The pretty village of Giverny is a great place to escape the hustle and bustle of Paris. Here are 3 of the best Giverny tours from the capital.
Photo: Getyourguide.com
Giverny is most famous for the water garden, Japanese bridge, water lilies and wisteria at the one-time home of impressionist painter Claude Monet. While Monet is certainly the main reason many people visit this tiny Seine-side village there are also many other beautiful places to visit, including Hôtel Baudy (where the likes of Cézanne and Rodin once stayed) and the Church of Sainte-Radegonde de Giverny. Or you could simply wander the leafy streets looking for your own inspiration and artistic raison d’être. Giverny is just an hour and a half from Paris so makes for the perfect day trip.
Giverny Monet’s House & Gardens Half-Day Trip
If it is just Monet’s house you would like to focus on this trip is a great way to pack in as much as possible in half a day. During the transfer from Paris to the Giverny by air-conditioned coach the guide gives the lowdown on the day and a bit of history to get you in the mood. It’s then on to Monet’s house and gardens with a self-guided audio guide , visiting the lily pad ponds that the artist is best known for. There’s an opportunity to grab lunch in one of Giverney’s many bars and restaurants before heading home to Paris in time to spend the afternoon in the city. From €62.05.
Book at Getyourguide.com
Day Trip to Giverny & Versailles with Lunch
If your time in Paris is limited and you’d like to see as much as possible during a day trip this excursion also visits the regal town of Versailles. The trip heads to Giverny first to explore the vibrant garden with its lilies, weeping willows, and flowerbeds to explore the inspiration behind Monet’s masterful works. After lunch it’s off to the Palace of Versailles where you can also stroll through the beautiful gardens, walk by the hall of mirrors, and visit the Grands Apartments. Entrance to Giverny (gardens and house), Versailles (palace and gardens) and lunch are all included to make for a fuss-free experience. From €199.
Book at Getyourguide.com
Monet’s Gardens & House with Art Historian: Private Giverny Tour from Paris
For anyone who wants to splash out on arguably the most in-depth trip to Giverny, this private trip takes some beating. For starters the guide is an art historian who explains Monet’s life and works in a detailed manner that you might miss on other tours. Then there are lots of VIP trimmings, including priority admission and front-door hotel pickup and drop-off , plus luxury vehicle transfers from Paris. The only issue is the price – it’s a lot of money and you might be better off with a standard tour and use the extra cash for a really special lunch. From €385.00.
Book at Viator.com