Paris to Giverny: Monet Gardens Bike Tour & Picnic Stop

Summary

Normandy fields, riverside picnic and Monet’s gardens in one relaxed day

You’ll wander Normandy markets for picnic treats, pedal gently along the Seine with a local guide, share lunch beside an old mill, and lose yourself in Monet’s garden colors at Giverny. The slow pace lets you soak up every detail—don’t be surprised if you remember that quiet riverside moment long after returning home.

What’s the experience like?

You hear the crunch of gravel before anything else—our group shuffling off the bus in Vernon, still half-asleep from leaving Paris so early. There’s this faint smell of bread drifting from somewhere (maybe the bakery near the square?), and our guide, Camille, is already waving us over to the open-air market. She points out cheese I can’t pronounce and cider bottles lined up like soldiers. I grab a hunk of bread and some strawberries, not really sure what goes together for a French picnic but trusting it’ll work out. Camille laughs when I ask how to say “thank you” properly—my accent must’ve been rough.

Bikes are waiting for us by the river—old-school but comfortable enough. The air smells like grass and something sweet I can’t place. We follow Camille along a quiet path, sunflowers nodding at us from the fields. It’s only about 5 kilometers to Giverny, but we stop by an old mill for our picnic. Someone pops open their cider, and there’s this moment where everyone just goes quiet except for the river moving past. Honestly, that was my favorite part—even more than seeing Monet’s garden later on.

Rolling into Giverny feels almost too pretty to be real. The gardens are busy but not overwhelming; you can still find little corners where it’s just you and those wild colors Monet loved so much. Camille tells us stories about the Hotel Baudy and how artists used to hang out there—she makes it sound like they could walk around any corner even now. I spent ages by the lily pond just watching light shift across the water. Didn’t expect to feel so calm after all that biking and wandering.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Paris to Giverny bike tour with picnic

• Meet guide and board bus in Paris
• Visit Vernon farmers' market for picnic supplies
• Bike across river to Seine park for picnic
• Sample local cider at picnic
• Bike 5 km to Giverny village
• See Giverny church and cemetery
• Pass Hotel Baudy and stop for a drink
• Explore Monet's gardens and house
• Visit American Museum of Art and village cafes
• Bike back to Vernon
• Return to Paris by bus

Top questions

How long is the bike ride from Vernon to Giverny?

The ride is about 5 kilometers (3 miles) each way along a bike path.

Is roundtrip transportation from Paris included?

Yes, roundtrip transfer between central Paris and Vernon is included in your tour.

Are bikes and helmets provided for the tour?

Yes, use of a bicycle and helmet are included if you select the bike tour option.

Can children join this bike tour?

Yes, there is no age minimum or maximum as long as participants can ride a bike; children's bikes are available if requested at booking.

What do we do for lunch during the tour?

You’ll shop at Vernon’s farmers’ market for picnic supplies and enjoy lunch by the Seine river next to a picturesque mill.

Do we get skip-the-line entry into Monet's Gardens?

Yes, skip-the-line entry into Monet's Gardens is included with your tour.

Who leads the tour? Is there a local guide?

A local guide accompanies your group throughout the day trip from Paris.

Is public transportation nearby if I need it?

Yes, public transportation options are available near meeting points in Paris.

What’s included

Your day includes roundtrip transfer from central Paris to Vernon, all bicycle equipment (bike and helmet), guidance from a local expert throughout Normandy’s countryside, skip-the-line entry into Monet’s Gardens at Giverny, plus time at Vernon’s market to gather picnic supplies before relaxing beside the Seine for lunch—all before heading back to Paris together in the evening.