Paris to Giverny: Monet’s Gardens Day Trip with Pickup

Summary

From Paris to Giverny by minivan for Monet’s gardens, house and village wanderings

You’ll ride from Paris to Giverny in a comfy minivan with flexible pickup near your hotel or the Eiffel Tower. Stroll Monet’s famous gardens and house at your own pace, grab lunch in the village, maybe visit his grave or an art gallery — all with plenty of time before heading back. It’s calm and quietly moving.

What’s the experience like?

Li, our driver-guide, greeted us right outside our hotel in the 16th — he had this easy smile and a playlist that was mostly French pop. I’d been worried about traffic out of Paris but somehow the city faded fast behind us, replaced by fields that looked like they’d been painted with watercolors. Li gave us a quick rundown on Claude Monet as we got closer to Giverny — apparently the man was obsessed with light, which I guess you can see everywhere here. He pointed out the best pastry shop in Vernon (I forgot the name already) and told us where to find good coffee if we needed it later.

The air smelled sweet when we stepped out in Giverny, sort of like cut grass and something faintly floral. We had a few hours to wander on our own — which I liked because I’m slow at museums and honestly just wanted to sit by the pond for a bit. The Japanese bridge is smaller than I expected but you get why Monet painted it so many times; there were dragonflies skimming over the water lilies and kids trying to spot frogs. Inside Monet’s house, I almost bumped into an older couple admiring his kitchen tiles — everyone moved at their own pace, whispering like it was church. The sunlight through those yellow dining room curtains... I still think about that.

I grabbed a sandwich from a café where nobody rushed me (rare in Paris), then wandered up to Sainte-Radegonde Church where Monet’s grave sits tucked behind some wild roses. It felt quiet — not sad exactly, just peaceful. There’s time to check out the Museum of Impressionism or peek into little art galleries if you want more, but honestly I just walked around looking at shutters and gardens until Li waved us back to the minivan. On the way home people mostly dozed off or scrolled through photos. The whole thing felt gentle — no rush, no big speeches, just space to breathe for a while.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Visit Monet’s Gardens in Giverny

• Driver picks up from Paris hotel or meeting point
• Travel to Giverny by minivan
• Driver-guide gives 15-minute Monet introduction
• Explore Monet’s Gardens and House independently
• Visit Giverny Church and village attractions
• Enjoy lunch or snack in village
• Driver picks up in front of Monet House
• Return to Paris by minivan

Top questions

Is hotel pickup included for all Paris hotels?

No, hotel pickup is only available for accommodations in western Paris arrondissements; otherwise you’ll meet near the Eiffel Tower.

How long do you spend at Giverny during this day trip?

You’ll have about 2.5 to 4 hours at Giverny depending on your chosen tour option.

Are entry tickets to Monet’s house and gardens included?

Yes, entrance fees for Monet’s house and gardens are included in your booking.

Can you explore Giverny independently or is it guided?

You’ll get a short introduction from your driver-guide but then explore independently at your own pace.

What are the start times for this day trip from Paris?

You can choose morning (7:30 AM), midday (11:45 AM), or afternoon (1:45 PM) departures depending on availability.

Is lunch provided on this tour?

No lunch is included but there are cafés and tea rooms in Giverny where you can eat during your free time.

Is this tour suitable for young children?

The minimum age is 3 years old; each participant must be declared when booking.

How many people are on each minivan tour?

The minivan seats between 8 and 18 passengers depending on group size.

Does this tour include visits to other attractions besides Monet’s Gardens?

You have free time to visit sites like Sainte-Radegonde Church or local galleries in Giverny if you wish.

What’s included

Your day includes round-trip transportation from Paris by air-conditioned minivan (with hotel pickup if you’re staying in western arrondissements or meeting point near the Eiffel Tower), entry tickets for Monet’s house and gardens, plus an English-speaking driver-guide who gives a short intro before you explore Giverny at your own pace before returning together later that day.