Giverny from Paris:
The Complete Day Trip Guide
Everything you need to visit Monet's legendary garden — tours, trains, tickets and insider tips from travel experts.
Why Visit Giverny from Paris?
Giverny is one of France's most enchanting destinations — a tiny Normandy village made world-famous by the Impressionist painter Claude Monet, who lived here from 1883 until his death in 1926. The Fondation Claude Monet preserves his house, his remarkable flower garden, and the iconic water garden with its Japanese bridge and water lilies — the subjects of more than 250 of his paintings.
Just 75 km (47 miles) from Paris, Giverny is the perfect day trip for anyone visiting the French capital. Whether you travel by train or join a guided tour, a day in Giverny offers a complete escape from the city: lush gardens, a charming village, excellent restaurants, and a deeper connection with Monet's artistic universe.
3 Ways to Get from Paris to Giverny
Choose the option that suits your budget and travel style
Guided Day Tour
All-inclusive tour from Paris: transport, skip-the-line entry, expert guide. Best value for first-timers.
Train from Paris
Transilien from Paris Saint-Lazare to Vernon. Flexible and affordable — ideal for independent travellers.
Drive from Paris
Rent a car for total flexibility. The A13 motorway takes you to Vernon in about 1h15. Free parking in Giverny.
What to See in Giverny
Giverny is small but perfectly formed — here are the unmissable highlights
🌸 The Flower Garden (Clos Normand)
Monet's 2-hectare flower garden is a riot of colour from spring to autumn. Geometric beds overflow with poppies, irises, roses and nasturtiums in carefully orchestrated colour harmonies. The main alley leads to the famous pink house where Monet lived.
Discover the Garden →💧 The Water Garden & Japanese Bridge
Across the road lies Monet's famous water garden — the willow-draped pond covered in water lilies that inspired his most celebrated series of paintings. The Japanese bridge draped in wisteria is the garden's iconic symbol.
Explore the Water Garden →🏠 Monet's House
Monet's pink and green house is preserved exactly as he left it — his studio, famous yellow dining room, blue-tiled kitchen, and the entire collection of Japanese prints that inspired his garden. A fascinating glimpse into the artist's daily life.
Visit the House →🎨 Museum of Impressionisms
The Musée des Impressionnismes Giverny celebrates the artistic legacy of the region. With rotating exhibitions of Impressionist and Post-Impressionist art, it's a perfect complement to visiting Monet's garden.
Things To Do →Perfect Giverny Day Trip from Paris: 1-Day Itinerary
Here's how to make the most of your day:
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1
8:00 – Depart Paris
Take the 8:04 train from Paris Saint-Lazare to Vernon (arr. ~9:25), or join your guided tour at the meeting point.
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2
9:30 – Arrive & Enter the Garden
Arrive at the Fondation Claude Monet at opening time to beat the crowds. Start with the Clos Normand flower garden.
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3
10:30 – Explore the Water Garden
Cross to the iconic water garden and Japanese bridge. The morning light on the water lilies is magical.
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4
12:30 – Lunch in the Village
Head to the village for lunch. Try Restaurant Baudy — a historic artists' hangout — or the garden café.
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5
14:00 – Museum & Village Stroll
Visit the Museum of Impressionisms and browse the village's galleries and shops.
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6
16:30 – Return to Paris
Take the shuttle back to Vernon and catch the evening train. You'll be back in Paris by 18:30.
Best Time to Visit Giverny
Giverny is open April 1 to November 1. Peak season is May–June.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Giverny is approximately 75 km (47 miles) northwest of Paris. By car it takes about 1 hour 15 minutes via the A13 motorway. By train from Paris Saint-Lazare to Vernon-Giverny, the journey is about 1 hour 20 minutes, followed by a 6 km shuttle or taxi to Giverny itself.
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The most convenient options are: (1) A guided day tour from Paris — the easiest and most popular choice; (2) Train from Paris Saint-Lazare to Vernon station, then shuttle bus or taxi; (3) Renting a car for a self-drive trip. Guided tours are recommended for first-time visitors as they handle all logistics.
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Monet's garden (Fondation Claude Monet) tickets cost approximately €13 for adults and €7 for children (7–17). Tickets should be booked in advance online to avoid queues. A guided tour from Paris typically costs €50–€120 per person and includes transport and garden entry.
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Absolutely. Giverny consistently ranks among the top day trips from Paris. The flower gardens, water lily pond, and Monet's house are stunning, especially from April to October. Allow at least 4–5 hours in Giverny: 1.5–2 hours in the garden, plus time for the village and lunch.
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The best time to visit Giverny is May and June when the gardens are at their most spectacular — tulips, wisteria and the famous water lily pond are in full bloom. April is good for tulips, while September and October offer autumn colours with fewer crowds. The Foundation is open April 1 to November 1.
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Yes, you can visit independently by taking the Transilien train from Paris Saint-Lazare to Vernon (about 1h20), then the shuttle bus or taxi to Giverny (10 min). However, a guided tour saves time on logistics, often includes skip-the-line entry, and provides expert commentary on Monet's life and work.
Complete Giverny Travel Guides
Best Giverny Tours from Paris
Guided day trips with skip-the-line access. Compare options and prices.
Monet's Garden: Complete Guide
The artist's garden at Giverny — what to expect inside and tips to visit.
Paris to Giverny by Train
Step-by-step train guide including schedules, tickets and shuttle info.
Perfect Giverny Day Trip
Hour-by-hour itinerary to make the most of one day in Giverny.
Things To Do in Giverny
Beyond the garden: restaurants, museums, walks and more.
Hotels Near Giverny
Stay overnight in Giverny or nearby Vernon. Best hotels and B&Bs.