Giverny is 75 km northwest of Paris. Getting there by train and bus on your own takes 90+ minutes each way with a transfer at Vernon. A half-day tour by coach handles the transport, gives you commentary on the ride, and drops you at the entrance with skip-the-line access and free time to explore at your own pace.
Giverny Tour Options and Price (2026)
Option 1: Half-day Giverny tour
- From $86 per person (discounted rates for kids)
- 6 hours total (approximately 1h20 each way by coach + 2.5 hours at Giverny)
- Air-conditioned coach from central Paris
- English-speaking tour leader with commentary on the bus
- Entrance fee to Monet’s house and gardens included
- Self-guided audio app for the property (download before the tour)
- Free time in the village of Giverny for lunch or exploring
Option 2: Full-day Giverny + Versailles
- Giverny in the morning + guided tour of the Palace of Versailles and gardens in the afternoon
- Back in Paris by 7:00 PM
- Everything from Option 1 plus Versailles entrance, guided palace tour, and garden access
Both options are operated by City Wonders. 4.7 stars from 2,600+ reviews, 93% recommendation. Groups of up to 50 on a comfortable double-decker coach.
👉 Book your Giverny tour from Paris
What You’ll See
The commentary starts on the bus. Your guide shares the story of Monet, the Impressionist movement, and what inspired him to create the gardens. By the time you arrive, you understand what you’re looking at and why it matters.
Clos Normand (flower garden). Monet’s main garden with rows of seasonal flowers arranged by color, height, and bloom time. In spring and early summer, the colors are overwhelming. Every angle looks like a painting because Monet literally designed it that way.
The Japanese water garden. The famous lily ponds, the Japanese bridge, the weeping willows. This is where Monet painted his Water Lilies series. Standing here and seeing the same light, reflections, and colors he captured on canvas is one of those rare travel moments where art and reality merge.
Monet’s house. Walk through the rooms where he lived for 43 years. The blue kitchen, the dining room with Japanese prints covering every wall, and his studio. The audio app guides you through each room.
The village of Giverny. Free time to wander the quiet streets, visit the small shops, or have lunch at a local restaurant. La Nympheas and the Hotel Baudy (where Impressionist painters used to gather) are popular choices.
Before You Book
- Best months to visit: April through October. The gardens are closed November through March. Peak bloom is May and June. Monet designed the garden so something is always flowering from April through October, but late spring is the most spectacular.
- Meeting point. Place du Général Koenig, 75017 Paris, beside the church at the intersection of Boulevard d’Aurelle de Paladines and Avenue de la Porte des Ternes. Near Porte Maillot metro (Line 1). Do NOT go to Notre-Dame Cathedral downtown. Multiple reviewers have made this mistake.
- Arrive early. Visit the house first when you arrive to avoid long queues later. The gardens can be explored anytime, but the house line grows significantly by midday.
- Weather. Tours run rain or shine. Bring sunscreen and a hat in summer (temperatures can exceed 35°C with little shade in the gardens). Bring an umbrella in spring.
- Food and drinks. Not included. Bring cash for lunch in the village or a drink at a café.
- Audio app. Download the self-guided tour app before departure. Your guide will share the link on the bus.
- Cancellation: free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.
Book Your Giverny Tour
Standing in the garden that inspired the most famous paintings of the Impressionist era. From $86 per person with round-trip coach from Paris and entrance included.
👉 Check availability and book your tour
Prices based on 2026 rates. Gardens open April through October only. Confirm details at checkout.
