How to get to Giverny from Paris

Giverny is a small village located about 80 km northwest of Paris, famous for being the home and garden of the Impressionist artist Claude Monet. If you are an art or nature lover, a visit to Giverny is an absolute must during your stay in Paris.

In this article, we will guide you through the best ways to get to Giverny from Paris, so that you can enjoy your experience in the city of flowers to the fullest.

How to get to Giverny from Paris?

There are several options for getting to Giverny from Paris, including:

• by train;
• by bus;
• by car or scooter rental;
• organized tours.

Each of these options has its own pros and cons, so it depends on your personal preferences which one is best suited to your needs.

Transportation options from Paris to Giverny

If you're planning a day trip to Giverny from Paris, there are several transportation options to choose from.

Train

The easiest and most convenient way to get to Giverny from Paris is by taking the train. There are frequent trains departing from the Saint-Lazare train station in Paris and arriving at the Vernon-Giverny station in about 45 minutes. Once you arrive at Vernon-Giverny, you can take a bus or rent a bike to get to Monet's house and gardens in Giverny, which are only a few kilometers away.

Tourist bus

If you prefer a more comfortable option, you can book a tourist bus that will take you directly from Paris to Monet's gardens in Giverny. This option may be more expensive than the train, but it's ideal if you want to avoid the stress of organizing your own trip.

Car rental

Another option is to rent a car and drive from Paris to Giverny. However, this can be expensive due to tolls and parking fees. In addition, the roads can be busy and difficult to navigate for tourists.

Private taxi

Finally, you can book a private taxi to transport you from Paris to Giverny. This option is the most expensive, but offers maximum comfort and convenience. In addition, the driver may be able to provide useful information about the area during the journey.

• Advantages of the train: economical, easy to book, fast
• Advantages of the tourist bus: comfortable, organized, direct
• Advantages of car rental: independence, freedom of planning
• Advantages of private taxi: maximum comfort and convenience

In general, the choice of transportation depends on your personal preferences and budget. Whatever option you choose, be sure to book in advance to avoid problems and enjoy your visit to Monet's gardens in Giverny to the fullest.

How to get to Giverny by train

Getting to Giverny by train is a very convenient and affordable option for those traveling from Paris. The nearest train station to Giverny is Vernon, which is located on the Paris-Saint-Lazare - Rouen - Le Havre railway line.

Step 1: Purchase your train ticket

To get to Vernon, you will need to purchase a train ticket. You can do this online on the SNCF website (the French railway company) or at a train station.

The cost of tickets varies depending on the chosen travel class and departure time. Generally, the cheapest trains are those that depart early in the morning or late at night.

Step 2: Take the train from Paris to Vernon

From the Saint-Lazare train station in Paris, there are numerous direct trains to Vernon every day. The travel time is about an hour and a half.

Make sure to check the train schedules before leaving and be at the station at least 10 minutes before the scheduled departure time.

Step 3: Arrival in Vernon

Once you arrive at the Vernon station, you can take a bus to Giverny. Buses depart regularly from the station and the travel time is about 15-20 minutes.

Alternatively, you can rent a bike to reach Giverny. The distance between Vernon and Giverny is about 5 kilometers and it's a pleasant and scenic route along the Seine river.

Step 4: Arrival in Giverny

Once you arrive in Giverny, you can visit the house and gardens of Claude Monet. The tourist site is located just a few steps away from the bus stop or bike rental.

• Summary:
• Purchase your train ticket;
• Take the train from Paris to Vernon;
• Arrive at the Vernon train station;
• Take the bus or rent a bike to reach Giverny;
• Visit the house and gardens of Claude Monet.

In summary, getting to Giverny by train is a convenient and affordable option for those traveling from Paris. Just make sure to check the train schedules before departure and have a backup plan in case of train delays or cancellations.

How to get to Giverny by car or rent a car

If you prefer to travel by car, there are several options available to reach Giverny from Paris:

In your own car

The easiest way to get to Giverny by car is to take the A13 highway towards Rouen and exit at the Vernon tollgate. From there, follow the signs to Giverny.

It's important to keep in mind that parking in Giverny can be limited during peak season and holidays, so it's recommended to arrive early to avoid parking issues.

Rent a car

For those who don't have their own car or prefer to rent one, there are numerous car rental companies available in Paris. You can book online or at the rental company offices in the city.

Some of the most popular car rental companies include Hertz, Europcar, and Avis. Prices vary depending on the duration of the rental, the type of vehicle chosen, and the selected company.

• Hertz: https://www.hertz.com/rentacar/reservation/
• Europcar: https://www.europcar.com/location/france/paris
• Avis: https://www.avis.com/en/locations/fr

It is important to keep in mind that driving in France is on the right-hand side and roads can be narrow and winding, so it is necessary to pay attention to road signs and drive with caution.

What to do in Giverny: guided tours of Monet's gardens and more

The visit to Monet's gardens is definitely the main attraction in Giverny, but there are also other activities to do in the area.

Visit to Monet's Gardens

Monet's gardens are divided into two parts: the flower garden, with its splendid colors and scents, and the water lily pond, which inspired many of the artist's famous works.

You can visit both parts of the garden with a combined ticket. It is also possible to book a guided tour to discover all the secrets of the garden and Monet's life.

Museum of Impressionism

A few steps from the gardens is the Museum of Impressionism, where you can admire works by artists such as Monet, Renoir, and Sisley. The museum also organizes temporary exhibitions dedicated to contemporary art.

Bike or Walking Tours

Giverny is surrounded by beautiful countryside and forests. You can rent a bike or take a walk along the trails to enjoy the surrounding nature.

Taste Norman cuisine

Normandy is famous for its cuisine, especially cheeses and ciders. In Giverny there are several restaurants that offer local specialties to taste.

• Le Jardin des Plumes: a Michelin-starred restaurant that offers creative dishes with fresh local ingredients.
• L'Orangerie: a cozy restaurant with a large outdoor terrace, where you can taste traditional Norman dishes.

Conclusion

Getting to Giverny from Paris may seem like a complicated task, but there are actually several options to reach this beautiful village and visit Monet's house and garden.

If you want an authentic and relaxing experience, the best way to get to Giverny is by train. In just 45 minutes you arrive at Vernon-Giverny station, from which you can easily reach Monet's house-museum on foot or by shuttle.

However, if you have limited time or want to avoid the stress of organizing the trip, there are also organized tours that depart directly from the center of Paris. These tours often include transportation by bus or private van, entrance to Monet's house-museum, and a guided tour of the garden.

In any case, it is definitely worth a visit to Giverny to admire Monet's wonderful paintings and immerse yourself in the beauty of his famous water gardens.

• Advantages of taking the train: fast, economical, possibility to explore the village on foot
• Advantages of organized tours: convenience, expert guide, entrance included

Regardless of the chosen means of transportation, Giverny is a magical place that is definitely worth a visit.

Conclusion

If you are passionate about art and gardening, a visit to Giverny is a must during your trip to Paris. Thanks to its proximity to the city, you can easily reach this beautiful village by train or with an organized tour. Once there, you can admire Monet's masterpieces in his house-museum and stroll through his famous water gardens. Choose the transportation method that best suits your needs and get ready for an unforgettable experience.