Giverny: Monet’s House & Gardens Day Trip from Paris

Summary

Wander Monet’s world in Giverny with time to linger in his gardens

You’ll step into Monet’s world at Giverny on this half-day tour from Paris — wander his famous gardens with lily ponds, explore his colorful house at your own pace using an audio app, and soak up quiet moments in the village. Includes round-trip coach transfer and free time to linger where you like.

What’s the experience like?

I’d always seen those water lilies in books, but standing at the edge of Monet’s pond in Giverny — actually seeing the light move across the green water — that surprised me. There was a faint smell of wet grass and something sweet, maybe peonies? Our guide, Camille, chatted about Monet’s obsession with color while we rode out from Paris (the city faded fast behind us), but honestly I kept looking out the window at all that countryside. It felt good to leave the noise for a bit.

The house itself is smaller than I imagined — every wall painted some wild color. The kitchen is this bright yellow, and I remember touching the cool banister on the narrow stairs just because it felt so old. Camille handed us the self-guided app before letting us loose. I wandered off by myself for a while; there were other visitors but everyone seemed hushed, like you’re tiptoeing around someone’s memories. At one point I tried to pronounce “Giverny” properly — Li laughed when I butchered it (French vowels are hard!).

Lunch was just a sandwich from a bakery near the church, nothing fancy, but sitting outside watching locals wave to each other felt like its own little painting. After poking around a few shops and seeing Monet’s tombstone (a bit plain, honestly), we regrouped for the drive back. The whole thing took half a day but somehow it felt longer — slower, in a good way. I still think about that garden light sometimes when things get too busy back home.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Visit Monet’s estate and explore Giverny

• Travel from Paris to Giverny by coach
• Attend introduction at Fondation Claude Monet
• Explore Monet’s House and Gardens with app
• Have lunch in Giverny village
• Visit shops, café, and Monet’s tombstone
• Return to Paris by coach

Top questions

How long does the day trip to Giverny from Paris take?

The tour takes about half a day including travel time; expect around 1 hour each way by coach.

Is lunch included on the Giverny Monet's House tour?

No, lunch isn’t included but you’ll have free time to eat at local cafés or bakeries in Giverny.

Does this tour include entry to Monet’s house and gardens?

Yes, entrance fees for both Monet's house and gardens are included.

Is there a guided tour inside Monet's house?

You’ll use a self-guided mobile app for exploring inside; orientation is provided beforehand.

Are transfers from Paris included?

Yes, round-trip transfer by air-conditioned coach from Paris is part of your booking.

Can I visit shops or cafés in Giverny during this tour?

Yes, there’s free time to visit shops or relax at local cafés after touring Monet's estate.

Is this tour suitable for travelers with infants?

Yes, but parents should bring their own infant or child seat for safety during transport.

What’s included

Your day includes round-trip coach transfer from Paris, entry tickets to Claude Monet’s house and gardens at Giverny, an English-speaking guide for orientation on arrival plus a self-guided audio app for exploring at your own pace, and plenty of free time to enjoy lunch or wander through the village before heading back.