Summary
Discover Giverny
Giverny is a picturesque village located in Normandy, approximately 75 kilometers northwest of Paris. It is famously home to Monet’s Gardens, a site of immense popularity, particularly during the spring season. Visitors can explore Claude Monet’s house and stroll through the gardens that inspired many of his iconic paintings, all while experiencing the unique ‘special light’ that captivated both Monet and other impressionist artists. The surrounding forests present excellent opportunities for walking and biking.
Best Times to Visit
Most travelers flock to Giverny in the spring, as the saying goes, “April showers bring May flowers”; the gardens vibrant during this period are particularly enchanting. However, many tourists tend to avoid the high summer season due to the heat, while the fall still provides a spectacular display of nature’s beauty.
Furthermore, Giverny hosts numerous festivals throughout the year, with the notable Giverny Festival taking place in September.
Guided Tour Options
Since Giverny lacks a train station, travelers without a car may find guided tours more convenient. Various half-day tours and biking tours are available, offering great immersive experiences.
Additionally, Giverny and Versailles are situated roughly an hour apart by car. Therefore, combining both locations in a combined tour is a practical option.
Traveling to Giverny
Although Giverny itself does not have a train station, Vernon is located just four kilometers away. During the high season, a bus runs from Vernon to Giverny. Alternatively, taxis are readily available at the Vernon station, usually costing under 20 Euros.
To reach Vernon from Paris, travelers should depart from Gare St. Lazare. The train services connect Paris with Rouen and Le Havre. For those wishing to travel directly to Giverny via bus, it is advisable to check the train schedules that coincide with bus departures in Vernon.
Accommodations in Vernon
Vernon is not only a suitable base for exploring Giverny but also an interesting destination of its own. The Vernon Museum showcases many of Monet’s works and is located at 12 rue du Pont, featuring diverse exhibits from archaeology to fine arts.
While in Vernon, renting a bike is a popular option, with availability at the train station or at the bike shop “Cyclo News” near the hospital. A designated bike trail facilitates a scenic ride from Vernon to Giverny, bypassing highway traffic. Follow Albufera street, crossing over the Seine, and avoid the highway signs at the roundabout to access the bike and footpath known as “Voie Andre Touflet.”
Staying in Giverny
Visitors wishing to explore the Musée d’Art Américain Giverny, located at 99, Rue Claude Monet—adjacent to Monet’s house and gardens—should consider spending a night in Giverny.
Moreover, the Office of Tourism in Vernon, located at 36 rue Carnot near the bridge, is an excellent resource for obtaining the local map, “le plan de ville de Vernon,” as well as information on guided tours in both Vernon and Giverny, including the nearby area called “Pacy-sur-Eur.” The English website is rich in information covering the local attractions.
Accommodations such as La Pluie de Roses, located on Rue de Monet at number 14, and Le Clos Fleuri in Bonneville La Louvet come highly recommended for a pleasant stay.
