation if you’re set on something specific (note that Les Nymphéas does not take reservations).

What is the best time of year to visit Giverny? Late spring (April-May) and early fall (September) are ideal, fewer crowds, gorgeous light, and lots of blooms. Summer is the most colorful but also the most crowded. The Fondation Monet in Giverny is closed from November through late March.