The Ultimate Giverny Day Trip from Paris Itinerary
A Giverny day trip from Paris is one of the most straightforward countryside escapes for first-time visitors. The village sits about 50 miles (80 km) west of Paris, in Normandy. The trip combines regional train travel, a short shuttle ride, and a walk through a small French village that inspired some of Monet’s most recognizable works.
Why Visit Giverny
Claude Monet lived in Giverny from 1883 to 1926. He designed the flower garden (Clos Normand) and the water garden with the Japanese bridge. The estate is preserved by the Fondation Claude Monet and open to visitors during the spring-to-autumn season. It’s an ideal first Giverny day trip because it is easy to reach and centered around a single, iconic location.
Practical Essentials
- Season: Monet’s House & Gardens open April 1 → November 1 (reopening April 1, 2026).
- Hours: 10:00–18:00, last entry 17:30.
- Location: 84 Rue Claude Monet, 27620 Giverny, Normandy, France.
- Tickets: Timed entry tickets are recommended and can sell out in peak season.
- Security: Small day bags are allowed, but bags over 55×35×20 cm are not permitted.
How to Get There (Step-by-Step)
1. Train: Paris → Vernon-Giverny (TER)
- Station: Paris Saint-Lazare
- Duration: 50–60 minutes, direct TER regional train
- Tickets: Available at kiosks or via apps like Trainline or SNCF (recommended for smoother travel).
2. Shuttle: Vernon → Giverny Village
- Departs outside the station
- Duration: 10–15 minutes
- Tickets: Often €5 one-way / €10 return, paid on boarding
- Buses meet most train arrivals, but waits can happen at peak hours.
3. Walk to the Monet Estate entrance
From the shuttle drop-off, follow signs to the side lane marked Porte 1bis (Entrée Coupe-File) for pre-booked tickets. This lane leads to a gate through a stone wall where tickets are scanned, bypassing the main ticket purchase queue.
Alternative
A taxi from Vernon to the estate takes about 15 minutes and costs around €20 for up to 3 people, offering more schedule flexibility.
👉 Related guide: 30 Easy Day Trips from Paris by Train
Best Time to Go (Crowd & Light Tips)
Best days: Tuesday → Thursday
Best time of day: Opening hour (9:30–10:00) or late afternoon when tour groups thin out
Seasonal highlights:
- May: Wisteria on the Japanese bridge
- July → September: Water lilies
- Late September: Cooler crowds, misty light, still lush
Timed Itinerary: Giverny Day Trip From Paris
08:00–09:30 – Train to Vernon + shuttle to village
10:30 – Estate entry (ideal first slot for calm pacing)
10:30–12:45 – Explore Monet’s Gardens & House
Visit the Clos Normand garden → house → water garden + Japanese bridge, in that order.
Garden timing: 1.5–2.5 hours total, depending on pace and season. Morning lines for the house are usually quick.
12:45–14:00 – Lunch
Keep it simple and local:
- La Parenthèse (small menu, French reviews hold more weight than multilingual menus)
- Or picnic by the canal
- Or a sandwich from Gourmandises de Giverny
14:00–16:30 – Optional second act (choose one)
- Musée des Impressionnismes Giverny (rotating exhibitions + garden)
- Monet’s grave behind the church
- Riverside walk in Vernon along the Seine
16:30–18:00 – Return to Paris
Shuttle to Vernon → TER train to Saint-Lazare → Paris by dinner
What to Expect Inside
- Clos Normand (Flower Garden): the structured, vibrant beds Monet used as a daily muse.
- Monet’s Home: rooms preserved in early 20th-century style with kitchen, bedrooms, and studio spaces.
- Water Garden: iconic scenes under the willow and over the Japanese bridge.
Photography is permitted (for personal use) inside gardens and grounds, though larger equipment or tripods normally require permission.
Tips for a Better Visit
- Book your estate ticket first, then book trains around it
- Check train times early, even if booking on the day
- Avoid midday tour-bus peaks
- Choose small menus over oversized tourist ones
- Wear comfortable shoes for pebble paths and garden loops
👉 Related reads on the blog:
- Paris Itinerary: 3–5 Days in the City of Light
- What to Buy in Paris: The Ultimate Shopping Guide
- Things to Do in Saint-Germain Paris (Left Bank Guide)
Final Thoughts for A Dreamy Giverny Day Trip
A Giverny day trip from Paris is practical, memorable, and deeply rooted in art history. Taking public transport, booking in advance, and pacing your visit lets you experience the gardens and house in a relaxed and meaningful way. Whether Monet’s water lilies are the main draw or an appreciation of light and landscape drives your curiosity, a day here expands a Paris itinerary with calm, colour, and context.
FAQ — Giverny Day Trip From Paris
Is a day trip to Giverny worth it?
Yes. For garden lovers, Impressionist art fans, and visitors wanting a calm contrast to Paris, the experience is consistently high-quality, scenic, and easy to organize from the city.
How long should I plan to spend at Monet’s House and Gardens?
Most visits take 1.5 to 2.5 hours depending on crowd levels, walking pace, and how much time is spent in each garden zone.
Do I need to book Monet’s Garden tickets in advance?
It is highly recommended. Tickets are sold with timed entry, and peak dates and hours can sell out quickly.
How far is Giverny from Paris?
The TER train from Paris Saint-Lazare → Vernon-Giverny takes about 50 to 60 minutes, followed by a 10–15 minute shuttle or taxi ride into the village.
How far is Monet’s Garden from the train station?
Monet’s estate sits about 15 minutes from the Vernon station, so visitors usually take a short shuttle or taxi first and then walk the rest of the way. After arriving in Vernon-Giverny, it requires either:
- a 15-minute shuttle bus ride, or
- a taxi ride of similar duration, then a 10–15 minute walk through the village to the garden entrance lanes.
Can I visit Giverny in winter?
The village can be visited year-round, but Monet’s House and Gardens are closed outside the April–November season and reopen April 1 each year.
What is the best time to do a Giverny day trip from Paris?
For first-timers:
- May for wisteria-covered bridge views,
- July to September for water lilies,
- Mid-week mornings for lighter crowds,
- Late afternoon for thinner tour-group presence and softer light.
Are bags allowed inside Monet’s estate?
Small day bags are fine, but large bags over 55×35×20 cm are not permitted due to security checks.
Is the shuttle from Paris included in the garden ticket?
No. The garden ticket covers Monet’s House and Gardens only.
Transport from Paris (train, shuttle, taxi) is booked or paid separately unless part of an organized tour.
Are guided tours necessary for a first visit?
No. A first-timer can visit independently using TER + shuttle/taxi without difficulty. Guided tours are mainly useful for those wanting zero logistics and added commentary.
Can I combine a Giverny day trip with shopping?
Yes. If you want to add outlet shopping to your itinerary, you can stop at McArthurGlen Paris‑Giverny Designer Outlet, a major designer outlet village located about 15 minutes from Giverny and 45 minutes from Paris by car or shuttle. It features over 80 French and international brands with discounts on clothing, bags, footwear, and more — making it possible to pair cultural exploration with a shopping break.
