Day trips from Paris to Giverny
See Monet’s garden, the inspiration for many of his works.
Most popular Giverny tours
Book the most-loved tours of Monet’s house and gardens.
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About Giverny day trips from Paris
Giverny exists because one painter refused to separate his art from the nature around him. When Claude Monet settled in this small Normandy village in 1883, he spent decades reshaping its landscape, diverting a river to build a pond, planting hundreds of flowers by color, and turning a quiet stretch of the Seine valley into one of the most beloved gardens in France. The water lily pond, the Japanese bridge heavy with wisteria, and the central alley of climbing roses were not just subjects Monet painted, but spaces he composed and tended daily for more than 40 years. Today, thousands of visitors make the 45-minute train journey from Paris each season to walk through the garden that still blooms according to his design. Past the house and gardens of Monet, the town of Giverny features galleries, studios, and the Musée des Impressionnismes.
Top highlights for your visit
The water garden
Monet diverted a river to build the pond in his garden and then spent 20 years painting its reflections. See the wisteria he planted on the bridge and the water lilies, which are in bloom from June through September.
The Clos Normand
Take in the one-hectare garden where Monet arranged hundreds of flowers by color. Roses climb iron arches along the central alley, and by late summer, nasturtiums spill across the gravel paths.
Monet’s yellow dining room
Monet’s house has been restored to how the artist originally kept it, down to the bright yellow walls and his collection of Japanese woodblock prints.
The village
Beyond the gardens, Giverny’s streets are lined with small galleries, studios, and cafés that carry the spirit of the artists’ colony. This is a beautiful place to slow down and take in the scenery.
Giverny day trips FAQs
When should you visit Giverny?
While you can visit any time from April to November, spring and mid-autumn are great times to see Giverny. If you’re able to, visit on a weekday. The gardens shift with the seasons, and late afternoons are when the village feels most like itself. Summers and weekends draw the biggest crowds.
How do you get to Giverny from Paris?
A train from Paris Saint-Lazare reaches Vernon in under 45 minutes. From the station, an electric shuttle, taxi, or a short bike ride covers the last five kilometers to the village. If you’d rather skip the logistics, an Airbnb Experience day trip bundles the round-trip transport and a guide into a single booking straight from Paris.
Do you need tickets in advance?
Yes. Online booking is strongly recommended, especially on weekends and holidays. If you arrive without a ticket, you may face a long wait once the daily online quota fills up.
How long does a visit take?
Plan for two to three hours at Monet’s house and gardens, plus another hour or two for the Impressionism museum and a stroll through the village. A full day trip from Paris runs about five to six hours door to door.
When are the gardens open?
Monet’s house and gardens open daily from early April to early November, then close for the winter. The gardens are open from 10 AM to 6 PM, with the last entry in the late afternoon.
Are guided tours available?
Yes. Official private guided tours take around 90 minutes and are offered in English, French, or German. Note that they do need to be booked in advance. You can also find guided tours of Giverny offered as Airbnb Experiences, led by local hosts and booked directly through the platform.
What else is there beyond the gardens?
The town of Giverny is also worth visiting. Small galleries, studios, and cafés line the streets, and the Musée des Impressionnismes hosts rotating exhibitions.
Things to know about day trips to Giverny
Entry
- Book your garden tickets online ahead of time, as walk-up entry can mean a long wait.
- A train from Paris Saint-Lazare reaches Vernon in under 45 minutes, then it is five kilometers to Monet’s garden.
- The last stretch can be covered by electric shuttle, taxi, or bike.
What to bring
- Wear comfortable shoes for the gravel garden paths and the cobbled village lanes.
- Bring a camera for the pond, the bridge, and the flower beds Monet painted.
- Bring or wear a light layer and carry water, since the gardens do not have much shade.
Important information
- The gardens are open from April to November and are closed during the winter.
- Photos are only allowed from the walkways, so that the paths remain clear for everyone.
- Picnics and pets are not permitted inside the grounds.