Giverny & Versailles Day Trip from Paris with Lunch

Summary

Monet’s water lilies, Versailles’ gold—one full day from Paris

You’ll step into Monet’s dreamy Giverny gardens before sharing lunch at an old riverside mill, then wander Versailles Palace’s golden halls with a local guide. This small-group day trip from Paris includes pickup, entry tickets, guided tours inside both sites, and lunch—with moments that linger long after you return.

What’s the experience like?

I still remember the first glimpse of Monet’s house in Giverny—pink walls peeking through tangled flowers, the kind you see in his paintings but never quite believe are real. Our guide, Camille, kept stopping to point out little things I’d have missed, like the way the light hit the lily pond or how the gravel crunched underfoot. There was this faint smell of wet grass mixed with something sweet (maybe wisteria?), and for a second it felt like time slowed down. I tried to pronounce “Giverny” properly—Camille laughed and said even Parisians get it wrong sometimes.

Lunch at Moulin de Fourges was this old mill by the river—inside, it was all creaky floors and mismatched plates. The bread was warm, and I’m pretty sure I ate too much butter but no regrets. Everyone at our table traded stories about their favorite paintings. After that, we drove to Versailles. The palace is huge—almost overwhelming—and our local guide made sure we didn’t just wander lost in all that gold and marble. Walking through the Hall of Mirrors with sunlight bouncing everywhere, you could almost hear echoes of old parties (or maybe that was just my imagination). The gardens outside were so perfectly trimmed it made me laugh thinking about my own balcony plants back home.

The whole day felt both grand and strangely personal—like you’re borrowing someone else’s memories for a while. If you’re looking for a day trip from Paris that actually feels like more than just ticking boxes, this one surprised me. Oh, and yes: includes pickup, small group (ours was 10), lunch with wine, and guides who actually care if you’re having a good time—not just rushing you through. I still think about that view over Monet’s pond when the clouds finally broke and everything went bright green for a minute.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Visit Giverny and Versailles Palace

• Drive from Paris to Giverny
• Visit Claude Monet’s house and gardens
• See Japanese bridge and water-lily ponds
• Have lunch at Moulin de Fourges
• Drive to Versailles Palace
• Guided tour of Louis XIV’s suite and Hall of Mirrors
• Explore Versailles gardens

Top questions

How long is the day trip from Paris to Giverny & Versailles?

The tour lasts a full day, starting in the morning from Paris and returning in the evening.

Is lunch included on this Giverny & Versailles tour?

Yes, lunch with drinks is included at Moulin de Fourges restaurant near Giverny.

How big are the groups on this tour?

The group size is limited to 16 people or fewer for a more personal experience.

Are guided tours provided inside Versailles Palace?

Yes, there is an English-speaking guided tour inside Versailles Palace included.

Is hotel pickup included for this day trip?

No hotel pickup; guests meet at a central meeting point in Paris before departure.

Can people with mobility issues join this tour?

This tour isn’t recommended for those with walking disabilities or requiring wheelchairs due to uneven surfaces.

Does the tour operate in bad weather?

Yes, it operates rain or shine—just dress appropriately for conditions.

Will we see Monet’s Japanese bridge and lily ponds?

Yes, you’ll visit Monet’s garden in Giverny including his iconic Japanese bridge and water-lily ponds.

What’s included

Your day includes comfortable minibus transport from Paris, entry tickets to both Monet’s house in Giverny and Versailles Palace with English-speaking guides inside each site, plus a traditional French lunch with drinks at Moulin de Fourges before heading back to Paris in the evening.