If you’re visiting Paris and want to escape the bustle of the city, a trip to Giverny is an idyllic way to immerse yourself in the serene beauty of French countryside, especially if you have an appreciation for art and nature. Known as the home of the famous painter Claude Monet, Giverny is a picturesque village about 75 kilometers northwest of Paris, where Monet created his iconic water lily paintings. Here’s how to make Giverny part of your Paris itinerary.
Why visit Giverny?
Visiting Giverny is like stepping into one of Monet’s impressionist masterpieces. The village is most famous for Monet’s House and Gardens, where the artist lived and painted for over 40 years. Exploring Giverny offers a glimpse into Monet’s life, his artistic inspiration, and the beauty of the natural world that surrounds his home.
- Monet’s House: The house itself has been preserved to reflect how Monet lived, with vibrant colors and period furnishings. Visitors can tour the various rooms where Monet and his family resided, including the blue sitting room and his studio where he worked on many of his masterpieces.
- The Gardens: The real star of Giverny is the gardens that Monet designed himself. The flower garden, known as Clos Normand, bursts with color throughout the seasons, featuring carefully arranged beds of flowers that bloom at different times. The iconic Japanese water garden, with its famous water lilies, weeping willows, and the green Japanese bridge, is where Monet painted some of his most well-known works.
- Museum of Impressionism: After exploring Monet’s house and gardens, you can visit the Museum of Impressionism, located just a short walk away. The museum showcases exhibitions of impressionist and post-impressionist works, deepening your understanding of this artistic movement.
How to get to Giverny from Paris
Getting to Giverny is simple, and there are several options depending on how you prefer to travel:
- Train: One of the easiest ways to reach Giverny is by train. From Gare Saint-Lazare in Paris, take a direct train to the town of Vernon, which is the closest train station to Giverny. The journey takes about 45 minutes. Once you arrive in Vernon, you can take a shuttle bus, taxi, or even rent a bike to travel the 7 kilometers to Giverny.
- Car: If you prefer more flexibility, you can rent a car and drive to Giverny. The drive from Paris takes about an hour, and the scenic route through the Normandy countryside adds to the charm of the trip. Parking is available near Monet’s house and gardens.
- Guided tours: There are also many organized tours from Paris that include transportation and a guided visit to Monet’s house and gardens. These tours often provide added insight into the history and significance of Giverny.
Highlights of a visit to Giverny
Here are some of the must-see spots during your visit to Giverny:
- Water lily pond and Japanese bridge: Perhaps the most iconic scene in Giverny, this tranquil area inspired Monet’s famous water lily series. The reflections in the pond, the lush greenery, and the flowers that surround the bridge make it a picture-perfect setting.
- Clos Normand flower garden: In front of Monet’s house, this stunning garden is a vibrant display of flowers that change with the seasons. The arrangement of flowers, including tulips, roses, and wisteria, is both wild and meticulously planned, reflecting Monet’s eye for color and composition.
- Monet’s house: As you step inside Monet’s home, you’ll see how the artist lived, including his beloved yellow dining room and his collection of Japanese prints. His studio still contains reproductions of his works, offering a glimpse into his creative process.
- The village of Giverny: Take some time to stroll through the quaint village of Giverny itself. The charm of its cobblestone streets, old stone houses, and lush greenery add to the peaceful atmosphere. You can visit the Church of Sainte-Radegonde, where Monet is buried, or enjoy a meal in one of the local restaurants or cafés.
Best time to visit Giverny
Giverny is open from April to November, and the best time to visit is during the spring and summer months when the gardens are in full bloom. April and May offer a stunning display of spring flowers like tulips and daffodils, while June, July, and August are perfect for seeing the water lilies in bloom.
If you visit in September or October, you’ll still find plenty of beauty as the gardens transition to autumn colors, and the crowds tend to be smaller.
Visiting Giverny from Hotel Bedford
When planning a day trip to Giverny from Paris, consider staying at Hotel Bedford, which is centrally located near Opéra Garnier and within easy access to the Gare Saint-Lazare for your train journey. After a day exploring the peaceful surroundings of Giverny, you can return to the comfort of Hotel Bedford, where the elegant Victoria Restaurant offers refined dining, perfect for unwinding after your trip.
Tips for visiting Giverny
- Book tickets in advance: To avoid long lines, especially during peak seasons, it’s a good idea to buy your tickets to Monet’s house and gardens online in advance.
- Plan your visit in the morning: If you can, arrive early in the day to avoid the afternoon crowds. The gardens are most peaceful in the early hours, and you’ll have more time to explore at your own pace.
- Bring your camera: Giverny is one of the most photogenic places you’ll visit near Paris. The colorful gardens, picturesque pond, and charming village provide endless opportunities for beautiful photos.
Giverny is the perfect day trip for art lovers, nature enthusiasts, or anyone looking to escape the busy streets of Paris and immerse themselves in the beauty that inspired one of the greatest painters of all time. Whether you’re wandering through the flower-filled gardens, exploring the village, or reflecting by the water lilies, a visit to Giverny is sure to be a highlight of your trip to Paris.
