Giverny: Monet’s Gardens Small Group Day Trip & Fast Entry

Summary

Wander Monet’s blooming Giverny gardens from Paris in a small group

You’ll step into Claude Monet’s world at Giverny on this small-group day trip from Paris—wandering his famous gardens before crowds arrive, crossing the Japanese bridge surrounded by waterlilies, exploring his boldly decorated home at your own pace, and visiting his peaceful gravesite with stories from your guide. It’s gentle but moving—something lingers after you leave.

What’s the experience like?

Hands in his pockets, our guide Pierre nudged open the little green gate and just like that, we were inside Monet’s gardens at Giverny before the crowds. I could smell wet earth and something sweet — maybe peonies? — even before I noticed the colors. The Clos Normand really does look like someone spilled a paintbox: purple irises lining the paths, orange capucines climbing over arches near that pink house with its green shutters. Pierre pointed out how Monet planned every corner to catch the light, but honestly, I was distracted by a bee hovering on a poppy. It felt almost too perfect to be real.

We shuffled along gravel paths (wear good shoes — my sandals were not ideal) and Pierre stopped us at the pond. The Japanese bridge is smaller than I’d pictured from the paintings, but standing there with lilies floating all around… it’s strange how quiet everyone got. Someone whispered about “the real waterlilies,” and I caught myself comparing what I saw to those blurry brushstrokes in museums. Pierre showed us where Monet would set up his easel — apparently he sometimes painted for hours in rain or shine. He laughed when I asked if Monet ever got bored of lilies. “Never,” he said, “he was obsessed.”

Inside the house you go on your own — groups aren’t allowed in together because it’s tight (and honestly a bit chaotic with all the colors). There’s this yellow dining room that almost hurts your eyes, and blue tiles in the kitchen that made me think of Delft pottery. You can peek into his studio too; it smells faintly of old paper and oil paint if you linger long enough. Afterward we followed Pierre down a quiet lane to a tiny churchyard where Monet is buried under a simple stone. He told us stories about Monet’s family and how much he loved this place — I still think about that view back toward the village, sunlight slanting through apple trees.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Visit Monet's Gardens and Home

• Enter Monet's garden with special access
• Explore Clos Normand flower garden
• Visit Japanese garden and waterlily pond
• Tour Monet's colorful home interior
• Visit Claude Monet's graveside

Top questions

How do you get to Giverny from Paris on this tour?

The tour includes transport by air-conditioned minivan from Paris to Giverny and back.

Is entry to Monet's Gardens included?

Yes, priority entrance to Claude Monet's estate is included with fast access for small groups.

How many people are in each group?

The small group tour is limited to 8 people per departure.

Can you visit inside Monet's house?

You can explore inside Monet's house on your own during free time; groups are not allowed inside together due to space limits.

Is lunch included on this day trip?

No lunch is included; you have free time to explore but meals are not provided.

Are there any physical requirements for this tour?

The paths are gravel with steps; it's not recommended for travelers who have trouble walking unaided or use walkers.

Does the tour operate in bad weather?

Yes, it operates in all weather conditions; dress appropriately for rain or sun.

What ages can join this tour?

The minimum age for all participants is 7 years old.

What’s included

Your day includes round-trip transport from Paris by air-conditioned minivan, priority fast-track entry to Claude Monet’s estate and gardens at Giverny, guidance from an expert local guide throughout most of the visit, plus free time inside Monet’s colorful home before returning comfortably to Paris later that day.