Versailles & Giverny Day Trip: Timed Entry, Monet’s Gardens

Summary

Versailles grandeur meets Monet’s dreamy Giverny in one Paris day

You’ll walk through Versailles’ palace halls without the crowds thanks to timed entry, stroll Marie-Antoinette’s private estate, and lose track of time in Monet’s colorful Giverny gardens. With a local guide sharing stories along the way and transport handled for you, this day trip from Paris leaves you with more than just photos—it lingers in memory.

What’s the experience like?

The first thing I noticed stepping out of the minivan in Versailles was how the air felt—sort of crisp but with that faint garden smell, even before we saw any flowers. Our guide, Camille, was already pointing out details on the palace gates I’d have missed (something about the sun motifs for Louis XIV). We had these timed entrance tickets so there wasn’t any of that long, fidgety waiting—just straight into the Palace of Versailles. The Hall of Mirrors is bigger than I expected; people tend to whisper in there, maybe because it feels like you’re borrowing someone else’s dream. My shoes made this soft echo on the marble, which made me weirdly self-conscious. Oh, and seeing Marie-Antoinette’s Estate—there’s something almost shy about her little hamlet after all that gold and grandeur.

Lunch was just a picnic we brought along (Camille warned us ahead), eaten under some trees near the gardens. It wasn’t fancy but honestly, it fit. The French gardens outside are so perfectly trimmed it almost makes you want to mess up a hedge just to see what would happen. After that we drove out to Giverny—about an hour or so, enough time for a nap or to stare at fields rolling by. The village is quieter than I thought it’d be; birdsong and distant voices from other visitors poking around Monet’s house. Inside his home, everything is color—the kitchen tiles, those yellow dining room walls—and it smells faintly of old wood and something floral I couldn’t place.

I didn’t expect to feel much at Monet’s grave but standing there with our small group (eight people max), it got quiet in a way that felt respectful but not heavy. Our guide told us stories about Monet fussing over his Clos Normand gardens for decades—imagine caring about your backyard that much. When we crossed the green footbridge over the water lilies I tried to picture how he saw it all those years ago; I think I get why he never wanted to leave. So yeah, if you’re after a day trip from Paris that mixes royal drama with painterly calm—and you don’t mind walking a bit—this one sticks with you longer than you’d expect.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Visit Versailles and Monet's Giverny

• Enter Palace of Versailles
• Walk through Hall of Mirrors
• Explore Versailles Gardens
• Walk Marie-Antoinette's private village
• Wander Monet's flower garden
• Cross Monet's green footbridge
• Tour Monet's home interior
• Visit Monet's grave

Top questions

How long does the Versailles & Giverny day trip take?

The tour lasts a full day including travel from Paris and returns in the evening.

Is lunch included on this tour?

No lunch is provided; guests should bring their own picnic or snacks.

What’s included in the ticket price?

Entry tickets for Versailles (palace, trianons, Marie-Antoinette Hamlet) and Monet's garden are included as well as transport by air-conditioned minivan and a driver-guide.

How many people are in each group?

The tour is limited to 8 people maximum per group.

Does this tour include pickup from my hotel?

No hotel pickup; departure point is central Paris.

Is this suitable for children or people who have trouble walking?

The minimum age is 7 years old and participants must be able to walk well even on hot days; not recommended for those who struggle with walking or heat.

Are tours available year-round?

The tour operates in all weather conditions; dress appropriately for rain or heat.

Can I use public transportation instead?

Public transportation options are available nearby if needed after the tour ends.

What’s included

Your day includes guaranteed timed entry tickets for both Versailles (including palace rooms, Hall of Mirrors, trianons, and Marie-Antoinette Hamlet) and Monet's gardens at Giverny; comfortable round-trip transport by air-conditioned minivan from Paris; plus guidance throughout from an experienced local guide—all arranged so you can focus on wandering rather than logistics.