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THE 10 BEST Giverny Tours & Excursions

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1. Giverny Monet’s House and Gardens Half Day Tour from Paris

2. Giverny Small-Group Half Day Trip with Monet’s Gardens from Paris

3. Giverny Monet's House and Gardens Small-Group Tour Hotel Pick-up

4. Versailles Timed Entrance Ticket and Giverny Small Group Day Trip from Paris

5. Giverny Half-day Small-group 2 - 7 people by Mercedes from Paris

6. Versailles Palace and Giverny Monet House Guided Visit with Lunch from Paris

7. Giverny Monet House and Gardens Skip the line Walking tour

8. Giverny And Versailles Priority Access Guided Day Tour from Paris

9. Giverny Monet's Garden & Auvers-sur-Oise with Van Gogh House Full Day From Paris

10. Giverny and Monet's House Guided Half Day Trip from Paris

11. Giverny's Monet House & Versailles Palace Day Trip from Paris

12. Giverny's House & Gardens plus Versailles Palace Day Trip with Lunch from Paris

13. Giverny and Monet's Garden Tour

14. Giverny Monet's House & Versailles Palace Private Day Trip from Paris

15. Giverny Half-Day Guided Tour from Paris

16. Versailles and Giverny Tour Hotel Pickup

17. Giverny & Auvers sur Oise Private Day Trip with Monet & Van Gogh Tour from Paris

18. Monet's Gardens & House with Art Historian: Private Giverny Tour from Paris

19. Giverny - Claude Monet's House & Gardens - Private Trip

20. Guided tour Monet's house and gardens/small group

21. Giverny & Monet's House Audio Guided Half-day Tour from Paris

22. Giverny Versailles Private Guided Tour

23. Giverny and Monet's Garden Half-Day Trip from Paris

24. Private day trip from Paris to Giverny with a local driver

25. Giverny Versailles Trianon Small Group from Paris by Minivan

26. From Paris Private Half Day in Giverny Monet's House and Gardens

27. Exclusive Musée d'Orsay Tour & Giverny Day Trip from Paris

28. Giverny and Versailles Full-Day Private Guided Tour with Hotel Pickup

29. Versailles Palace and Giverny Private Guided Tour from Paris

30. Giverny Half Day Guided Trip with Monet's House & Gardens from Paris by minivan

What travelers are saying.

Giverny Monet's Garden

By Givernet, Non-for-profit Organisation

REOPENING 2024: Monet's gardens at Giverny are now closed for winter. They will open next March 29th, 2024.

TICKET SALE: Advance tickets will remain highly recommended in 2024.

E-TICKETS HIGHLY RECOMMENDED

DAYS AND TIME: Monet's gardens will welcome visitors everyday including public holidays from 9.30 am to 6 pm -last admission 5:30pm- from March 29th through November 1st, 2024.

Claude Monet Giverny Garden Photo by Ariane Cauderlier

Admission Tickets in 2024:

• The admission is time-based. Tickets will be available for purchasing online early February.
• No transaction fee for tickets collected in store; E-ticket or M-ticket: €1.45
• Normal fare and seniors: 13.00 euros
• Children and students: 8.50 euros
• Disabled: 7.50 euros
• Children under 7: free of charge  
• 1.45 euros transaction fee
• Normal fare and seniors: 12.00 euros
• Children and students: 7.50 euros
• Disabled: 6.50 euros

Private Guided Tours

• Duration : around 1hr30
• Private tours are given in English, French, Spanish or German
• Guided tours 2024 fees are 220 euros for your party + admission ticket .

Note: Guided tours upon appointment only.

• Adults and seniors: 8.00 euros
• Disabled: 4.00 euros
• Children under 12 y.o.: 5.50 euros
• Students: 5.50 euros
• Write to : Fondation Claude Monet Rue Claude Monet 27620 Giverny France
• or fax : +33 (0) 232 51 91 32
• or email: [email protected]
• If you need a guide for your group Contact Giverny guides here

Visitor Information:

Further readings:.

Blogs, Photos and talks:

Hotel, Palace or Farm ? Do as Claude Monet : Select Giverny area for your next Stay in Paris !

The Two Gardens

There are two parts in Monet's garden: a flower garden called Clos Normand in front of the house and a Japanese inspired water garden on the other side of the road. The two parts of Monet's garden contrast and complement one another.

Claude Monet's Home and Garden in Giverny in Spring - Photo Ariane Cauderlier

The Clos Normand

When Monet and his family settled in Giverny in 1883 the  piece of land sloping gently down from the house to the road was planted with an orchard and enclosed by high stone walls.

A central alley bordered with pines separated it into two parts. Monet had the pines cut down, keeping only the two yews closest to the house to please Alice.

From this Clos Normand of about one hectare, Monet made a garden full of perspectives, symmetries and colours.

The land is divided into flowerbeds where flower clumps of different heights create volume. Fruit trees or ornamental trees dominate the climbing roses, the long -stemmed hollyhocks and the coloured banks of annuals. Monet mixed the simplest flowers (daisies and poppies) with the most rare varieties.

The central alley is covered over by iron arches on which climbing roses grow. Other rose trees cover the balustrade along the house. At the end of the summer nasturtiums invade the soil in the central alley.

Claude Monet did not like organized nor constrained gardens. He married flowers according to their colours and left them to grow rather freely.

With the passing years he developed a passion for botany, exchanging plants with his friends Clemenceau and Caillebotte.  Always on the look-out for rare varieties, he bought young plants at great expense. "All my money goes into my garden," he said. But also: "I am in raptures."

Giverny Claude Monet's Garden Main Alley late summer - Photo Ariane Cauderlier

Claude Monet Water Lily Pond  in Giverny - Photo Ariane Cauderlier

The water garden

In 1893, ten years after his arrival at Giverny, Monet bought the piece of land neighbouring his property on the other side of the railway. It was crossed by a small brook, the Ru, which is a diversion of the Epte, a tributary of the Seine River. With the support of the prefecture, Monet had the first small pond dug ; even though his peasant neighbours were opposed. They were afraid that his strange plants would poison the water.

Later on the pond would be enlarged to its present day size. The water garden is full of asymmetries and curves. It is inspired by the Japanese gardens that Monet knew from the prints he collected avidly.

In this water garden you will find the famous Japanese bridge covered with wisterias, other smaller bridges, weeping willows, a bamboo wood and above all the famous nympheas which bloom all summer long. The pond and the surrounding vegetation form an enclosure separated from the surrounding countryside.

Never before had a painter so shaped his subjects in nature before painting them. And so he created his works twice. Monet would find his inspiration in this water garden for more than twenty years. After the Japanese bridge series, he would devote himself to the giant decorations of the Orangerie.

Always looking for mist and transparencies, Monet would dedicate himself less to flowers than to reflections in water, a kind of inverted world transfigured by the liquid element.

Claude Monet Water Garden in Giverny, Autumn Reflections - Photo Ariane Cauderlier

Spring Morning Mist under the japanese bridge in Claude Monet's Garden Photo Ariane Cauderlier

The Japanese bridge

Monet had it built by a local craftsman. By the time the garden was restored the bridge was too damaged to be saved. It had to be rebuilt by a firm from Vernon. It is made of beech wood.

The wisterias have been planted by Monet.

500 000 visitors discover Monet's gardens each year during the seven months that it is open.

To prevent people from treading on the plants, and thus retain the garden's beauty, the inner alleys are closed to the public. Visitors walk on the side alleys and can walk all around the garden to admire all its perspectives.

To get to the water garden you go through an underground passage (at the time of Monet it was necessary to cross the railway and the road). You will step on the Japanese bridge and explore all the hidden recesses of the water garden.

Taking pictures is permitted in the garden, but only from the walkways. Picnics are forbidden. Dogs and other pets are not admitted.

Water Lilies in Claude Monet's Pond in Giverny - Photo Ariane Cauderlier

Claude Monet's Giverny property in Summer - Photo Ariane Cauderlier

Restoring Monet's house and garden

After Claude Monet's death in 1926, his son Michel inherited the house and garden of Giverny. He did not live there and it was Monet's step-daughter Blanche who took care of the property. Unfortunately after the Second World War the house and garden were neglected. In 1966 Michel Monet made the Academie des Beaux-Arts his heir.

In 1977 Gérald van der Kemp was appointed Curator  at Giverny. André Devillers, who had the opportunity to go with Georges Truffaut - a distinguished gardener often invited to Monet's table - helped him reconstruct the garden as it was by the time of the master. Many contemporaries of Monet testified also.

Almost ten years were necessary to restore the garden and the house their former magnificence. Not much was left. The greenhouse panes and the windows in the house were reduced to shards after the bombings. Floors and ceiling beams had rotted away,  a staircase had collapsed. Three trees were even growing in the big studio.  

The pond had to be dug again. In the Clos normand soil was removed to find the original ground level. Then the same flower species as those discovered by Monet in his time were planted.

The property has been open to the public since September 1980. 

Further reading:

Giverny Claude Monet's Yellow Dinning Room - Photo Ariane Cauderlier

Best Giverny Tours of Monet's Garden from Paris

• See & Do
• Monet's Garden in Giverny
• Giverny Tours from Paris

The 10 Best Giverny Tours from Paris for 2024

Are you planning to visit Claude Monet's sumptuous gardens, water lily pond, and home in Giverny from Paris?  

If so, you may be wondering:  what is the easiest, most stress-free way to get to Giverny, and how can you get the most out of your experience?

For most visitors, guided tours from Paris are the perfect fi t when you want maximum convenience . In addition to including transportation on comfortable air-conditioned coaches or minivans (easier/faster than taking the train from Paris to the closest station, and boarding a local shuttle for the last few miles), you'll enter through a dedicated tour-only entrance gate . 

Our Top Picks for Giverny Tours

• Giverny: Monet's Garden Half-Day Tour - Highly-rated small-group tour
• Monet's Garden Bike Tour - Explore Giverny by bike, picnic by the Seine, and soak up the beauty of Monet's home and gardens
• Giverny & Versailles Day Tour with Lunch - Make the most of your time by visiting both sites in one day, plus a tasty French lunch by a picturesque windmill

Depending on which tour you choose, you may also get the insights and and insider knowledge of an expert tour guide, transportation to see other nearby sights related to Monet, and lunch (there's even a gourmet option).  If you choose a private VIP tour, you'll enjoy the luxury of being picked up and dropped off at your Paris hotel or apartment.

To help you choose the best tour to fit your schedule, interests, and budget, we've compiled a list of the top 10 half-day and full-day tours of Giverny from Paris, including several combined with a visit to the Palace of Versailles, one with a fun bike tour of the Giverny area, and one which also takes you to Auvers-sur-Oise, where Van Gogh spent the final months of his life creating 70+ painting inspired by the beautiful Normandy landscape.

Here's what you'll find in this article:

• Half-Day Tours to Giverny from Paris
• Full-Day Tours to Giverny & Versailles from Paris
• Full-Day Tours to Giverny (Bike Tour & Giverny-Auvers Tour)

Top photo: Claude Monet's pink manor house with green shutters in Giverny, France, (c) Paris Discovery Guide

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Best Half-Day Tours of Giverny from Paris

These half-day tours of Monet's home rank at the top of the popularity list for Giverny tours because they're the easiest, fastest, and most convenient way to visit the gardens, pond, and house of the famous artist - and still have half a day left to do other things in Paris.  

1.  Giverny: Monet's Garden Half-Day Tour from Paris (Small Group Tour)

The highly-rated Giverny: Monet's Garden Half-Day Tour starts with a comfortable trip by air-conditioned minivan from Paris, which whisks you and up to 7 other participants through the beautiful Normandy countryside west of the city. 

As you enter the small Norman village of Giverny, you'll see charming stone houses and ivy-covered walls lining the narrow lanes.  Within a few moments, you'll arrive at Monet's estate where your guide will whisk you through a special tour-only entrance into the lush gardens.

Your guide will find a quiet spot to give you a quick briefing about Monet's life in the pink manor house at Giverny that he moved into in 1883 with Alice Hoschedé, who would later become his second wife, and their blended family of eight children. 

You'll learn how he carved out his now-famous gardens and pond from an unpromising piece of land divided by a road, and how he used them to inspire the approximately 250 oil paintings of water lilies he created between 1896 and 1920.

Find booking information and details for this tour

You'll then be free to explore the house, gardens, and pond on your own until the designated departure time.  Since Monet's house can become crowded at times, this approach lets you choose a non-busy time to enter and explore as much (or as little) as you wish.

In the gardens and pond area, avoiding the crowds is much easier, since there's much more space for spreading out.

As a bonus, before you leave the village of Giverny, you'll visit the Romanesque-Gothic country church (Église Sainte-Radegonde de Giverny) where Monet and his family worshipped, and the adjacent cemetery where he and numerous family members, including his sons Jean and Michel, are buried.

In addition to the Monet tomb, you can also discover a number of other interesting gravestones in the Giverny graveyard, including one shaped like a very large book. 

If you have a few minutes to explore, look for a gravestone with three British flags waving in the breeze. 

This simple tomb, perhaps the most moving memorial in the cemetery, contains the remains of seven British airmen from the Royal Air Force.  They died nearby when their plane was hit on the day after the D-Day landings, a reminder of the fierce fighting that took place in this now-tranquil spot during World War II.  Closer to the church, a propeller from their downed plane is embedded in another memorial commemorating their sacrifice for France.

2.  Half-Day Trip to Giverny from Paris

If your goal is to see only Monet's home, gardens, and water lily pond, the Half-Day Trip to Giverny from Paris tour is an excellent choice.

On this large-group tour, you'll travel to Giverny in a comfortable, large air-conditioned coach.  Choose a window seat to enjoy wonderful views of Normandy's golden wheat fields and rolling hills through the large windows - easy to imagine 19th century Impressionist painters such as Monet being inspired by this lovely landscape.

The key differences between this and the above tour are:  1) group size - this tour is with a potentially much larger group, 2) you'll go only Monet's house, gardens, and pond, and 3) as soon as you arrive at Giverny, your guide will give you a brief informative introduction about what you can see at the estate, but you'll explore on your own while using (if you want) an app for guidance to the house, gardens, and pond. 

Find more details & booking information for this tour

If you choose, you can spend some of your time enjoying a quick lunch at one of the town's charming cafes before you meet up with your group for the trip back to Paris. 

Bottom line:  What you get with this tour transportation, a quick briefing by your guide, the app, and entrance to the estate - much more convenient, comfortable, and faster than getting a train from Saint-Lazare station in Paris and then taking the shuttle to Giverny.  Think of the app as a bonus - use it if you want, but if not, just soak up all of the sensory pleasures of this spectacular destination.

3.  Monet's Gardens & House with Art Historian: Private Giverny Tour from Paris

For a special VIP experience, the Private Tour of Monet's Gardens & House with an Art Historian tour is an excellent choice for 2-8 participants, including up to 3 children (17 and under) - perfect if you're part of a family or friend group.  The cost varies by group size, but the per-person rate drops as the group size increases.

You'll be picked up from your Paris hotel or apartment (and also dropped off there after the tour), and will travel in a private air-conditioned with a licensed professional guide who is also an art historian passionate about Monet and Giverny. 

Your guide will share lots of informative, in-depth commentary about Monet, art, and the French countryside, and will customize it to your particular interests.

Once you arrive at Giverny, you'll enter with a skip-the-line ticket, and explore the house, gardens, and pond. 

As a bonus, you'll also get to visit the village of Giverny, which is filled with charming cafes, boutiques, and art galleries, as well as the rose-colored Hotel Baudy where other Impressionists such as Manet and Renoir used to paint after after Monet made Giverny famous.

Best Full-Day Tours of Monet's Garden in Giverny & Palace of Versailles

Do you have limited time in Paris but want to see both Giverny and the Palace of Versailles?   Full-day tours give you a convenient way to see the most iconic attractions at both destinations while saving you time and money compared with making separate half-day trips.

We profile five excellent options, with some key similarities as well as differences.

Similarities:   Air-conditioned transportation from Paris , skip-the-line admission, and an expert tour guide (one tour lets you opt for an audioguide).  You'll visit Monet's home, gardens, and pond in Giverny, and the most famous parts of Versailles, including the Hall of Mirrors, Royal Apartments.  Except the private option, you'll be picked up and dropped off at a central Paris location.

Key differences : 1) Group size  (large, medium, small, private), 2) lunch (included or not), 3) tour guide vs. audioguide,   4) Versailles' Palace gardens (included or not), 5) pickup location (only the private tour picks up and drops off at your Paris hotel or apartment

Here are the best full-day trips to Giverny and Versailles, with highlights about what makes each one unique.

4.  Giverny & Versailles Day Tour with Lunch at Moulin de Fourges

Giverny & Versailles Day Tour with Lunch - Medium (14 or less) group tour in a minibus. 

When you arrive at Giverny, you'll explore Impressionist artist Claude Monet's home, gardens, and the ponds where water lilies inspired his most famous paintings.

After enjoying a delicious 3-course lunch with wine at Moulin de Fourges, a restaurant in a delightful old mill house by a scenic river about 5 miles from Giverny, you'll head to Versailles.

An art historian will lead you on a guided tour of the Palace's most famous rooms, including the spectacular Hall of Mirrors.  Headsets will be provided to enable you to hear the guide. 

This tour also includes access to Versailles' magnificent gardens,  which means you'll get to see the Fountain Show or Musical Gardens on the days when they're available.

Please note: the private option mentioned in the "Includes" section of online description appears to not be available at the current time.

5.  From Paris: Versailles & Giverny Full-Day Trip - Small Group

Giverny & Versailles Full-Day Trip - Small (8 or less) group tour in a minibus.  Your guide will share lots of interesting information during the drive, and will brief you on more details and give you a general orientation as soon as you arrive at each destination. 

Then you're free to explore on your own, and spend as much or as little time as you want in each area.  At Versailles, you'll be given an audioguide to use (if you want) to get more details about each of the famous rooms and the garden.

Lunch is not included.

Versailles garden access is included,  which means you'll get to see the Fountain Show or Musical Gardens on the days when they're available.

6.  From Paris: Day Trip to Giverny & Versailles

From Paris: Day Trip to Giverny & Versailles - Large group tour in a large coach.  When booking, you choose one of two options:  1) a guided tour at both locations, or 2) an audioguide, meaning that you explore on your own. 

Lunch is included. 

Versailles garden access is included - except on Fountain Show and Musical Gardens days, which take place almost every day during the summer and some days during spring and fall.  However, you can buy a garden access ticket once you're there. 

7.  From Paris: Giverny & Versailles Palace Guided Day Trip

Giverny & Versailles Palace Guided Day Trip - Medium-sized (20 or less) group tour in a coach.  Guided tours at both attractions are included.  Headsets may be provided when appropriate to enable you to hear the guide.

Lunch is not included, but a lunch break is provided so that you can buy whatever you want.  Versailles garden access is included and you get to see experience the Fountains Show or Musical Gardens (when they are available). 

8.  From Paris: Giverny & Versailles VIP Private Full-Day Trip

Giverny, Versailles, Trianons, & Hamlet Private Full-Day Trip - Private VIP tour for your group of up to 7 people in a Mercedes sedan or mini-van, with pickup and drop-off at your Paris hotel or apartment for the ultimate convenience.  Ideal for families and friends groups who want to see the two top destinations outside of Paris in one day.

You will explore Monet's home and gardens, and will have free time to visit the village for lunch and the Museum of Impressionism in Giverny.

During the ride to Versailles, your private guide will history to life by sharing background information about the Palace of Versailles, which you will explore on your own (with the included audio guide) as you visit the Hall of Mirrors, the King's Apartments, and the Queen's Apartments inside the Palace. 

You'll then have guided visits to the Grand Trianon, the Petit Trianon, and Marie Antoinette's charming Hamlet. 

Finally, you'll stroll through the beautiful Versailles gardens before your return trip to Paris and drop-off at your hotel or apartment.

Please note:  This tour usually books up fairly far in advance, especially during the summer months, so check availability as soon as you know your travel dates to avoid disappointment.

Best Full-Day Tours (Including a Bike Tour) of Giverny & More

Do you want to see Giverny but hope for an experience beyond just a quick visit?  Consider these two special full-day excursions:

9.  Monet's Garden Bike Tour from Paris

Monet's Garden Bike Tour (which includes private transportation from/back to Paris) combines a visit to Monet's home, gardens, and lily pond in Giverny with a picnic lunch in a park, a leisurely 3 mile (5k) bike ride from the nearby town of Vernon, and time to explore the charming village of Giverny, located on the Right Bank of the Seine River.

Starting with the tour bus ride from Paris and continuing thoughout the day, your guide will give you lots of interesting stories insights about Monet and the birth of Impressionism, point out wheat fields, windmills, and other parts of the landscape that inspired Monet, and even teach you a bit of French before you stop at a local open-air market in Vernon to buy picnic supplies for a picnic lunch by the Seine River.

You'll see all the top sights in the area, including Giverny's small Romanesque-Gothic church and its 17th century cemetery where Monet and his family plus the downed RAF airmen from World War II are buried, plus the town of Vernon, Giverny village, and paths along the Seine River.

You'll have time to explore Giverny's narrow lanes, filled with small cafes, galleries, artist studios, and the Museum of Impressionism near Monet's estate, and soak up the pleasures of being in a small French village.  

Of course, the biggest highlight will be the time you spend in Monet's home and gardens, soaking up the beauty that inspired his famous water lily paintings.

After your fascinating day in Giverny, you'll appreciating the relaxing trip by coach back to Paris.

10.  Small-Group Giverny & Van Gogh's Room in Auvers from Paris

On the Giverny & Van Gogh's Room in Auvers small group day trip (maximum of 8 participants) from Paris, you'll travel by air-conditioned minivan to Giverny, where you'll visit Monet's gorgeous home, spectacular gardens, and the lily pond he created by diverting a branch of a nearby river - much to the chagrin of neighboring farmers. 

You and your guide will also visit the peaceful country graveyard where he is buried next to the church he attended with his large family.

Then, you'll head to the small town of Auvers-sur-Oise, located just 17 miles (27km) from the center of Paris, where Vincent van Gogh and a number of other Post-Impressionist artists such as Cezanne and Pissaro lived and created some of their most memorable paintings there, inspired by the beautiful hills and wheat fields. 

Auvers is also where Van Gogh died by suicide in 1890.

After lunch (on your own) at one of the small cafes or boulangeries, you'll explore the narrow cobblestone streets of the town and visit its surrounding area, inspiration for over 70 of Van Gogh's paintings. 

As you walk around, you'll be in the actual places depicted in some of his famous works, such as "Church of Auvers" and "Wheat Field with Crows."  Finally, you'll visit Van Gogh's simple gravesite before your return to Paris.

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Day Trip to Giverny from Paris: How to Easily Tour Monet’s Home & Gardens

Last Updated: May 5, 2023 //  by  Ashley Smith 10 Comments

This day trip to Giverny is another example of my biggest piece of French advice: one thing I always tell people to do when visiting Paris is… leave it. Just get out. *Gasp* 

Alright, alright, calm down. Paris is what it is (magic and romantic and crawling with delicious snails that actually aren’t anymore) but the France outside of Paris is, believe it or not, EVEN BETTER.

On the second of my two trips to France last year I toured all over:

• Paris and Versailles
• the Loire Valley
• Mont-St-Michel
• the D-Day sites of Normandy
• and every sickeningly lavish chateaux in between.

I did all of this with my friend and faithful travel companion who is, of all things, an art teacher. But while she can appreciate brushwork, composition, and whatever ”diptych“ is, I’m more into snooping around in the former homes of famous people, because I’m creepy like that.

This post was originally published in 2018 but has been updated for 2023.

Table of Contents

Why take a day trip to Giverny?

One such reason to leave Paris is for a day trip to Giverny, the tiny village that was once home to impressionist mastermind Claude Monet. Now replace “home” with “resting place” and that’s just one of the reasons to visit.

Besides getting to tour Monet’s personal home, on a Giverny day trip you also get the chance to walk all through his gardens, visit his studio, and circle his water lily pond. Like, the Water Lilies water lily pond. Even for someone on the Microsoft Paint level of the artistic ability spectrum, it’s a pretty impressive experience.

Is Giverny worth visiting?

If you’re a lover of art history, fine art, or even just flowers and gardening, then Giverny is absolutely worth visiting . The property, gardens, and lily pond are meticulously well-kept and the experience of visiting is a quality one.

You get to see so much on a visit to Giverny and every month it’s open offers something different in terms of blooms. You’ll also get to learn about Monet and his paintings and see how he lived.

How long do you need at Monet’s Giverny?

Three to four hours would be a good amount of time for a visit of Monet’s Giverny. Walking around the lily pond and through the gardens will take a good chunk of time. And the rest will be spent touring his home (which tends to get crowded and therefore slow moving) and studio and checking out the gift shop.

If you like floral day trips, definitely check out my post on a day trip to Keukenhof –the world famous tulip gardens outside Amsterdam.

The history of Monet and Giverny

Claude Monet was the founder of French impressionist painting and, by all accounts, the original hipster. Impressionism was the 19 th century art movement that emphasized light, movement, visible brush strokes, and blatant rule-breaking. Boy were those fancy pants art critics pissed at him.

He also, probably, played a major part in pairing a bushy beard with a beret—a style statement you still see so often in and around craft breweries and artisanal vegan donut/bicycle shops.

Looking for more interesting day trips from Paris? Check out these best Normandy tours from Paris for some unforgettable WWII history.

Giverny is an hour outside Paris in 21 st century time but much longer by 1800s standards. I’m just saying, he didn’t have that beard when he left.

Monet lived in Giverny for exactly half of his life, until his death in 1926. It was while he lived here that he painted his entire Water Lilies series, the works he’s most famous for, even long after he developed cataracts. I got lightheaded from standing up too fast yesterday and couldn’t work for a good 20 minutes. Just saying.

Giverny and Water Lilies

Water Lilies —you know what it looks like—is a series of around 250 oil paintings of the water lily pond behind his house at Giverny. Monet was big into doing series work—not unlike Kelsey Grammer or Mariska Hargitay—and has done many others including Haystacks , Rouen Cathedral , and Houses of Parliament .

Throughout his life and especially after moving to Giverny, Monet was obsessed with gardening, the same way I’m obsessed with not gardening (somebody feed me).

To help inspire his work, he diverted water from a nearby source and planted his own water lilies. Monet was also obsessed with perfection. (He once destroyed 15 of his Water Lilies in a perfectionist rage.)

And he was obsessed with natural light, painting as fiercely and frantically as possible to capture an exact moment before it passes which, as science has taught us, is impossible without Instagram.

While in Normandy you should definitely check out the best of Normandy’s D-Day sites . The experience is unlike anything else you’ve ever experienced on your travels, I promise.

Day trip to Giverny from Paris: How to get there

Ahh, so you’re visiting Paris. Now get out. Leaving the city and taking a day trip to Giverny is among the most popular things to do when visiting Paris, right up there with taking selfies in front of the Eiffel Tower and taking selfies in front of the Mona Lisa .

How long does it take to get to Giverny from Paris?

Giverny is just one hour northwest of Paris by car or 14 hours if you choose to walk because automobiles are so bourgeouis.

A day trip to Giverny is a great opportunity to get some background on, like, all the paintings you’ll see in the Paris museums . (probably my favorite thing about my line of work is being able to shout, “I’ve been there!” on an annoyingly regular basis)

Visit Giverny on a day tour from Paris

My recommendation—because it’s what I did—is to take your day trip to Giverny via an organized, guided tour. For the love of lilies, let someone else handle tickets and transportation so you don’t have to.

Plus, these tours usually come with skip-the-line abilities and, visiting Paris and Giverny in the summer , this is worth its weight in goldenrod. You also get private and direct transportation and knowledgeable tour guides who probably know their Phlomis purpurea from their  Phlomis italica . Maybe?

It is possible to get from Paris to Giverny independently—check this  and/or this page for logistics—but the trip will take much more than an hour, includes the cumbersome combination of metro ⇢ train ⇢ bus ⇢ feet, and the schedules of each of those are less ideal than planting tulips in the spring! Ha! Can you imagine!? Garden snobs, you know what I mean.

The Best Day tours to Giverny from Paris

Here are a few great guided tour options for your day trip to Giverny:

Versailles & Giverny Day Trip with Lunch from Paris

This uber-popular 9.5-hour tour includes a trip to the Palace of Versailles (another Paris must) as well as a day trip to Giverny, plus lunch.

Giverny & Monet’s Gardens Small-Group Half-Day Trip

This 5-hour tour is limited to just 8 people and is super informative. It includes visual aids (!!!) and even takes you to Monet’s burial site.

Monet's House & Gardens Self Guided Tour with Transport from Paris

This tour includes transportation, admission, and an audio guide but your time to explore is all your own. (And it costs less than transportation alone if you were to do this  without  a tour.)

Giverny & Monet's Garden by Train

Perhaps you'd like to visit Giverny the same way Monet did - by riding the rails. This tour includes skip-the-line admission into Monet's House and Gardens and round-trip transportation by train.

Other Giverny day trips from Paris

There are actually many more Paris tour combinations for Giverny and you can find those all here. Find one that fits you best!

When is the best time for a day trip to Giverny?

Because of the nature (heh) of this site, a day trip to Giverny can only be taken at certain times of the year. Monet’s house and gardens at Giverny are only open seven months of the year : late March – November 1st, because, duh, flowers. Besides, visiting a garden in the winter would be about as worthwhile as having vegan bacon with a side of O’Doul’s for lunch.

As for when exactly to go during that time… well, this place is so full of beautiful, colorful growing things that visiting any time during those seven months is going to be worthwhile.

When to go to Giverny to see water lilies

But let’s be real here; you came for the water lilies, didn’t you! Water lilies as a species bloom between May and September, however , both the Giverny website and our tour guide told us the lilies at Giverny don’t typically bloom until July and we might not get to see them.

Well, well, well, the pictures in this post were taken on my early June visit and clearly the nympheas showed up to play.

When to go to Giverny to see wisteria

If July is out of the question for your day trip to Giverny, my recommended backup plan would be to visit in May when Monet’s famous Japanese bridge is drenched in flowering purple wisteria. Look at this OMG

But, hell, maybe you hate both and actually get your jollies from holly-hocks or busy-lizzies. Worry not, there’s a Giverny flowering calendar for that.

What to see on a day trip to Giverny

A day trip to Giverny is all about Claude Monet. You’ll visit his house, his garden, his famous water lily pond. You’ll see his chickens, his cows, his jealousy-inducing collection of copper cookware. Wow, I am not sounding cool today.

Monet’s house and studio

Monet lived at his house in Giverny for 43 years, the size of which defies everything I thought I knew about painting as a lucrative career path. Monet lived here with his lady-friend Alice and their combined eight children. I think the mystery of his eventual madness has solved itself.

Here at his house you can tour his bedrooms, kitchen, studio, bathroom, and many other places in which he’d be totally uncomfortable entertaining visitors. And as large as the house is, it’s still tight and you will be bumper to bumper on Fanny Pack Ave.

Monet’s gardens

There are 100 varieties of flowers and trees in the garden of the man who was quoted as saying, “Apart from painting and gardening, I’m not good at anything.” So if his success at painting is any indicator, I think you know what you can expect in his anything-but-ho-hum garden.

During your day trip to Giverny you’re free to wander throughout his garden, on strictly marked paths of course, and take it all in through your nose. I mean it; smell all of them.

Be warned that the garden is almost overwhelming as it’s so full and tightly packed, and everything is taller and more feminine than you. Monet also said, “My garden is my most beautiful masterpiece.”

Monet’s pond

Monet’s pond is the highlight of his property and where you can find his famous water lilies—in bloom or otherwise. Now every time you see a Water Lilies painting you can shout, “I’ve been there!” but do so internally because museums.

You can circle the entire pond and walk across the Japanese bridge, see the little boat he used to paddle around in (before paddling around in little boats was cool, obvs) and, if you’re lucky, maybe even fall in because there is legit no barrier whatsoever.

What to bring on a day trip to Giverny

Allergy medicine.

Maybe your allergies are fine at home, but you probably don’t have 100 varieties of pollen-producing perennials surrounding your digs—some of them you’ve never been exposed to. Chances are you’re allergic to one of them because you are, in fact, of the human species.

Don’t forget the allergy medicine when you travel to a place literally to be surrounded by flowers. Wouldn’t sneezing and falling into a totally unbarricaded pond be the perfect allergy medicine commercial though?

Remember to opt for something that won’t put you to sleep. For me that means running as far away from Benadryl as possible and straight into the arms of Zyrtec . But damn, Benadryl certainly works. (Don’t forget to pack some tissues too.)

* I think legally I’m supposed to say here that I’m not a doctor? But you already knew that from earlier when I referred to Instagram as “science”. Wouldn’t conking out and falling into a totally unbarricaded pond be the perfect non-drowsy allergy medicine commercial though?

Guidebook(s)

I’m a stickler for two things: always eat where the line is longest, and always get the guidebook.

Guidebooks give great commentary, historical background, essential logistical, time, and cost information, and yeah, often even where to find the food source with the longest line, ergo, the best grub. I personally recommend:

• The Rough Guide to Brittany and Normandy – (Yes, Giverny is actually in Normandy.) Because what are we doing, class? Getting outta Paris! But since you will be in Paris…
• The Rough Guide to Paris – Or get one that has it all…
• Fodor’s Essential France – Covering it all (including Paris and a day trip to Giverny) and with a handy pull-out map. Wouldn’t falling into a pond while reading a handy pull-out map be just the funniest?
• Rick Steves France is a great option too.
• AND, I always recommend these pocket-sized customs and culture guides for all international trips. Check out Culture Smart France here. (And check out my full review of Culture Smart’s books if you want to learn more about them.)

Your day trip to Giverny and the water lily pond is a thing of rare beauty. A chance to photograph, blow up, frame, and brag about having a real (ehh, not real) Monet hanging up in your living room. Do not come to Giverny without a great camera.

A few more essentials

Here are a few more essentials you may want to bring on your day trip to Giverny:

• A decent pair of polarized sunglasses so you can see all the beauty
• Sunscreen since you’ll be visiting in the summer
• Perhaps a light, packable sun hat too
• Comfortable outdoor walking shoes – I swear by both Teva sandals and Chacos and that’s just about all I wear on trips like this. You can get them here on Zappos with free shipping and free returns.

Book to Read for Your Day trip to Giverny

Before I travel anywhere new, I always do my best to get my read on. This way, when I see something I’ve read about I can shout, “I just read about that!” because if the world doesn’t know how awesome you are, are you even awesome?

Along with guidebooks, this is a great way to be able to put everything you’ll see into perspective when you see it—historically, biographically, immediately. Here are my recommendations for books to read for your day trip to Giverny:

Mad Enchantment: Claude Monet and the Painting of the Water Lilies by Ross King

I talk about Ross King all. the. time. when it comes to reading before a trip to Europe. He specializes in writing actually entertaining biographies of European artists and their lives. He also covers what’s happening in that place at that time to give great context and you learn so much.

Everything I’ve written in this post about Monet and Giverny I learned from this book. Does that make me sound like I’m coming to terms with my adult-ness? Because I’m not.

The Judgment of Paris: The Revolutionary Decade That Gave the World Impressionism by Ross King

Alright, I haven’t read this one yet but it’s sitting on the bookshelf in front of me as we speak. This one goes beyond the work of Monet and covers the movement of Impressionism and its most popular characters as a whole. 

Dover Masterworks: Color Your Own Monet Paintings

Okay, so there’s not a whole lot of reading required here but I’m totally buying this.

Where to find Monet’s Water Lilies

Well, let me put it this way: I don’t think I’ve been to an art museum that hasn’t had one of Monet’s Water Lilies on display. This Water Lilies Wikipedia page does an okay job of listing where many of them can be found but chances are if you visit a fine art museum or a modern art museum or a western art museum you’ll fall into a water lily pond.

…but nowhere will you find an explanation for why I take photos of these every. single. time. I’m chocking it up to: “I’ve been there!”

More info for your day trip to Giverny

• Heading to Paris? Find great places to stay on Booking.com and Expedia .
• Driving to Giverny? Check out the best local rental car deals here.
• Keep yourself and your belongings saf e in Paris with  these must-pack safety items . 
• What else have I covered in France? See more posts here .

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About Ashley Smith

Ashley is a historian and Oktoberfest expert & tour guide. She has traveled to 33 countries and specializes in quick trips throughout Europe and the Americas that prioritize hiking adventures, museums of all kinds, cultural experiences, and jam-packed itineraries. She hails from Memphis, TN and currently lives in Boston with her husband and two feline sidekicks.

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Half day trip Giverny Monet's Gardens Excursion at your leisure from Paris

On your own

79,00 € / pers.

• You will be sure to marvel at the flower gardens, with thousands of colors
• Transport to and from Paris by air-conditioned coach
• Dive into the life of Claude Monet with a visit to his home in Giverny
• Discover the gardens of Giverny at your own pace

Half-day excursion from Paris to visit the house and the gardens of Claude Monet, the well-known Impressionist painter, with a professional guide. Immerse yourself in the world of the painter, famous for his landscape canvases and numerous views of his garden, such as the "Water Lilies," the "Japanese Bridge" and "The Irises." Your visit will also include the beautiful water lily pond, with its play of colors and Monet's legendary Japanese-inspired bridge. Learn about the artist's daily life by visiting his home and his studio. Set off from central Paris for a unique excursion in the footsteps of the Impressionist painter Claude Monet. Admire the lush green landscapes of the French countryside as you travel by luxury air-conditioned coach to the small Normandy village of Giverny. The trip will take approximately one and a half hours. The painter and gardener Claude Monet lived there for 43 years, with his family of eight children, from 1883 until his death in 1926.

Passionate about gardening and color variations, he designed his flower garden, fruit tree orchard and water garden as if they were works of art. As you visit the gardens at Giverny, you will see the central pathway leading up to the house, bordered by different varieties of nasturtiums and roses, as well as the multicolored flower beds full of tulips, narcissi, daffodils, irises and peonies. Stroll through the Clos Normand Flower Garden, which is home to many plants of Eastern origins, until you reach the lavish water garden, so famous for its water lilies, weeping willows and green-painted Japanese Bridge (bridges like this are traditionally red in Japan). Be captivated by Giverny's unique atmosphere, its light and the reflection of clouds on the water.

Take the opportunity to explore Monet's pink-plastered house, where he lived and worked for many years. Discover the blue reading room, which leads into the larder and Claude Monet's studio, where the doyen of the french impressionists worked until 1889. These rooms, as well as those of his private apartments, have been reconstructed with the original furniture that was already in the house in Monet's day. Visit the sunny yellow dining room, which has been reconstructed down to the very last detail. It was very modern for its time, with earthenware dishes and a kitchen tiled with local blue and white Rouen tiles. In the Dining Room, admire one of the most important collections of Japanese prints in the world. At the end of your visit, take advantage of the village and the pretty gift and book shop; it is housed in what was once the studio where Monet painted the huge Water Lilies canvases. It stretches for more than 3,200 square feet! The shop offers a wide range of products linked to the Impressionist's work: postcards, posters, teas, books, official Claude Monet tableware, flower seeds and plant.

• Services of a multi-lingual tour escort
• Entrance ticket to: Giverny House and Gardens
• Transfers to and from your accommodation in Paris

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Address : Meet our representative with a ParisCityVision sign outside Café le Champ de Mars.

45 avenue de La Bourdonnais 75007 PARIS

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Tour Code: GID

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Things to see and do in Giverny

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Updated on 20 January 2023

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The famous water lily ponds and colourful gardens created by the Master of Impressionism, Claude Monet, at his home in Giverny, gave him his greatest artistic inspiration and have made this tiny Seine-side village celebrated all around the world. 

Don’t miss

Fondation Claude Monet (Monet’s House and Gardens) : The home of the Master of Impressionism has retained the colours, furniture, Japanese prints and china that Monet so loved. Facing the house and studio, the Clos Normand walled garden displays a breath-taking palette of flowers and colours. The water garden, with its Japanese bridge, water lilies, wisteria and azaleas instantly bring to mind the brilliant interpretations of them painted by Monet time and again. French President Georges Clemenceau, a friend of Monet, once rightly declared that Monet’s gardens counted among his masterpieces.

Musée des Impressionnismes : The main aim of this art museum is to promote the international nature of the Impressionist Movement, paying particular attention to the Giverny colony and the artists of the Seine Valley. The museum also traces the history of Impressionism and Post-Impressionism, and highlights their influence on subsequent movements in the 20th century.

Hôtel Baudy : When Monet was alive, artists including the likes of Cézanne and Rodin poured into Giverny to get close to the Master of Impressionism. Many stayed at this boarding house, which became a place frequented by artistic legends. The Ancien Hôtel Baudy is now a café and restaurant.

Church of Sainte-Radegonde de Giverny : Head up the main street in Giverny, Rue Claude Monet, and in ten minutes you’ll reach the 16th-century church that Monet attended and where he and his family are buried. The Monet family grave is behind the church, a white marble structure topped by a cross, and Claude Monet’s tombstone is at the front.

Vernon and its old mill : Floods of tourists heading for Giverny pass through the pretty historic town of Vernon on the banks of the River Seine. Vernon boasts a particularly picturesque old mill, and its fine arts museum, the Musée de Vernon, holds some interesting pieces including a few lesser-known paintings by Monet.

Eure Valley Railway : Combine your visit to Giverny and Vernon with a ride on a 19th-century railway train, and enjoy a scenic tour of the Eure Valley.

Places to visit i n GIVERNY

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Nouvelle Normandie Tourist Office 12 rue du Pont, 27200 Vernon cape-tourisme.fr

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Monet’s House, Giverny, & Versailles Fully Guided Day Trip from Paris

• Parisians love to escape the city! On this tour, our passionate English-speaking guide will take you to discover two of France’s most remarkable retreats. One, an opulent and luxurious palace built for royalty . The other, an artist’s home where the landscape will seem all too familiar.
• Meet in central Paris and take a private air-conditioned coach to Giverny . After visiting the enchanting house and gardens of Claude Monet , you will have time to enjoy a quaint lunch and discover the picturesque town at your leisure.
• Next, visit the Palace of Versailles where Skip-the-Line Access and an Official Palace guide ensures you a great experience. Listen to stories of Louis XVI, the Sun King, and Marie Antoinette while visiting their Royal Apartments, the Hall of Mirrors, and more . Finally, end the day in the magnificent Gardens of Versailles and possibly see the Fountain Show.

Tour Description

What's included.

• Expert, English speaking tour guide
• Round trip transfer from Paris in a comfortable air-conditioned coach
• Entrance tickets and reservation fee for the Château de Versailles and Gardens
• Entrance fee to Monet's house and gardens
• Headsets when appropriate, so you can always hear your guide
• Food & Beverages

Sites Visited

• Palace of Versailles
• Gardens of the Palace of Versailles
• Monet’s house and gardens
• Giverny town

This tour combines trips to two of the most notable attractions within driving distance of Paris: Claude Monet’s estate at Giverny and the famously extravagant Palace of Versailles. Learn about two different chapters from French history – the Baroque-era excess of Versailles and the hugely influential Impressionist art movement.

In the morning, travel from Paris to the quaint country village of Giverny by air-conditioned coach. During the drive, which takes around an hour, your guide will provide an enlightening introduction to the day’s agenda. Your first stop is the Fondation Claude Monet, where you’ll be treated to an informative introduction to the estate where the Impressionist master Monet made his home.

After the orientation tour, you are free to explore at your leisure. Stroll around the lily pad-peppered ponds of the garden that were made famous by Monet’s own masterpieces. Admire the fabulous explosion of blooms which change depending on the season. Make your way around the artist’s ivy-clad house which has been restored to show how it would have appeared during the painter’s lifetime. You can also grab lunch in one of the town’s tranquil bars or restaurants, which exude provincial charm.

After lunch, we’ll regroup and make the short trip to Versailles on the outskirts of Paris. Upon arrival, an official Palace of Versailles tour guide will accompany you for your comprehensive two-hour guided tour of the Palace.

Enjoy skip-the-line access via our pre-booked group entrance to Versailles as your guide leads you around the labyrinthine interior, showing you the resplendent rooms where Louis XVI and Marie Antoinette threw lavish soirées for fellow aristocrats as well as the royals’ own private chambers. Marvel at the sheer array of magnificent art, which could rival even the finest museum collections. You’ll see the King and Queen’s apartments, the Chapel, the Coronation Room, the Hall of Mirrors, and the Salon of Abundance.

Just when you think that you have seen all that the Palace of Versailles has to offer, you’ll step out into its dazzling manicured gardens. The gardens measure more than 1,800 acres in size so we'll give you plenty of time to wander them at will. From April to October, you'll get to xperience the musical show inside the gardens of Versailles. (Tickets are included in tour price on show days). The Fountain Shows sees Versailles’ famous water features spray and spurt to life, while the Musical Gardens event allows you to enjoy the garden against a soundtrack of classical music. After ambling around the gardens at your preferred pace, hop back on board the return coach to Paris.

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Important Notes

• Please note that Paris will host the 2024 Olympics from July 26th to August 11th, followed by the Paralympics from August 28th to September 8th. This may have an impact on our travel plans. While we are committed to minimizing any sort of inconvenience, please be aware that unforeseen issues may arise. We will make every effort to navigate challenges and ensure a smooth experience for you.
• Tickets for the Musical Fountains Show or Musical Gardens are added automatically to the price when running. When not running a standard guided tour of the gardens is provided. Some parts of the palace may be temporarily closed for renovation. If this occurs, these areas will be substituted with other important rooms depending on the day of your visit.
• Due to increased security measures at many attractions some lines may form on tours with 'Skip the Line' access. Please note that Musical Gardens and Fountain show may be subject to last minute schedule changes that are not under our control.
• We strongly recommend all clients who are traveling with infants to bring their own infant or child seat. It is the responsibility of the parent or guardian to ensure the safety of their child.

Cancelation Policy

This tour is subject to a 24-hour cancelation policy. If you wish to cancel or amend your booking, you can do so without charge by contacting us up to 24 hours in advance of your expected departure time.

You should expect to receive an email within minutes of booking with your confirmation voucher.

Currently we offer private tours in many destinations and can arrange many of our tours as private tours.  If you are interested in a private tour please refer to the private tours offered online. If the private tour you are interested in, is not listed, please contact our Customer Care team.

Our tours are very popular amongst visitors to Italy, Paris and London, so we suggest booking your place on them at your earliest convenience. If you are not ready to book yet and have some questions, we would be happy to help over the phone, via email and Live Chat. It is our mission to ensure that you get the most out of your visit!

• Book with Confidence: Free cancellations up to 24 hours before the experience begins (local time).
• Multilingual Customer Service: Talk to us, we are here to help.
• No Hidden Costs: All taxes and fees included.

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Things to Know Before You Visit Giverny, France

Located approximately 70 kilometres Northwest of Paris , art lovers flock to the town of Giverny to marvel at the gardens captured in Impressionist artist Claude Monet’s paintings. While the Foundation Claude Monet is certainly a must-see, it’s worth noting that the picturesque village and its surroundings have even more to offer. Here are the things to know before you visit Giverny, France.

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Don’t book a tour out of Paris

While it may be tempting to let a tour operator take care of everything from Paris , it’s best to plan the journey via train. Booking a tour not only involves travelling through heavy traffic and on uneventful toll highways, Giverny is not a somewhere where you want to be on someone else’s schedule or clustered into a group with tourists. The best option is to take the train directly to Vernon-Giverny, which departs several times a day from St Lazare station. It takes approximately 45 minutes, and the cost is as low as 9 EUR for a one way ticket. From the Vernon station, there are shuttle busses to Giverny every 15 minutes that cost a mere 10 EUR roundtrip.

Spend some time in Vernon

Travelling via Vernon allows for exploring this charming town, which was also frequented by Monet. It has a small museum dedicated to the Impressionists that includes one of Monet’s famous Nymphéas paintings (while there are replicates of Monet’s work in his house in Giverny, there aren’t any of his actual paintings on view permanently in the town). Other noteworthy sites in Vernon include the Old Mill and the church Collégiale Notre-Dame, both of which Monet painted, and the château des Tourelles, a 13th century castle classified as a Historical Monument of France that sits alongside the Old Mill on the banks of the Seine River. Another way to spend time here is enjoying a picnic lunch along the Seine before heading back to Paris, rather than dining on a potentially overpriced meal in Giverny.

Purchase ticket packages if you plan to visit other museums

Along with the Claude Monet Foundation , the Museum of Impressionism also merits a visit to discover even more of what Giverny has to offer. Tickets for the two museums can be combined in order to take advantage of some savings, however can only be done so on-site at either museum or at the Tourism Office of Vernon, which may mean waiting in a line. If you’d rather save time than money, tickets can be purchased individually online in advance. There are also bundle options to include entrances for the Musée Marmottan Monet, L’Orangerie and the Musée d’Orsay, all of which are museums highlighting Impressionist artworks in Paris.

Make an appointment in advance if you want a guide

Taking the train and not booking with a tour operator also means that you’re not set up with a guide. Those who seek to have a little context surrounding their visit can book a guide directly through the Foundation, however it needs to be done so in advance. Otherwise, the garden is easily explored on a self-guided basis as is the house, which has curators stationed throughout to answer questions.

Plan your visit during shoulder season

Unsurprisingly, Giverny is a popular destination that attracts herds of tourists particularly during the summer months. If possible, the best time to visit Giverny is during shoulder season in April or October. The Foundation opens as early as the end of March, and remains open until November 1. The weather may be slightly overcast (which, on the positive side, often makes for better photographs) but the gardens are still perfect. If summer holiday plans don’t permit a visit during quieter times, then plan for an early arrival to the town and visit the Foundation upon opening at 9:30 am to beat the crowds.

There is more to see in Giverny than Monet’s home

It can be difficult to remember that Giverny is a town in itself and not just another name for the Claude Monet Foundation. The town is lovely for taking a stroll, dotted with charming country houses that rival Monet’s. Giverny also remains the home of many modern-day Impressionist artists who have set up their own small private galleries, such as Claude Cambour , Florence Ramier and Christophe Demarez , all of whom are located on the same road as the Claude Monet Foundation. There’s also the aforementioned Museum of Impressionism and just 900 metres away from the Foundation is Saint-Radegonde Church, where Monet’s tomb can be visited.

Giverny is surrounded by incredible walking paths

The surrounding hills adorned with wildflowers create the perfect setting for nature walks, rambles and hikes. Route maps can be collected from the Tourist Board or found on their website . Those with an adventurous streak can venture out on their own; the old railroad path is a great option that when followed keeps you from getting lost and can even take you all the way back to Vernon. The walk between Giverny and Vernon is approximately five kilometres.

Culture Trips launched in 2011 with a simple yet passionate mission: to inspire people to go beyond their boundaries and experience what makes a place, its people and its culture special and meaningful. We are proud that, for more than a decade, millions like you have trusted our award-winning recommendations by people who deeply understand what makes places and communities so special.

Our immersive trips , led by Local Insiders, are once-in-a-lifetime experiences and an invitation to travel the world with like-minded explorers. Our Travel Experts are on hand to help you make perfect memories. All our Trips are suitable for both solo travelers, couples and friends who want to explore the world together.?>

All our travel guides are curated by the Culture Trip team working in tandem with local experts. From unique experiences to essential tips on how to make the most of your future travels, we’ve got you covered.

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France holiday destinations: the most beautiful places to explore this year

Whether you want to taste world-class wines in lovely vineyards, explore prehistoric caves or laze on a Mediterranean beach, France has all of this and more

France has the perfect region for everyone – which is why we've rounded up our favourite France holidays to feature something everyone will love, from gorgeous coastal resorts and blissful islands to bustling cities, from national parks and reserves filled with thrilling outdoor pursuits to world-class art and architecture.

You might head for an alpine lake or be lured by a river beach, you might discover modern metropolises that are busy greening themselves for the 21st century and beyond, or you may be tempted by splendid châteaux, cathedrals and other great reminders of bygone eras. But perhaps the best thing about France is that you don’t have to choose – it’s all there for the taking in fantastic destinations in every corner of the land.

And anywhere you decide to go, you’re guaranteed the fabulous cuisine that is so much part of the reason people come back to France time and again.

Whether you're looking to travel by Eurostar or drive, there's a city , coastal spot or beautiful countryside to be explored. From Bordeaux to Lille and Provence to Marseille , these are the best France holiday destinations to discover this year.

At the heart of one of the world’s most revered wine-growing regions, this rapidly evolving river port draws oenophiles but also those who love French gastronomy and culture in general. Perhaps its main sight is the immense and wonderfully interactive Cité du Vin, but part of the charm of Bordeaux is just discovering its districts - including hip Chartrons - and its riverside on foot or by bike.

You’ll be rewarded for your amblings by architectural glories in styles ranging from Gothic and neo-classical to contemporary, by art and history museums galore, and of course by wine estates including the bijou Chateau les Carmes Haut-Brion within the city limits, with a spectacular modern wine cellar by Philippe Starck. Bordeaux is also a fantastic French destination to reach by train, less than six hours from London by Eurostar and TGV.

Where to Stay : The best Bordeaux hotels range from boutique urban boltholes to wine estates offering dining in the midst of the vines. Some have Michelin-starred restaurants and some even have grape-based spa treatments. Try the chic Mondrian Bordeaux , which opened recently.

Provence and the Côte d’Azur/French Riviera

A vast and varied area, the South of France (the historic province of Provence, which is now largely equivalent to the modern-day Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur region/Région Sud) embraces everything from the North-African-inflected city of Marseille and glam, yacht-filled resorts such as Nice, Cannes and St Tropez to tiny timeless villages lost amid rugged countryside scented by local herbs.

Provence and the Côte d’Azur are perfect for anything from a long weekend in France to a full-on holiday, and the weather is mild enough even in February to make this a great pick for a winter break. It’s also easy reached by Eurostar and TGV.

Where to stay : The best Provence hotels are inspired by surrounding nature, whether it’s lavender fields or Mediterranean beaches, and many have great restaurants showing fresh produce including fish fresh from the fishing boats – some holding Michelin stars. See also our round-up of recommendations in the laidback Riviera resort of Antibes with its cobbled streets, 16th-century ramparts and Picasso museum. Try La Place Boutique Hotel , located in the old town of Antibes.

Loire Valley

Dating from its 150 years as home to the French court, the castles of the Loire Valley are so impressive that this entire area is a UNESCO World Heritage site. Among the most breathtaking are Chenonceau straddling the Cher river, and the almost ridiculously opulent Chambord, the biggest, including a famous open double-helix staircase said to have been designed by Leonardo da Vinci.

But the landscapes of the Loire Valley are spectacular too, from the wide swathe of the River Loire itself to the vast old hunting forests full of stags and wild boar, and there are plenty of outdoor activities to enjoy, including boat cruises, canoeing, cycling along the river banks, and exploring local cave homes.

How to visit: Country Living's tour of the Loire Valley takes in several extravagant châteaux, magnificent cathedrals and abbeys, and lush gardens.

Now an an artists’ village with workshops, galleries and a re-creation of a historic artists’ studio, this Normandy beauty spot 75km north-west of Paris was home to Claude Monet for half his life, from 1883 to 1926, and provided inspiration for his iconic water-lily and Japanese bridge paintings.

Long a pilgrimage site among both art and plant lovers, it’s back in the limelight thanks to the film Painting the Modern Garden: Monet to Matisse . You can also see other sites in the surrounding Seine Valley that inspired Monet and his fellow Impressionists.

How to visit : Giverny is the focal point of our tour of Monet’s France through paintings and gardens, accompanied by Paula McWaters and also including the chance to immerse yourself in Monet’s vast Les Nymph é as (The Water Lilies) in Paris’s Musée de l’Orangerie.

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From its Haussmannian boulevards to its great green spaces, the City of Lights is always a delight, no matter how many times you visit or with whom. There are too many sights to do justice to here, but among the highlights are the Jardin du Luxembourg with its sculptures, boating pond and puppet theatre, the Jardin des Plantes – botanical gardens housing three natural-history museums – and of course the Seine (a river cruise is a great way to take in several major landmarks including Notre-Dame cathedral).

Paris is also a glamorous destination for foodies and fashionistas, with some of the world’s best dining plus superb shopping everywhere from neighbourhoo boutiques and historic department stores to incredible fleamarkets.

Where to stay : Hôtel Madame Rêve has a beautifully nostalgic setting in Paris’ old central post office near the Louvre, a breathtaking decor of boiserie panels, golden velvet and 8m-high ceilings, and fabulous views from its top-floor restaurant and roof terrace.

Oozing creativity, innovation and cultural dynamism, this port city on the Loire River in western France has the unique attraction of the amazing Machines de l’Ile, a collection of giant mechanical ‘living machines’ based on the imaginings of Jules Verne, Leonardo da Vinci and others, some of which you can ‘test’ or even ride, including the 12m-tall Great Elephant and the Marine Carousel.

Jules Verne was born in the city, and there’s also a Musée Jules Verne with a multi-media trail. Another must-see is the Castle of the Dukes of Brittany, including displays on Nantes’ role in the slave trade.

Nantes is also a very green city, with an evolving network of eco-friendly transport including new tram lines and green zones for pedestrians and cyclists. It’s also handy for the seaside in destinations including La Baule, Le Croisic and Noirmoutier island with its oyster huts.

Where to stay : The first five-star hotel in the area, a few minutes from the city centre, the Château de Maubreuil sits in a wooded estate with lovely gardens and offers a Cinq Mondes spa and superb dining.

Pastel-painted houses lining the river and canal banks, winding cobbled alleys and array of green spaces make the ‘Venice of France’ a fairytale destination - especially in its Vieille Ville (Old Town). It also holds the rare Fleur d’Or (‘Gold Flower’) award from the national association Villes et Villages Fleuris (‘Cities and Villages in Bloom’).

Other highlights of this capital of the Haute Savoie region of south-eastern France are the Pont de l’Amour or Lovers’ Bridge, a wrought-iron affair with to-die-or mountain and lake views, and the Jardins de l’Europe – laid out by Henry I, Duke of Savoy-Nemours, with ginkgo bilboas, laricio pines, giant sequoias and a tulip tree. There’s also walking, cycling and lake-based water sports to enjoy.

Where to Stay : Hôtel Le Pélican occupies a former alms house transformed by star architect Christian de Portzamparc and offers lake and mountain views from many of its rooms and other spaces, which include a bistro and an artisan bakery. There’s also a seasonal outdoor pool with a pool bar.

The birthplace of art is so named for having some of the world’s oldest cave paintings, and while you can’t access the most famous caves, Lascaux, for risk of damaging their 16,000-year-old artworks, you can see reproductions of two of the cave halls at nearby Lascaux II and further reproductions in Le Thot – Centre d'Interpretation de la Prehistoire.

Once ruled by the British, Périgord – as the French know it – is still popular for its slower-paced of life, its rolling countryside dotted with lovely châteaux, and its amazing, if often very rich, food (this is truffle country). But you can work it all off by swim or canoeing in or the Dordogne, especially at Limeuil, with its river-beaches. You can also take a trip along the river in a traditional gabarre , seeing fabulous castles en route.

Where to stay : Le Clos 1855 is a luxury B&B near Limeuil with the option of fabulous dining on local products, plus an outdoor pool for the summer months.

Lively festivals, beautiful beaches and incredible geological formations, record-breaking lighthouses, spiralling head-dresses ( coiffes ), record-breaking lighthouses, and even fairies (the shapeshifting korrigans of local myth)… The northwest corner of France is another world, although it shares a Celtic heritage with parts of Britain and many of its ancient sites were built by the same folk as Stonehenge.

Among must-sees are St-Malo, an ancient walled pirates’ city, the Côte de Granit Rose with its pinkish rocks carved by the elements, the wild, windswept island of Ouessant with Europe’s most powerful lighthouse and unique dwarf black sheep, and Carnac, the most important prehistoric site in Europe, with around 3000 menhirs older than Egypt’s pyramids, thought to have been a lunar observatory.

Where to stay : An icon and an institution dating back nearly 150 years, the Hôtel Barrière Le Grand Hôtel is a classic seaside hotel with views of the St-Malo ramparts and a spa with a pool, sauna and hammam.

It’s not hard to fall in love with this French island perched out in the Mediterranean, clad in fragrant evergreen maquis and studded with ancient cork oaks and olive trees. Time seems to stand still here as you hike past rock roses, prickly pears and immortelles while red-tailed kites circle overhead.

Among the island’s most charming spots are the Balagne region with its hilltop villages including Montemaggiore and Pigna with their charming rustic architecture and authentic little bars serving fresh lemon and clementine juice from Corsica’s orchards. The bustling ports of Bastia, Ajaccio and Porto-Vecchio are all worth spending time in too, and the local markets are sensational.

Where to stay : A family-owned five-star in the Relais & Châteaux portfolio, the Grand Hôtel de Cala Rossa overlooks a vast sandy beach in the bay of Porto-Vecchio and includes a swanky Nucca spa.

More European ideas:

- The best hotels in Geneva

- Where to stay in Rotterdam

- Vienna's best hotels

- The best hotels in the Dolomites

- The best hotels in Iceland

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Saturday, May 18, 2024 8:10 pm (Paris)

Monet painting fetches $35 million at New York auction

Claude Monet's 'Meules à Giverny' went for close to $35 million after a bidding war on Wednesday.

Le Monde with AFP

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A Monet sold for nearly $35 million at auction Wednesday evening, Sotheby's said, marking a solid start to New York's spring art sales.

Both Sotheby's and rival auction house Christie's launched their spring season Monday, May 13. Though the global art market softened last year, strong sales in London and Paris have sparked optimism for 2024. Claude Monet's "Meules à Giverny", which the French impressionist painted in 1893, went for $34.8 million after a bidding war.

Meanwhile, British-Mexican artist Leonora Carrington broke her own auction record when her "Les Distractions de Dagobert" sold for $28.5 million. The new record places Carrington among the top five most valuable women artists at auction, Sotheby's said – and among the top four surrealist artists, "overtaking Max Ernst and Salvador Dali."

Christie's, meanwhile, sold some $115 million in contemporary art the prior evening, including a Jean-Michel Basquiat painting for $32 million. At the Phillips auction house, Basquiat's "Untitled (ELMAR)" sold for $46.5 million.

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Good Housekeeping UK

The most beautiful places to visit in France

Posted: 22 January 2024 | Last updated: 16 April 2024

With its gorgeous rural scenery, world-class wines, culture-packed cities and sophisticated cooking, it’s no wonder France is such a well-loved holiday destination.

VISIT FRANCE WITH GH

In 2024, France is preparing for a bigger influx of visitors than usual, thanks to the sporting calendar's most important event: the Summer Olympics. The games will be held primarily in Paris , and the city’s tourism office is predicting that nearly 16 million people could visit the French capital and the surrounding region between July and September, making the City of Light even more lively than usual.

But if sports and big crowds aren't your thing — or if you're hoping to combine a visit to Paris for the Olympics with a quieter weekend in the French countryside — we've got you covered. Plenty of places besides Paris have captured our hearts, with gorgeous locations dotted around the country.

France’s varied landscapes, from the idyllic beaches of Corsica and the Cote d’Azur to the heavenly mountains of the French Alps and the gently rolling vineyards of the Rhône Valley and Bordeaux , make it an unparalleled holiday destination, with many reasons to keep returning.

So, whatever type of holiday you have in mind, our selection of unforgettable trips will take you to the most beautiful places to visit in France, showing you the very best the country has to offer.

These exclusive, financially protected getaways allow you to travel with other Good Housekeeping readers and soak up the wonders of France in 2024 – and you’ll even be joined by some celebrity guests for unique events along the way.

Corsica’s pristine beaches and rugged landscapes are sometimes overlooked by travellers going for the glamour of Sardinia or the allure of the Cote d’Azur, but you’ll be well rewarded here with a unique holiday taking in the best of land and sea.

The island’s interior is great for hiking and excursions, and you won’t find yourself fighting for space on the glorious beaches lining the coast. The local cuisine is unique, with French and Italian influences, and the island makes some really delicious wines too. Corsica is proud of its heritage and has a very different culture from mainland France, but as the birthplace of Napoleon Bonaparte, it has played a dramatic role in France’s history.

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2) Bordeaux

Gourmet travellers needn't look further than Bordeaux, the ideal destination for a scenic break where you can sample exquisite dishes made from the rural region’s fabulous produce, and sip some of Europe’s finest wines.

Its famous Médoc region is the jewel in Bordeaux’s crown and is well-known for its lavish chateaux, such as Château de Malle and Château La Louvière. You’ll be spoilt for pretty little towns and villages to tick off your list too, as you explore world-class appellations including Cadillac and Saint-Émilion, to name just two. Soak up the atmosphere of these picturesque locations and when it’s time to quench your thirst, only the very best claret will do.

Good Housekeeping readers can enjoy an eight-day river cruise through the Médoc on board Uniworld's luxurious ship Bon Voyage. You'll be joined for part of your adventure by top chef and former MasterChef judge Monica Galetti.

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Monet’s gardens in Giverny provided him with endless inspiration for his paintings, and you’ll feel inspired too with a visit to the lovingly restored grounds of his home and studio.

Explore the beautiful flower gardens, whose tulips, irises, poppies and peonies featured in many of Monet’s canvases, and the water gardens — probably the most famous part — where you can admire the iconic Japanese bridge and waterlilies.

You'll find Giverny just a short journey from Paris, a 90-minute trip by car, or by train and a local shuttle bus. This makes Giverny an ideal location for a day trip while you're visiting the city.

On Good Housekeeping's four-day tour, you'll explore the peaceful gardens at Giverny with the special company of gardening expert Paula McWaters. You'll also visit Paris and the Musée de l'Orangerie, where you'll see Monet's breathtaking series of murals, Les Nymphéas, inspired by Giverny.

4) French Riviera

Spend some time on the stunning Cote d’Azur and enjoy the glitz and glamour of this well-known playground of the rich and famous. The charming streets of Nice are the perfect place to while away an afternoon. Lose yourself in the Old Town before enjoying some sundowners at a rooftop bar or catching a show at a jazz club.

The beach clubs of St Tropez hold glitzy appeal, and don’t miss Monte Carlo – the pinnacle of old-school glamour. Retreat to the quaint medieval town of St Paul de Vence when you’re tired of being seen, and enjoy stunning views of the glittering Mediterranean.

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5) The Pyrenees

Feel restored and refreshed by the cool mountain air with a trip to the stunning Pyrenees. Majestic scenery of rocky peaks and lush meadows await, as soaring bridges and viaducts give way to stunning valleys.

These rugged mountains form a natural border between France and Spain, and are home to some of France's rarest wildlife, like the endangered griffon vulture, a type of mountain goat called an izard, and brown bears.

You can take a step back in time as you board the region's historic trains to marvel at the spectacular views across this impressive terrain. You can also venture into charming hill-top towns like Villefranche-de-Conflent and Axat, and along picturesque trails, enjoying guided walks as you take in the sights and sounds of the mountains.

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The City of Love has a timeless appeal, and will always top any list of the best places to visit in France for a chic city getaway. Next year the city will be even more of a magnet for visitors than usual, as world's top athletes and millions of sports fans flock to the capital for the Summer Olympics.

Visit before July or after September if you're keen to avoid the Olympic crowds and enjoy a more classic Parisian break, where you can stroll the romantic streets, dine at an authentic bistro and while away the afternoon at one of the city’s many galleries.

A visit to the Sacre Coeur offers breathtaking views over the city, and while you’re there you can linger in the quirky shops and cosmopolitan cafes of Montmartre.

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7) Lake Annecy

Annecy, a charming alpine town in southeastern France, is known as 'the Venice of the Alps' due to the three flower-lined canals which run through it. It's also right on the shores of the sparkling, turquoise Lake Annecy, surrounded by mountains and bordered by sandy beaches. Make sure you visit the 13th-century Château d'Annecy and the intriguing museum within its walls. You might want to have lunch at the popular picnic spot of Champs de Mars where you can cross Lovers' Bridge.

Otherwise, just do as the locals do and take an ambling walk along the lake edge, with pitstops in the pretty public garden and on the lake's beach, or take a boat trip across the crystal-clear waters.

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8) Lot Valley

This classic rural region of South West France is well worth a visit for lovers of the French countryside. Unspoilt, romantic views and a gentle pace of life make the Lot Valley the perfect place for a relaxing holiday where you can unwind and get away from the stresses of everyday life.

Explore medieval hilltop towns like Saint-Cirq-Lapopie and marvel at the limestone cliffs that make the scenery so spectacular here. Satisfy your desire for delicious gastronomy in nearby Cahors – truffles are a local specialty – and visit the medieval abbey in Moissac, further south.

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Toulon, a coastal city in southern France, is a delightful destination with so much to offer. The picturesque harbour, lined with colourful buildings, is the perfect place for leisurely walks and waterfront dining in the sun, and the Grand Musée National de la Marine is a must-see for anyone with an interest in maritime history.

You can also spend a few hours exploring the historic old town with its charming squares and narrow streets or take a cable car up to the stunning Mont Faron for panoramic views of the incredible coastline. Toulon boasts beautiful beaches and a vibrant Provencal atmosphere, making it a captivating spot for a French getaway.

BROWSE HOTELS IN TOULON

10) The Loire Valley

The exquisite Loire Valley in central France is known and loved for its ornate cathedrals, colourful gardens, hearty cuisine and historic château. Among these are Chateau Villandry, with its pretty gardens, Chateau Amboise, the 15th-century residence of King Charles VIII, and Chateau Chenonceau, once home to Mary Queen of Scots and arguably the most stately of the Loire châteaux.

As well as exploring these delightful castles, a trip to the Loire Valley will help you understand why this lovely region is known as the 'Garden of France'. It's one of France's most idyllic rural regions, with an abundance of fruit orchards, vineyards, pretty parks and manicured gardens.

You'll visit all of the above on Good Housekeeping's fabulous Loire Valley tour. Also on the itinerary is the opulent Château de Fontainebleau, a truly fairytale castle where you can marvel at the luxurious décor of intricate frescoes and exquisite furniture.

11) Normandy

One of the closest parts of France to the UK, and easy to reach by boat if you're looking for a no-fly trip, Normandy is known for its wartime history, rich culture, varied architecture, and picturesque coastline.

It is home to some wonderfully scenic waterfront towns, including enchanting Honfleur, where a young Claude Monet first started painting landscapes outdoors, and which many other artists have called home over the centuries. As with most French regions, it has its own distinct cuisine to discover, including a wonderful range of cheeses.

Good Housekeeping's six-day cruise of Normandy and the Channel Islands will take you to Guernsey and the Isles of Scilly on the stylish ship Borealis before you arrive in Normandy to visit beautiful Honfleur. Here you'll have the chance to taste the unique local apple brandy Calvados and discover the commune's varied history.

12) Chamonix

The French Alps are perhaps most often associated with winter sports, being home to some of the world's most sought-after ski resorts. But these remarkable mountains should not be overlooked in the spring, summer, and autumn months.

Take the stylish resort town of Chamonix, for example. Located at the base of Mont Blanc, it's best known as an upmarket skiing destination, with luxurious Savoyard chalets and exceptional slopes with jaw-dropping views of Mont Blanc.

But there's still so much to do in Chamonix and the surrounding region if winter sports aren't your thing. Hiking is a popular activity, allowing you to see the beauty of these Alpine landscapes when bursts of colourful wildflowers are in bloom.

BROWSE HOTELS IN CHAMONIX

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