Giverny, the small village in Normandy where Claude Monet lived and worked for over 40 years, is one of the most rewarding day trips you can make from Paris. The gardens that inspired some of the most recognised paintings in art history are, in spring and early summer, genuinely extraordinary. Getting there, however, requires some planning.
Why Giverny Is Worth the Journey
The Fondation Claude Monet, which maintains the house and gardens, is open from April to October. The gardens reach their peak in May and early June, when the wisteria, tulips and irises are in full bloom and the water garden, with its famous Japanese bridge, is at its most photogenic. By late June, the roses and nasturtiums take over, and the gardens remain spectacular through to early autumn.
Monet's house, with its distinctive yellow kitchen and blue dining room, can also be visited. The rooms have been meticulously restored and offer a vivid sense of the artist's domestic life alongside his extraordinary creative output.
How to Get to Giverny from Paris
Giverny is approximately 80 kilometres north-west of Paris, near the town of Vernon in the Eure department. By train, you take the SNCF service from Paris Saint-Lazare to Vernon, which takes about 75 minutes. From Vernon station, the gardens are still 5 kilometres away. A shuttle bus operates during the tourist season, but it does not always align with train times and queues can be long.
By private chauffeur, the journey from central Paris takes around 1 hour 30 minutes to 1 hour 45 minutes, depending on traffic and the time of departure. The route along the Seine valley, through Les Andelys and the Norman countryside, is pleasant in itself.
The Advantages of a Private Chauffeur for Giverny
The most significant advantage is flexibility. With your own driver, you can arrive at the gardens early, before the coaches and crowds, and stay as long as you want. You can take a leisurely lunch in the village, browse the shops on Rue Claude Monet and return to Paris at a time that suits your schedule rather than a train timetable.
You can also combine Giverny with another stop. The medieval town of Les Andelys, with its Chateau Gaillard overlooking the Seine, is a natural addition. Rouen, with its Gothic cathedral and old town, is an hour further north and possible on a longer day out.
What to Expect on the Day
Your driver will collect you from your hotel in Paris in the morning and drive you directly to the Fondation Claude Monet. Most visitors spend two to three hours in the gardens and house. Your driver can suggest a good restaurant in Giverny or Vernon for lunch and will return at the time you specify.
A good chauffeur will also know the practical details: where to park, which entrance to use, whether the shuttle bus from Vernon is running that day. This local knowledge prevents small frustrations that can accumulate into a wasted hour.
Best Time to Visit
May is widely regarded as the best month to visit Giverny. The gardens are in full bloom, the light in the morning is exceptional and the weather is generally mild. July and August bring the largest crowds. If you visit in high summer, arriving early in the morning (the gardens open at 09:30) is essential to see them at their best before tour groups arrive. Avoid Mondays, as the house is closed to visitors.
Samantha Travels offers private day trips to Giverny from Paris, with a range of packages to suit different schedules and group sizes. Explore our Giverny tour packages and plan your visit today.