Versailles & Giverny Day Trip: Private Tour with Pickup

Paris to Versailles and Giverny in one relaxed private day

You’ll walk mirrored halls at Versailles with your private guide before crossing green countryside to Monet’s gardens in Giverny. Skip lines, breathe in peony-scented air among water lilies, and end your day wandering village lanes—with all transport handled so you can just take it in.

What’s included

Your day includes private luxury transportation from Paris with pickup at your preferred spot, entry tickets for both Versailles Palace (including skip-the-line access) and Claude Monet’s house and gardens at Giverny, plus an expert local guide throughout—all fees covered so you can focus on enjoying every moment.

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Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Visit Versailles and Monet's Giverny

• Pickup from Paris meeting point
• Drive 45 minutes to Palace of Versailles
• Tour State Apartments and Hall of Mirrors
• Explore Versailles gardens and fountains
• Drive 1 hour to Giverny through countryside
• Lunch break in Giverny (own expense)
• Skip line into Monet's House and Gardens
• Visit Clos Normand flower gardens
• Tour Monet's studio and water gardens
• Explore Giverny village independently

The Experience

Ever wondered if the Hall of Mirrors is as shiny as everyone says? We found out early, skipping the lines at Versailles thanks to our guide, Camille—who somehow knew every secret passage and odd fact about Louis XIV’s daily routines. The air inside was cool and a little perfumed, mixed with that old stone smell you only get in palaces. I caught my own reflection in those endless mirrors and almost laughed—it’s hard not to feel small here, but also kind of grand for a minute.

The gardens were waking up with fountains splashing (there are 55—Camille counted them off like she was reciting poetry), and we wandered through clipped hedges while she pointed out which statues had survived revolutions. I kept thinking about how many feet have walked these paths before us. Then it was back into the car—air conditioning on full blast because June in Paris is no joke—and we headed for Giverny. The drive felt like a painting itself: green hills rolling past, cows in lazy clusters, and every so often Camille would slow down just to show us some village where Monet might’ve stopped for bread.

Lunch was simple—just a café near Monet’s house. Nothing fancy, but the bread was crusty and someone at another table tried to order “un sandwich jambon” with such an accent that even the waiter smiled. After that, we followed Camille through Monet’s Clos Normand garden. It smelled like wet earth and peonies, and there were bees everywhere (not aggressive, just busy). She handed us this little flower calendar from the foundation—I still have it stuffed in my bag somewhere—and showed us how each month brings new colors. The water lilies were smaller than I expected but somehow more real than any painting.

Inside Monet’s studio I got quiet for a second—there’s this hush that settles over you when you see his brushes still lined up by the window. Afterward we wandered through Giverny village on our own; flowered houses, tiny galleries, old men playing cards outside a café. Didn’t buy anything except an espresso but honestly, I didn’t need souvenirs after all that color.

Top questions

How long is the drive from Paris to Versailles?

The drive from Paris to Versailles takes about 45 minutes by private vehicle.

Is lunch included on this tour?

No, lunch is not included; you’ll have free time in Giverny to eat at your own expense.

Do I need to buy tickets separately for Versailles or Giverny?

No, all entry fees are included in your private guided tour package.

How much time do we spend at each location?

You’ll visit Versailles Palace and gardens in the morning and spend the afternoon exploring Monet’s house and gardens at Giverny.

Is hotel pickup available?

Yes, pickup from your chosen meeting point in Paris is included.

Are infants or small children allowed on this tour?

Yes, infants and small children are welcome; specialized infant seats are available if needed.

Can I explore Giverny village on my own?

Yes, after visiting Monet’s house and gardens with your guide you’ll have free time to enjoy Giverny village independently.