Things to Do in Giverny, France:
Complete Visitor's Guide
Giverny may be tiny — a village of fewer than 500 inhabitants — but it punches well above its weight. Beyond the world-famous garden, you'll find a charming Normandy village with galleries, excellent restaurants, a fascinating museum, and the grave of Claude Monet himself. Here's everything to do and see in Giverny.
Top Attractions in Giverny
Fondation Claude Monet — The Garden & House
The unmissable centrepiece of any visit to Giverny. Explore the Clos Normand flower garden, the water garden with its Japanese bridge, and Monet's beautifully preserved house. Allow at least 1.5–2.5 hours.
Entry: Adults €13 · Children €7 · Open 9:30–18:00, April–November
Full Garden GuideMusée des Impressionnismes Giverny
The Museum of Impressionisms Giverny is one of France's premier galleries devoted to Impressionist art. With beautiful rotating exhibitions and a lovely garden of its own, it's a perfect complement to visiting Monet's garden. The bookshop is excellent.
Entry: ~€8 adults · Open April–November (closed Mondays)
Official WebsiteÉglise Sainte-Radegonde & Monet's Grave
The small 12th-century church of Sainte-Radegonde is where Claude Monet was buried in 1926, along with members of his family. The churchyard offers a quiet, moving experience — a great contrast to the busy garden. Walk up the hill for views over the village.
Entry: Free · Open daily
Giverny Village & Art Galleries
The main street of Giverny (Rue Claude Monet) is lined with art galleries, boutiques and cafés. Many galleries feature works by local artists inspired by Monet and the Norman landscape. It's a lovely place to browse, shop for prints, and soak up the village atmosphere.
Entry: Free · Most open April–October
Where to Eat in Giverny
Despite its small size, Giverny has several excellent places to eat:
Restaurant Baudy
A historic auberge where Impressionist painters including Cézanne and Renoir used to gather. Classic Norman cuisine in a romantic, art-filled setting. Book in advance in summer.
81 Rue Claude Monet · ☎ +33 2 32 21 10 03
Le Jardin des Plumes
A charming restaurant in a Norman house with a beautiful garden terrace. Creative cuisine with local Norman ingredients. Perfect for a leisurely lunch.
1 Rue du Milieu · Open Fri–Sun lunch
Giverny Café & Crêperie
Light lunches, crêpes, salads and drinks along the main village road. Good option for a quick, affordable bite between attractions.
Various spots on Rue Claude Monet
Also Worth Visiting: Vernon
If you travel by train, you'll pass through Vernon — a lovely medieval town on the Seine just 6 km from Giverny. Allow 1–2 hours if you want to explore:
- 🕍 Collégiale Notre-Dame de Vernon — a magnificent Gothic collegiate church
- 🌉 The Old Bridge ruins — picturesque arch over the Seine
- 🏛️ Musée de Vernon — local Impressionist art collection
- 🛍️ Vernon Market — Tuesday and Saturday mornings
Practical Tips
Frequently Asked Questions
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The top things to do in Giverny are: (1) Visit Monet's garden and house at the Fondation Claude Monet; (2) Explore the Museum of Impressionisms; (3) Walk through the charming village and its art galleries; (4) Lunch at Restaurant Baudy — a historic artists' inn; (5) Visit the Église Sainte-Radegonde church where Monet is buried. Most visitors fit all of this into one day.
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Giverny is small, so 4–6 hours is sufficient for most visitors. Allow 1.5–2 hours for the garden and house, 45–60 minutes for the Museum of Impressionisms, and 1–2 hours for lunch and exploring the village. If you're an art enthusiast or a garden lover, you could easily spend a full day.
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Yes, the Fondation Claude Monet has a café near the entrance that serves light snacks, drinks and ice cream. For a proper meal, head into the village — Restaurant Baudy (a 5-minute walk) is the most famous and atmospheric option.
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Monet's garden (Fondation Claude Monet) is closed from November 1 to March 31. The village itself is open year-round, but most restaurants, galleries and the Museum of Impressionisms also close in winter. Plan your visit between April and October for the best experience.