Last Modified: 08/02/26
If I had to pick one day trip from Paris, my top choice is a quick visit to Giverny and the Monet House and Gardens. Don’t make the same mistake I did and wait until your third trip to go. My daughter took the lead on planning our one-on-one trip and she insisted this be part of our 4-day Paris itinerary.
Most people are familiar with the famous Impressionist artist Claude Monet. But many may not know that his house and gardens, the inspiration for many of his most loved paintings, are open to the public for tours.
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How to Visit the Monet House & Gardens from Paris
Where is Giverny?
Giverny is a small village in the Normandy region and is closest to the Vernon-Giverny train station (Place de la Gare). Thankfully, there are several options to make the 75 km trip, but the the train is pretty convenient, affordable, and a quick 50 minute ride.
By Train
Taking a NOMAD (Normandy Transport Network) train from Paris-St. Lazare to Vernon-Giverny costs about $33 round trip for an adult and a teenager. The train is quite comfortable with the option for quieter or upper-class coaches. Booking the train tickets in advance on Omnio was convenient, in English, and allowed for easy changes, though it is less expensive to purchase directly.
Once at the station, just outside the door, there is Giverny shuttle bus which costs 5 euros each way per person. The driver takes cash or tap-to-pay.
The shuttle runs about every 15 minutes with drop-off and pick-up at a parking lot that is a 5-minute walk to the entrance.
Walking up to the entrance, there are several ponds and gardens that give a small taste of what is behind the gates.
By Tour
In the initial plans, we had booked a tour group. This Half-day Giverny Tour with Viator has excellent reviews and has the added convenience of a central pick-up location and drop-off.
Entrance Fees & Hours
- 13 Euros for adults
- 7 Euros for children 7 to 17
- Reduced fares for students and people with disabilities
Book online well in advance of your planned date, as the early times book up quickly. While there are same-day tickets, we saw a very long line (in the sun).
From April 1st to November 1st 2026, the hours are 10 am to 6 pm with last admission at 5:30 pm.
They recommend at least 2 hours for a self-guided tour, but 3 would provide time to explore further and still make it back to Paris for dinner.
What to See & Do at Giverny
For a half day, these are my top three options:
Monet’s House
First stop, head straight for the queue at the House. It’s hard to miss it because it is a beautiful pink house peaking out beyond the gardens as you enter. There is not much shade, so I’m glad we went here first and early in the morning.
This two-story house includes a living area with beautiful reproductions of his and his friends’ impressionist paintings. You can also walk through his bedrooms and sitting rooms, and take a peek at the kitchen and dining area.
While there is no air conditioning, the morning temperature made it doable, but I can see it getting quite stuffy as the temperature rises and the crowds increase.
The Flower Garden (Clos Normand)
From the house, take a stroll through the Clos Normand. We were there in late June, and the garden was full of roses and poppies and hummed with bees.
It was easy to get a little lost in the winding paths, but there are a few spots to catch a bit of shade.
The Water Garden & Japanese Bridge
Thankfully, we timed our visit for Summer because the lily pads were in full bloom. While the water gardens were smaller than I had expected, it was really a dream come true to see what inspired the paintings I’ve seen in museums all around the world.
As the afternoon approached, we noticed the crowds getting a little fuller. More folks were stopping to take photos, but, for the most part, people were considerate and kept the area quiet and relaxing.
More to Explore Beyond the Gardens
The Village of Giverny
The Village of Giverny is also known for its Impressionist museum, which has excellent air-conditioning. There are also a few cute shops and places to grab a snack and cold beverage, which was much needed after our visit.
For those interested in biking, there are trails from the train station in Vernon to the House & Gardens entrance. Bike rentals are available in town, which is on my list for next time we visit.
Vernon
Sadly, we didn’t have much extra time, but the town of Vernon seemed like a charming spot to have a snack and walk around while waiting for the train. I was happy that our shuttle drove us past the Le Vieux-Moulin, a half-timbered house on the remains of a medieval bridge.
Is Giverny Worth the Day Trip?
For us, the day trip was 100% worth it. It was nice to get out of the heat of the city. But being able to see first-hand the views that inspired Monet’s most iconic paintings is something that will draw me back again.
A few final practical tips
- Timed booking: I was so glad that we booked ahead of time for an early morning slot. Between the line for those getting tickets that day and the heat, it made our visit much more relaxing.
- Go Early: I can’t speak to the crowds during other seasons or when there is not a heatwave, but it started to get pretty busy as the day progressed.
- Protection from the elements: So glad we packed a hat, sunglasses, a portable fan, extra water, and bug spray. They were essential!
Have you been to Giverny? Or is it on your list? If you are deciding on Paris day trips, check out my post on Versailles Trianon Estate and the Queens Hamlet or my other France posts.
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