Discovering Monet’s Magic: A Day Trip to Giverny from Paris

France
Written By Margaret Goodwin

Embark on a journey into the enchanting world of Claude Monet with a day trip from Paris to Giverny.

Monet's Garden Giverny

From the bustling streets of the capital to the serene landscapes that inspired one of the greatest Impressionist painters, this day tour promises a brush with artistic brilliance like never before. Wander through the vibrant gardens of Monet's home, where every petal seems to whisper secrets of his masterpieces. Discover the iconic water lilies that adorned his canvases, vividly reflecting the play of light and colour that defined his style. Immerse yourself in the tranquility that captivated Monet and let the beauty of Giverny awaken your senses to a new appreciation for nature and art. Unveil the magic of Monet's world just a stone's throw away from Paris, a captivating experience that will linger in your heart long after you leave.

8:00 AM – Departure from Paris

  • Transport: Take the train from Gare Saint-Lazare to Vernon, the nearest station to Giverny.

    • Train: The journey takes approximately 45–50 minutes.

    • Tickets: Purchase a one-way ticket at the station or in advance online. Tickets usually range from €10 to €15 each way, depending on the time of day.

    • Note: Be sure to check the schedule ahead of time as trains depart regularly in the morning.

    • Find up to date prices and times at Trainline.

9:00 AM – Arrive at Vernon Station

  • Transport from Vernon to Giverny:

    • Bus: Upon arrival at Vernon Station, take Bus #J from the station (around a 15-minute journey). Buses run every 30 minutes.

    • Taxi: Alternatively, a taxi ride from Vernon to Giverny takes around 10 minutes and costs about €20.

    • Walking: If you’re feeling adventurous, it’s about a 4.5 km walk (roughly 1 hour) through beautiful French countryside.

9:30 AM – Arrive at Monet’s Garden

  • Visit Duration: Plan to spend about 2 to 3 hours at Monet’s Garden.

    • Monet’s House and Gardens: Explore the beautiful gardens where Monet found his inspiration, including the Clos Normand flower garden and the Water Garden with its famous water lilies. Don’t forget to visit Monet’s house and the rooms where he lived and worked. You can also see some of his original works on display here.

    • Ticket Prices: Adult tickets typically cost around €10–€12. Audio guides are available for an additional €4.

    • Photography: Remember to take lots of photos, but also take time to just soak in the views and atmosphere.

12:30 PM – Lunch in Giverny

  • Restaurant Option 1: La Parenthèse:

    • A charming restaurant offering homemade dishes with fresh ingredients in a floral and convivial setting. Located near the gardens.

    • Menu: Home-made dishes with fresh ingredients

  • Restaurant Option 2: Les Nympheas

    • This restaurant offers a more refined dining experience and is located in front of Monet’s home. They serve delicious seasonal French fare with views of the surrounding nature.

    • Open daily April 1st to November 1st

    • Menu: Sample the daily specials or their signature French-inspired dishes such as a vegetable medley or roasted duck.

  • Picnic Option: If you prefer a more relaxed meal, there are several spots around Giverny’s village where you can enjoy a picnic. Pick up some fresh baguette, cheese, and pastries from a local bakery like Boulangerie Pâtisserie Le Fournil.

1:30 PM – Explore the Village of Giverny

  • After lunch, take a leisurely stroll through the picturesque village of Giverny. Here, you’ll find quaint streets, small boutiques, and additional art galleries.

    • Musée des Impressionnismes Giverny: Just a 5-minute walk from Monet’s Garden, this museum focuses on Impressionist art and houses rotating exhibits, often featuring works from artists who were influenced by Monet. It’s a lovely complement to your garden visit.

    • Time: Spend around 30–45 minutes exploring.

3:00 PM – Departure from Giverny

  • Transport:

    • Take the bus or taxi back to Vernon Station.

    • If you’re walking back, you’ll have time to enjoy the countryside views on your way back.

3:30 PM – Return Train to Paris

  • Train: Take a train from Vernon to Paris. Trains run frequently in the afternoon, and the journey lasts about 45 minutes.

    • You’ll arrive back in Paris around 4:30–5:00 PM, depending on your return time.

Additional Tips

  • What to Bring:

    • Comfortable walking shoes (you’ll be exploring a garden and walking through the village).

    • A camera or sketchbook for artistic inspiration.

    • A light jacket or sweater (weather can be cooler in the mornings and evenings).

  • Weather: If you're visiting during the warmer months, bring sunscreen and a hat, as much of the garden tour is outdoors.

  • Booking in Advance: If you prefer to avoid lines, consider purchasing tickets for Monet’s Garden in advance.

This itinerary gives you a complete day of exploration and inspiration in the stunning surroundings of Monet’s Garden, combining art, nature, and a taste of French culture.

Margaret Goodwin

About the Author

Margaret is a travel industry expert with over 30 years of experience representing some of the world’s most captivating destinations. As a professional photographer, digital artist, and passionate gardener, she brings a unique perspective to uncovering extraordinary gardens across the globe. Through Inspired by Gardens, she shares immersive travel stories that reveal hidden botanical treasures and creative inspiration for fellow garden lovers. When she’s not exploring new destinations, you’ll find her behind the camera capturing nature’s beauty or tending to her own garden sanctuary. Her work bridges the worlds of travel, photography, and horticulture, offering readers authentic and enriching garden travel experiences.

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