A perfect day trip from Paris is to Giverny, the home and gardens of the famed Impressionist painter, Claude Monet. We have done this frequently on The Traveling Professor's small group tours to Paris.
Giverny is located about 75 km (46 miles) from Paris. It offers a peaceful escape filled with colorful flowers, water lilies, and art history. Here’s everything you need to plan your perfect visit.
The fastest and most convenient way to reach Giverny is by train:
Departure Station: Paris Saint-Lazare
Destination: Vernon–Giverny station
Travel Time: About 45–50 minutes
Frequency: Trains run roughly every hour.
Tickets: Prices typically range from €9–€18 one-way if booked in advance on Trainline.com.
Giverny is also a stop on The Traveling Professor's Paris and Normandy River cruise.
Once you arrive in Vernon, you have two main options to reach Giverny (about 6 km away):
Public Bus: A shuttle bus meets many arriving trains during the tourist season (April–October). Tickets cost around €5–€8 one-way and drop you near Monet’s House. Exit from the train station, busses will be on your right. In busy season, busses can fill up quickly.
Taxi: A taxi from Vernon to Giverny takes about 10 minutes and costs around €15–€20. It might be a good idea to book a taxi in advance.
Entrance Fee: Approximately €13 for adults, €8 for students, and free for children under 7. Tickets can be purchased in advance online.
Opening Season: Early April to late October.
Hours: 9:30 AM – 6:00 PM (last admission 5:30 PM).
The Water Garden: See the iconic lily pond and Japanese bridge that inspired Monet’s most famous paintings. The Professor recommends getting out to the and water lilies and famous Japanese bridge immediately before the big bus crowds arrive.
Monet’s House: Tour the charming rooms where Monet lived and worked, filled with his personal belongings and Japanese prints.
The Clos Normand Garden: Wander through flower-filled pathways bursting with seasonal blooms.
The Water Garden: See the iconic lily pond and Japanese bridge that inspired Monet’s most famous paintings.
Lunch in Giverny: Enjoy a meal at a local café or restaurant such as Les Nymphéas.
Museum of Impressionism (Optional): Learn more about Monet’s artistic circle and the Impressionist movement.
Stroll the Village: Browse small art galleries and charming boutiques before heading back.
Take the shuttle bus or taxi back to Vernon station. Trains to Paris Saint-Lazare run frequently until late evening, making it easy to return after a relaxed day in Giverny.
Travel Tip: To avoid the largest crowds, arrive in Giverny as early as possible—especially in spring when the flowers are at their best.
Join The Traveling Professor on a small group tour to Paris.
Planning a European tour? Learn how much walking to expect in Paris, Rome, Scotland, Norway, Ireland...
Paris has long been considered Europe’s greatest city, but is Oslo catching up? Compare art, archit...
Spend a long weekend in Bayeux, France with tips on the cathedral, old town, restaurants, hotels, Mo...
Professor Steve Solosky, The Traveling Professor, is the founder of Small Group Tours by The Traveling Professor, operating since 2009. A former college professor and author of The Traveling Professor’s Guide to Paris, Steve has planned and led small group tours throughout Europe, Canada, South America, and beyond. His travel expertise has been featured in The Wall Street Journal, WCBS Radio, and The New York Times Travel Show.
Each article is written or reviewed from the perspective of a working tour operator who plans real itineraries, works with local guides and hotels, and helps travelers prepare for successful small group trips.