THINGS TO DO IN giverny: 1-DAY ITINERARY

Best known as the home of the famous Impressionist artist, Claude Monet, Giverny is a magical corner of France only one hour from Paris. Centered on Monet and his idyllic gardens and residence, you’ll also find forests, gardens, and galleries to explore in this town tucked along the Seine.

A hideaway for those who are looking to escape the crowds of Paris in favor of solitude, quaint cafes sit in the nooks and crannies of town and dozens of day trips offer an escape from the pastoral feel here if you do decide to venture out.

This is the perfect one-day itinerary for visiting Giverny, including Monet’s home and gardens, and other hidden corners of town. Grab your sketchbook and watercolors and come with us to this artist mecca.

Day 1

Morning: Fondation Monet in Giverny

No trip to Giverny is complete without visiting Monet’s home and gardens. Get started at the Fondation Monet, the organization that cares for and restores these monuments to art.

Claude Monet’s House

Get started learning more about the father of Impressionism in his beautiful home. You’ll have the opportunity to walk through the blue and green tiled kitchen, his studio, reading room, and bedroom, among other intimate corners. Step outside next to see the gardens, alongside the famous lily ponds.

Pont Japonais

The subject of many Monet paintings, the emerald Pont Japonais, also known as the Japanese Bridge, is the focal point of the garden. Although the bridge was created to resemble traditional Japanese architecture, Monet painted the bridge green to differentiate it slightly.

The Water Garden

Monet’s gardens are absolutely exquisite and a highlight of visiting Giverny. Purple wisteria hangs in curtains around the Japanese bridge, water lilies bloom, and all manor of flowers grow in every corner.

Galerie Christophe Demarez

 Once you’ve had your fill of Monet’s home, head for the nearby Galerie Christophe Demarez. You’ll see beautiful paintings and potentially have the opportunity to speak with the artist himself.

Day 1, morning - giverny Tour Map

Afternoon: Museum of Impressionism

Situated in the heart of Giverny, the Museum of Impressionism offers visitors a look at the art movement's history. Guests can peruse both permanent and temporary exhibitions, alongside visiting the gardens. Just steps away from Monet’s home, this is a must-see if you’re curious about Impressionism.

Musée de Mécanique Naturelle

For those interested in the inner workings of modern machines, stop in to the Natural Mechanics Museum to discover how steam and combustion engines work.

Hotel Baudy

Once a frequent haunt of famous artists like Renoir, Cézanne, Rodin, and, of course, Monet, you can still eat and sleep at Hotel Baudy. Sip a glass of wine in the spot where the greats once did and visit the period artist’s studio in the garden.

Eglise Sainte-Radegonde de Giverny

The humble Eglise Sainte-Radegonde de Giverny might not be a soaring cathedral like that of Chartres or Notre Dame, but it's beautiful nonetheless. Make a stop at this 11th-century Romanesque church to see the tomb of Claude Monet.

Day 1, afternoon - giverny Tour Map

The Magic of Paris and Historic Normandy

10-night itinerary discovering Paris, Versailles, Trouville, Deauville, Honfleur, Mont Saint Michel, and Giverny

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Other Things to Do in Giverny

• Château de Bizy: Only visited with a guide, the Chateau de Bizy is a 14th-century castle in Vernon, just 10 minutes from Giverny. Built by Jubert de Bouville, a state councilor, the impressive estate includes sprawling gardens, a hydraulic network to pump water to the chateau, and luxurious stables. Several famous French families have taken up residence in the castle and visitors can examine antique furnishings and portraits that they left behind.

• Balloon flights: Take to the skies over Monet’s home and the surrounding French countryside in Vexin Natural Park by hot air balloon. You’ll float over the meandering Seine and pastoral landscapes before landing safely somewhere in a nearby field.

• Chateau de La Roche-Guyon: Tucked inside the Vexin Natural Park, Chateau de La Roche-Guyon is a Middle Age fortress. Visitors can explore the chateau itself, kitchen gardens, the castle keep, impressive stables, and English gardens, all situated overlooking the Seine.

• The Old Mill of Vernon: Perched on stone stilts above the Seine as it winds its way past Giverny and through the nearby town of Vernon, the Old Mill is an architectural marvel and a relic of a bygone era. Built in the 16th-century, it was once part of a bridge that crossed the river and has inspired romantics for centuries, including artists like Monet.

• Eure Valley Railway: Hop aboard this historic locomotive, chugging your way through the countryside along the Eure Valley. You’ll have the chance to experience what it was like to travel by rail 100 years ago, including vintage railway equipment and tickets. Refreshments are served at the onsite bar during your journey.

Best Day Trips From Giverny

• Vernon: Just 10 minutes down river from Giverny, Vernon is a quaint city with charming cafes to sip a coffee in and a few museums to explore. An important dock for river cruises along the Seine, visitors can seek out the Old Mill, tour the Château de Bizy, or stroll the cobbled streets, flanked with traditional half-timbered architecture. Vernon is a nice change from the pipsqueak town of Giverny if you’re looking for more variety in restaurants and cafes as well.

• Versailles: The Palace of Versailles is a can’t miss highlight of any trip to France. One hour outside Giverny, this monumental royal home and acre upon acre of manicured gardens make up one of the most opulent palaces in all of Europe. Stroll down the famous Hall of Mirrors, see where Marie Antoinette slept, and visit the queen’s fairy tale village she built on the outskirts of the forest.

• Paris: Less than two hours by train from Giverny, a trip into Paris is an absolute must if you’re basing yourself in this tiny town (although most visitors do the opposite). Head into the City of Light by train and explore famous sites like the Notre Dame de Paris, Eiffel Tower, and Arc de Triomphe. This is also a good opportunity to see more of Monet’s art in the Musee d’Orsay.

• Rouen: About an hour and twenty minutes from Giverny, Rouen is a city that is steeped in fascinating history. This is where Joan of Arc was put on trial and burned at the stake and you’re sure to find many an homage to this famed heroine around town along with Gothic cathedrals and other Medieval remnants.

• Les Andelys - Chateau Gaillard: Just 30 minutes from Giverny, the riverside town of Les Andelys is home to Chateau Gaillard once the residence of Richard the Lionheart. Built on a chalk hill bluff that looks out to the Seine River and surrounding countryside, this area is steeped in history with traces of Gallo-Roman settlements. Visitors can explore the remnants of the castle and battlements as well as the Nicolas Poussin Museum, which showcases the artist's French Baroque paintings.

• Jumieges Abbey - Ruins of a Benedictine Abbey: About 1.5 hours away from Giverny, the ruins of the Jumieges Abbey are often touted as the most beautiful ruins in all of France. Founded in 654 CE by Clovis II and Queen Bathilde, this was once a Benedictine Abbey. The abbey has seen centuries of history including being burned to the ground by Vikings and as a dungeon for King Charlemagne's enemies. It was left in ruins during the French Revolution and never returned to its former glory. Visitors can explore the ruins, including a 500-year-old yew tree that still grows in the cloister.

• Evreux: An often overlooked corner of Normandy, Evreux offers visitors incredible Gallo-Roman archaeological sites, a towering cathedral, and winding rivers to stroll along. Just an hour from Giverny, Evreux is well worth a visit. Tour the Evreux Cathedral and visit the Musée d’Evreux, once an episcopal palace that displays archaeological artifacts and art.

• Chartres: Best known for its UNESCO World Heritage cathedral, which many believe is the best example of Gothic architecture in Europe, the town of Chartres is a must-see for architecture buffs and lovers of stained glass.

• Auvers-sur-Oise: Another artist haven just outside Paris, Auvers-sur-Oise was once the home of Vincent Van Gogh and also happens to be his final resting place. Van Gogh completed 80 paintings in this tiny town tucked along the River Oise and visitors can follow in the footsteps of the famous artist, seeing many of his subjects and muses.

• Gaillon: Just 28-minutes west of Giverny, Gaillon is a small hamlet tucked along the Eure River. Despite being a tiny town, visitors will find plenty to do. The formidable ruins of Château Gaillard sit perched above the river and the quaint, cobbled center has plenty of delicious restaurants and cafes to keep you satisfied.

• Lyons-la-Foret: A 45-minute jaunt north of Giverny, Lyons-la-Foret is an enchanting half-timbered village surrounded by a beech tree forest. Aside from strolling along its picture-perfect alleyways, the nearby Château de Vascœuil makes for a great day trip.

• Château de Vascœuil: Situated just outside of Lyons-la-Foret, the Château de Vascœuil is a 12th-century castle and art center. Visitors will find unique sculptures scattered around the grounds and various art exhibitions, tucked in the surrounding half-timbered buildings.

• Gisors: Once the capital of the Vexin Normand, a historic border that once divided Normandy and France, Gisors is a Medieval city steeped in history. Tucked along the River Epte, visitors can explore the Templar castle and pop in and out of restaurants and boutiques.

• Louviers: Another small hamlet tucked along the Eure River, Louviers is akin to a tiny version of Venice. Over 20 canals crisscross the town and even its cloister, the Cloître des Penitents is the only one in Europe to be situated on water. Stroll past the colorful, half-timbered buildings and seek out the many gardens and watermills.

Top Things to Do in Giverny with Kids

Giverny is a wonderful place to bring the kids and there are plenty of activities to keep them busy in this charming, French countryside hamlet. Monet’s Train makes for a fun outing for both children and adults alike. A toy locomotive, you’ll be picked up at the Vernon Train Station and transported to Giverny, passing famous sites like the Museum of Impressionism along the way. Bicycle rentals are available throughout town and pastoral lanes provide the perfect low-traffic area to ride. Families can also spend their days picnicking by the Seine, fishing in the Eure River, and boating. Interactive arts and crafts workshops are another way to keep little (and big) hands busy!

Best Restaurants in Giverny

• Les Jardins des Plumes: The only Michelin-star restaurant in Giverny, Les Jardins des Plumes offers guests a sumptuous menu of elegantly executed dishes. Sit in the garden, surrounded by forest, or in the beautiful interior dining room, decorated to reflect the restaurant and hotel's unique name.

• Au Coin du Pain’tre: A small bakery, just steps from Monet’s home, Au Coin du Pain’tre offers Giverny’s visitors a sunny garden to enjoy lunch, a drink, and treats like pain au chocolat.

• La Parenthese: Guests will enjoy the cozy atmosphere at La Parenthese and the equally delicious dishes. Choose from classics like Papa’s Terrine, Norman Hole, and creme brulee. Coffee, tea, or a glass of wine can also be enjoyed on the terrace or veranda.

• La Guinguette: Enjoy a meal, surrounded by nature at Giverny’s La Guinguette. Named for the famous outdoor taverns that were popular across France in the 17th-century, and the subject of Renoir’s famous painting “Dejeuner de Canotiers”, La Guinguette offers simple dishes like fish, eggs, desserts, and cocktails.

• Restaurant Baudy: Once frequented by famous artists, including Monet, Restaurant Baudy offers a traditional, bistro dining room and shady terrace. Enjoy salmon steak with lemon sauce, duck leg confit, and quintessential desserts like fromage blanc and chocolate fondant.

Giverny Golf Courses

• Golf Villarceaux: Only 20 minutes from Giverny, golf fanatics can rest easy knowing a wonderful course is just a short drive away. Golfers have two courses to choose from, an 18-hole course and a 9-hole pitch and putt. Both courses were designed by the English architect Bill Baker. The grounds are beautiful, situated near the Vexin Natural Park. Guests will also adore the clubhouse, housed in a centuries old chateau.

Where to Stay in Giverny

• Le Jardins des Plumes: A beautiful boutique hotel in the heart of Giverny, Les Jardins des Plumes charms visitors with its Michelin-star restaurant and traditional half-timbered architecture. This Neo-Norman manor house offers guests charming rooms with large, floor-to-ceiling windows that look out onto the nearby forest. Soaking tubs, antique furniture, plush bathrobes further add to the romantic atmosphere. A delicious breakfast buffet is served every day with specialties that include chocolate cake and local yogurt.

• La Pluie de Roses: Tucked away on the outskirts of town, La Pluie des Roses is a cozy bed and breakfast surrounded by forest. Just a 15-minute walk from Monet’s home and gardens, guests will find accommodations here intimate with only three rooms onsite. Enjoy breakfast in the stunning sunroom and enjoy your time in true peace and tranquility.

Best Time to Visit Giverny

Because most visitors make the trip to Giverny to visit Monet’s gardens, the best time to visit is in the spring or summer months when the flowers are blooming. The famous water lily’s bloom from June to August and while this is one of the busiest times to visit, it’s worth it to see the gardens thriving. For those who are looking to escape the crowds, fall is a great time to visit Giverny, although the gardens won’t be at their prime the changing leaves and autumnal foliage offer a whole new perspective.

Festivals in Giverny

• Giverny Chamber Music Festival: Held annually in the months of August and September, the Giverny Chamber Music Festival is an homage to small instrument ensembles. Concerts by both local and international artists take place around Giverny, including the Impressionists Museum and the Giverny Church.

• International Pastel Exhibition: A celebration of pastel artwork, the International Pastel Exhibition takes place in Giverny’s old train station. Each year a specific pastel artist is highlighted.