How to get to Giverny from Paris

Giverny is a small French village located about 80 km northwest of Paris. It is famous for being the place where Claude Monet, one of the greatest Impressionist painters in history, spent the last years of his life and painted some of his most famous works.

Today, Monet's house and gardens are open to the public and constitute a popular tourist attraction. A visit to Giverny offers visitors the opportunity to immerse themselves in the natural beauty that inspired Monet's art.

What to see in Giverny

• Monet's House: This large pink house with green shutters was the artist's residence from 1883 until his death in 1926. The house is furnished with antique furniture and personal objects belonging to Monet.
• Monet's Gardens: The gardens are divided into two parts: the flower garden and the water garden. The former is characterized by a wide range of colors and floral species, while the latter features the famous Japanese bridge and pond with water lilies immortalized in Monet's paintings.
• Museum of Impressionism: Located near Monet's garden, the museum houses a permanent collection of works by Impressionist and Post-Impressionist artists.

A visit to Giverny is an unforgettable experience for lovers of art, nature, and French history. The beauty of Monet's gardens has been a source of inspiration for many artists over the years and continues to inspire anyone who visits this magical place.

How to get to Giverny from Paris by train

Getting to Giverny from Paris is very easy and convenient thanks to the French railway network. There are several options available, but the most comfortable and economical one is taking the train.

Option 1: Direct train from Paris to Vernon

The first thing to do is to reach the Saint-Lazare train station in Paris. From there, take the direct train to Vernon, which takes about an hour. Trains depart approximately every hour from 6 am to 10 pm.

From Vernon station, there are shuttle buses that will take you directly to Giverny. This service is only available during the summer months (from April to October) and costs about 8 euros for a round-trip ticket.

Option 2: Train from Paris to Vernon with a transfer in Rouen

Another option is to take the train from Paris to Rouen and then transfer to Vernon. This option may take a little longer, but it can be useful if you cannot find a direct train or if you also want to visit Rouen.

From Rouen, take the train to Vernon. The total travel time depends on the waiting time between the two trains, but generally takes about 2 and a half hours.

From Vernon station, you can take the shuttle bus to Giverny.

Option 3: Organized tour from Paris to Giverny

If you don't want to worry about organizing your trip, you can opt for an organized tour that will take you from Paris to Giverny. There are several agencies that offer this service and include transportation by bus or minivan, a visit to Monet's house and gardens, and a tour guide. The cost varies depending on the chosen agency, but generally ranges from 60 to 100 euros per person.

• Note: If you decide to visit Giverny during the summer months (from April to October), make sure to book your entrance tickets in advance as queues can be very long.
• Tips: If you have time, stop by Vernon before or after visiting Giverny. It's a very pretty city with an impressive Gothic cathedral and some pleasant pedestrian streets for strolling.

How to get to Giverny from Paris by car

If you prefer to drive and enjoy the scenery, you can reach Giverny from Paris by car. The journey takes about an hour and a half, but it depends on traffic.

Route

The most common route is taking the A13 towards Rouen. After about 70 km, exit at Vernon and follow the signs for Giverny.

Parking

In Giverny there are several parking options. The main parking lot is located near the Claude Monet Foundation and costs 7 euros per day. There are also free parking spaces along the main road, but they can be difficult to find during peak season periods.

Considerations

• Make sure you have enough fuel for the trip as there are not many petrol stations along the way.
• Note that driving can be stressful in the urban area of Paris and in heavy traffic during rush hours.
• Before leaving, check traffic conditions and choose the best time to avoid heavy traffic.

Remember that if you decide to drink wine or other alcoholic beverages during your visit to Giverny, you should not drive. Consider using public transportation services or renting a private driver for the return trip instead.

What to see in Giverny

Giverny is a lovely place full of attractions to visit. Here are some of the things you can't miss:

Monet's Gardens

Monet's gardens are the main tourist attraction in Giverny. Here, the famous French impressionist painter spent the last years of his life, creating his famous paintings inspired by the surrounding nature. The gardens are divided into two parts: the water garden with the famous Japanese bridge and water lilies, and the flower garden with a large variety of colorful plants and flowers.

Monet's House

Monet's house has been restored to appear as it was when the artist lived there. Inside, you can admire his personal collection of Japanese prints, antique furniture, and art objects from all over the world. The kitchen is particularly interesting as it still preserves some of the original utensils used by the artist.

Museum of American Patrons

This museum is located right next to Monet's gardens and exhibits American artworks from the 19th and 20th centuries. The collection includes paintings, sculptures, and photographs created by artists such as Edward Hopper, Alexander Calder, and Georgia O'Keeffe.

Giverny Church

The church of Giverny is a small Gothic building dating back to the 13th century. Inside, you can admire some medieval frescoes and a statue of the Virgin Mary dating back to the 16th century. The church has been painted by Monet on several occasions, and some of his works can be seen at the Musée d'Orsay in Paris.

• Remember to wear comfortable shoes to walk on the paths of Monet's gardens.
• The American Patrons Museum is only open during the summer season, so make sure to check the hours before visiting.
• The church of Giverny is only open on weekends and during religious holidays, so plan your visit accordingly.

Useful Tips for Visiting Giverny

Giverny is a magical place, full of beauty and history. To fully enjoy your visit, here are some useful tips:

Plan ahead

Before leaving for Giverny, make sure to plan your visit well. Check the opening hours of Monet's garden and house-museum, book tickets in advance if possible, and organize your itinerary to avoid peak hours.

Dress appropriately

Giverny is an outdoor place, so make sure to dress comfortably and appropriately for the weather. Wear comfortable shoes as you will have to walk a lot in the garden.

Bring a water bottle and snack with you

In the garden there are not many options to buy food or drinks, so bring a reusable water bottle and a snack to avoid having to look for a nearby bar or restaurant.

Respect the environment

Giverny is a magical place thanks to the nature that surrounds it, so remember to respect the environment during your visit. Do not litter on the ground and do not touch the plants or flowers in the garden.

Enjoy the moment

Finally, remember to enjoy the moment and admire the beauty that surrounds you. Giverny is a special place, so take the time to appreciate every detail and let yourself be carried away by the magic of this unique place in the world.

Conclusion

Giverny is a must-see stop for those visiting Paris and wanting to immerse themselves in the beauty of nature and art. With these useful tips, you will be able to fully enjoy your visit to Giverny. Always remember to respect the environment, dress appropriately, and enjoy the moment. Happy travels!