Giverny

The basics

The most popular way to visit the Monet House and Gardens is by taking a day trip to Giverny from Paris. Tours generally include visits to the artist's home and garden as well as to the Museum of Impressionism (Musee des Impressionnismes), dedicated to various forms of impressionist painting.

While taking a Giverny full-day trip from Paris is ideal if you want to immerse yourself in the artist's life, combination options are a good idea for those short on time. Some tours from Paris combine Giverny and Monet's house with a skip-the-line visit to the Palace of Versailles. Others take travelers to the town of Auvers-sur-Oise, the village in which Vincent van Gogh spent his final days.

Things to know before you go

• A Giverny tour is ideal for art enthusiasts, especially impressionism fans.

• The journey to Giverny, along the banks of the Seine River and through the sunflower fields of Normandy, is almost as good as the destination.

• There are no ATMs or currency exchange bureaus in the village, so be sure to bring cash.

• Although hotels are available, the village's small size means availability is limited, so most people visit on day trips from Paris. Make sure to book in advance if you plan on staying overnight.

• Giverny and Monet's Garden are partly accessible for wheelchair users although Monet's House is not.

How to get there

Giverny is about 45 miles (75 kilometers) from Paris by road. If you're coming by train, catch the SNCF from Paris's Gare Saint-Lazare to Vernon on the Paris-Rouen-Le Havre line. From Vernon, you can catch a bus or taxi, or rent a bicycle, to get to the house and garden. The majority of guided tours from Paris include round-trip transportation.

When to get there

Note that Monet's house and the majority of Giverny's restaurants and guesthouses are closed between November and Easter weekend. Although Giverny is very busy in the summer months, large tour groups fail to make the hamlet any less beautiful. Arrive early for the best experience or buy timed Giverny tickets in advance to avoid disappointment.

Claude Monet, Giverny's most famous resident

Claude Monet—known for La Grenouillère, the Water Lilies series, and Impressionism, soleil levant—lived in Giverny between 1883 and his death in 1926. He was also the founder of impressionism, with the movement's name deriving from one of his paintings. Fans of his work shouldn't miss the chance to visit his well-preserved house in Giverny.

Is it worth visiting Giverny?

Yes, it is worth visiting Giverny. The Normandy village's best-known landmark is Fondation Claude Monet, where the impressionist artist lived and worked. Visitors can explore his house and gardens and perhaps recognize scenery from his paintings. Giverny is also home to the Museum of Impressionisms (Musée des Impressionnismes).

How long is the Giverny tour?

That depends. Tours of Giverny can range from 1.5 hours up to a full day, depending on the type you choose. Full-day tours typically involve round-trip transit from Paris, by car or by train, and may also stop at nearby attractions like Versailles. Shorter tours begin directly in Giverny.

What is the best month to visit Giverny?

Spring is the best time to visit Giverny. It's when the gardens at the Fondation Claude Monet will be in full bloom, and you can admire the water lilies and many other blossoms that Monet immortalized in his canvases. Alternatively, explore in fall to see the gardens with vibrant foliage.

Do I need to buy tickets in advance for Giverny?

If you are visiting the Fondation Claude Monet, you should book your tickets ahead. This busy destination's ticket office is often closed, and the landmark requires advance purchases. It's also a good idea to book Giverny sightseeing tours in advance, as they can be popular in spring and summer.

How much time do you need at Giverny?

It's wise to set aside at least half a day to explore Giverny—especially if you want to visit multiple sights in one day. Tours of Fondation Claude Monet typically last several hours, and additional time is needed to see the Museum of Impressionisms (Musée des Impressionnismes) and for round-trip travel.

What is the best time of day to visit Giverny?

If you want to see the Fondation Claude Monet before the crowds set in, arrive right when it opens in the morning. Arriving early also means you'll have the maximum amount of time to see the rest of the village, and the Museum of Impressionisms (Musée des Impressionnismes).

Ways to explore

The most popular way to visit Monet’s House and Gardens is by taking a day trip to Giverny from Paris. Tours typically visit the Fondation Claude Monet—the artist’s home and garden—as well as the Museum of Impressionism (Musée des Impressionnismes). Combination tours are also a good idea for those short on time: Some itineraries pair Giverny with visits to the Palace of Versailles or Auvers-sur-Oise, the village in which Vincent van Gogh spent his final days. You’ll find art galleries, boutiques, a bakery, and other quaint stops in the town of Giverny.

Accessibility

Some attractions in Giverny are accessible, including Monet’s garden, although his house does not have step-free access.

Age limits

None

What to pack

Small handheld bag, camera, foldable umbrella

What to wear

Particularly if visiting Monet’s garden, be sure to wear weather-appropriate clothing and walking shoes.

Not allowed

Suitcases or large bags, pets, art supplies

Amenities

Seasonal restaurant, restrooms and restaurant in the Museum of Impressionism

Address

Giverny is located in Normandy, roughly 52 miles (83 kilometers) northwest of Paris. Direct trains run between Paris and the nearby station of Vernon-Giverny, and driving is another option. Guided tours with transit offer an easy way to get there.

Driving

Driving between Paris and Giverny typically takes around 90 minutes. The most direct route is via the A13. Free parking lots are available in Giverny.

Public transportation

Direct trains run between Paris’ Gare Saint-Lazare and Vernon-Giverny, located 4 miles (6 kilometers) from the village. Buses (including the 10 and 208) and taxis run between the two.

Best times to visit

If you want to beat the crowds at the Fondation Claude Monet, arrive early in the morning, near the site’s opening time. Otherwise, opt for late afternoon.

Best days to visit

The Fondation Claude Monet and the Museum of Impressionism are open daily in season. Weekdays are usually less crowded and less hectic than weekends.

Best months to visit

Summer is the most popular time in Giverny, but spring and autumn offer pretty flowers and fewer crowds. Avoid November to March, when local attractions are closed for the season.

Special events

The Normandy Impressionist Festival is held in Giverny—and other locations across the region—in July and August in select years.