Paris is a city filled with endless treasures—iconic landmarks, world-class museums, and charming streets that invite exploration at every turn. Whether you are admiring the masterpieces at the d'Orsay Museum, enjoying the Louvre highlights, walking along the Seine River, or visiting Versailles, it can feel like there is never enough time to see it all. However, for art aficionados and nature lovers alike, there is one Paris day trip that offers something truly special: a visit to Monet’s garden in Giverny.
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Located about 50 miles (80 kilometers) from Paris, Monet’s garden is a breathtaking retreat where Claude Monet, the father of Impressionism, brought his artistic vision to life. Unlike any other Paris day trip, a visit to Monet’s garden is a chance to step into a living painting, where the landscapes that inspired some of the world’s most famous artworks still bloom in vibrant color. Wandering through Monet’s garden, you will find yourself surrounded by the very scenes that filled his canvases—an enchanting world of water lilies, Japanese bridges, and flower-lined pathways.
For those looking to escape Paris for the day and experience art in its purest form, Monet’s garden in Giverny is an unforgettable journey into the heart of Impressionism. This guide will provide insights into traveling to Monet's garden in Giverny from Paris and what awaits you upon arrival.
The highlight of any trip to Giverny is undoubtedly Monet's garden itself and a day trip to Monet's garden gives you the opportunity to step into a living canvas bursting with vibrant colors and beauty, much like the paintings that made Monet famous. On the estate is also Claude Monet's home which offers additional insight into the daily life of the artist. The house, a charming pink two-story house with green shutters, is filled with personal touches that reveal Monet’s artistic sensibilities and love for color.
Monet's garden is divided into two sections: the Clos Normand Flower Garden and the Japanese Water Garden. Monet meticulously designed these spaces to capture nature's fleeting moments.
The Japanese Water Garden at Monet’s garden in Giverny is one of its most magical and instantly recognizable features. Inspired by Japanese art and culture, which Monet greatly admired, this serene oasis is separate from the main flower garden (the Clos Normand Flower Garden) and features the famous Japanese bridge, lush greenery, and, of course, the large pond featuring the water lilies that became the subject of his most iconic paintings. As you wander through the meandering paths of the Japanese Water Garden, you will be surrounded by large trees, bamboo groves, and an array of exotic plants that Monet carefully cultivated to create a dreamlike atmosphere. The lily pond, with its floating pads and delicate pink and white blossoms, perfectly reflects the changing light throughout the day, much like in Monet’s Water Lilies series.
While the Japanese Water Garden is beautiful and tranquil, my tour guide provided a rather amusing anecdote about this area of Monet's garden, particularly its large pond. When Monet was having his Japanese Water Garden constructed, Monet, much to his neighbors dismay and disapproval, actually had a local steam diverted to fill his new pond with water. His neighbors were also concerned that Monet's collection of exotic plants would poison the water supply. The irony, of course, now being that the Japanese Water Garden is arguably the largest attraction in Giverny.
The best time to visit Monet’s garden to see the Japanese Water Garden at its peak is from late spring through early autumn. In May and June, the wisteria drapes beautifully over the Japanese bridge, creating a stunning purple canopy. By July and August, the water lilies are in full bloom, transforming the pond into a living version of Monet’s masterpieces. September brings a mix of late-blooming flowers and golden autumnal light, making for an incredible visit.
If this peaceful setting looks familiar, it is because it was the backdrop for one of the most dramatic moments in the latest season of Emily in Paris on Netflix! The confrontation between Emily and Camille in row boats took place right here, adding a bit of pop culture drama to this otherwise serene and romantic landscape. Whether you are an art enthusiast, a garden lover, or an Emily in Paris fan, visiting Monet’s garden and its Japanese Water Garden is a truly incredible experience.
The Clos Normand Flower Garden is the breathtaking, vibrant entrance to Monet’s home in Giverny. Unlike the tranquil, reflective Japanese Water Garden, the Clos Normand is an explosion of color, stretching out in front of Monet’s iconic pink house with green shutters. Designed with a painter’s eye, this garden is arranged in long, symmetrical flower beds bursting with a variety of blooms that change with the seasons. Monet, who had no formal gardening training, designed the Clos Normand as though he were creating a living canvas, playing with complementary colors, heights, and textures to achieve a harmonious and ever-changing masterpiece.
In April and May, the garden comes to life with tulips, daffodils, and irises, creating a fresh and lively palette. By June and July, roses and poppies take center stage, filling the air with their fragrance. As summer fades into autumn, dahlias and nasturtiums provide a final burst of warm, golden hues before the garden settles into its winter slumber. One of the most enchanting features of the Clos Normand is the grande allée, the long central path leading to Monet’s house. Flanked by metal arches covered in climbing roses and colorful nasturtiums spilling over the edges, this pathway creates an almost tunnel-like effect of flowers, framing the house like a perfect Impressionist painting.
This lush, carefully curated garden was not just for show—it was Monet’s personal source of inspiration. He would often sit outside, studying the way the light played on the petals and leaves, taking notes and sketching before translating the beauty of his garden onto canvas. Today, visiting the Clos Normand feels like stepping directly into one of Monet’s paintings, an experience that brings his artistic vision to life in a way no museum ever could.
Seemingly hidden behind all the greenery and gardens stands Monet's house. The house is small and quaint, but bursting with color—both inside and out. While you should certainly spend the bulk of your time enjoying Monet's garden, a walk through his house is still a must-do during your time in Giverny. Access to the house is included with your admission to Monet's garden.
One of the most captivating rooms in the house is Monet’s studio-sitting room, where he worked in his early years in Giverny before moving to a larger studio on the property. The walls are adorned with reproductions of his own paintings, giving visitors a sense of the immense body of work he created while living there. You will also find Japanese woodblock prints throughout the home, as Monet was deeply inspired by Japanese art, which influenced both his painting style and the design for Monet’s garden.
Monet’s love of color is evident in his bright yellow dining room, an unexpected but warm and inviting color choice that contrasts beautifully with the blue and white-tiled kitchen. The kitchen features a stunning collection of copper cookware that pops against the blue tile and paint. The kitchen is my favorite room in Monet's house because it feels so homey and inviting.
Upstairs lies the bedrooms. Monet’s bedroom, with its soft pastel tones and elegant furnishings, offers a peaceful retreat that reflects his appreciation for beauty in all aspects of life. From his window, Monet could look out over his garden, allowing the changing seasons and light to inspire him daily. The house also has bedrooms that belonged to his family, as Monet lived in Giverny with his wife, Alice, and their blended family of eight children.
Monet's garden and house in Giverny is only open to the public from April 1st to November 1st, annually. Monet's garden and house are open from 9:30 AM to 6:00 PM, with the last admission at 5:30 PM. Tickets can be purchased both online and in-person. However, purchasing your tickets online, in advance of your visit, will save you time waiting in line at the ticket office after your arrival in Giverny. To purchase tickets online, please visit the Academy of Fine Arts website.
I recommend spending at least two hours at Monet's garden and house, with the bulk of that time being spent exploring Monet's incredible gardens. More information regarding Monet's garden and house can be found on the Academy of Fine Arts website.
If you are interested in visiting Monet's garden with a guided tour, there are options available, though not directly through Monet's garden itself. Some of the highest rated guided tours, which can be booked through our affiliate partner, GetYourGuide, are listed below.
If you are interested in a guided tour that provides transportation between Paris and Giverny, that is also an option. I have a list of the top tour providers in my section on Transportation Between Paris and Giverny in a subsequent section of this guide.
If you book a tour or experience through one of our GetYourGuide affiliate links, we may earn a small commission that supports our ability to keep creating this content for you!
Giverny is a small village in Normandy and the main draw, of course, is Monet's garden and house. However, with that being said, there are two additional sites worth seeing if you have time to spare during your Paris day trip to Giverny.
Located just a short walk from Monet's garden, the Museum of Impressionism Giverny is a museum dedicated to exploring the Impressionist movement and its influence on later artistic styles. The museum regularly hosts exhibitions showcasing the works of both Claude Monet and his contemporaries, followers, and artists that were inspired by his revolutionary approach to light and color. The museum's tranquil setting, surrounded by beautifully landscaped gardens designed in harmony with Monet's garden, makes it a peaceful and inspiring place to visit. In addition to the art, the museum has a lovely café with outdoor seating. If you are making the trip to Giverny, the Museum of Impressionism Giverny is well worth a visit to fully appreciate the artistic world that Monet helped to shape.
The Museum of Impressionism Giverny is open from Friday, March 28 to Sunday, November 2, 2025. Like Monet's garden, the museum closes during the winter months. The museum will be closed on Friday, September 30, 2025. Admission to the museum on the first Sunday of every month is free. The museum is open from 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM, with the last entry at 5:30 PM. Tickets for the museum can be purchased both online, and in-person at the museum. To purchase tickets online, please visit the Museum of Impressionism Giverny website. Additional information regarding the museum can be found on the Museum of Impressionism Giverny website.
Walking distance from Monet's garden and the Museum of Impressionism in Giverny is the Church of St. Radegund of Giverny (Église Sainte-Radegonde de Giverny), where Claude Monet and his family are buried. Monet's grave, which draws a considerable amount of visitors annually, is located outside, on the eastern side of the church and is, of course, covered in beautiful flowers. I ran out of time on my visit to Giverny to visit the gravesite, but from the photos I have seen online, it makes for a lovely stop on a day trip to Giverny.
Giverny is nestled in the picturesque region of Normandy, an area known not only for its stunning landscapes and rich history but also for its delicious local cuisine. While visiting Monet’s garden, I recommend taking the opportunity to sample some Normandy specialties, particularly those featuring the region’s famous apples! A must-try treat is the tarte normande, a delectable apple tart often made with butter, sugar, and a hint of Calvados (apple brandy) for extra depth of flavor. Pair it with a glass of Normandy cider, a crisp and slightly effervescent drink made from locally grown apples.
When I visited Giverny, I only had time for a quick lunch (i.e., a ham and cheese baguette sandwich), but I did prioritize tasting a tarte normande and a glass of Normandy cider at Les Nymphéas, which is located just across the street from the entrance and exit to Monet's garden. The tarte normande and Normandy cider were both SO delicious! So whether you are in a rush, or enjoying a leisurely lunch after a visit to Monet's garden, definitely be sure to try out some of Normandy's specialties!
A few popular eateries in Giverny are listed below.
Giverny is located approximately 50 miles (80 kilometers) west of Paris, making it an easy and popular day trip from Paris. To travel between Paris and Giverny, you have a few options: a guided tour and public transportation. (Of course, renting a car and driving is also an option, but not one we will discuss here today.)
I opted to take a tour from Paris to Giverny and would highly recommend the experience! It was so nice not having to fret about figuring out the public transportation and since the tour included tickets to Monet's garden, it was one less thing I needed to book in-advance. With that being said, I wish I had more time to spend in Giverny. The three hours we spent in Giverny was not nearly enough to see everything this beautiful little village has to offer! However, if you are strictly interested in visiting Monet's garden, grabbing a quick lunch, and heading back to Paris, then a guided tour is a fantastic option. The tour I took to Giverny (listed first), as well as other highly rated tours from Paris to Giverny, are listed below. Since Giverny is a small village, easily seen in a half-day, it is not uncommon for tour providers to pair Giverny with another, nearby destination like Versailles or Auvers. If a combination tour interests you, I have included options for those as well, below.
If you book a tour or experience through one of our GetYourGuide affiliate links, we may earn a small commission that supports our ability to keep creating this content for you!
To travel to Giverny by train, start your journey at Paris Saint-Lazare Station, one of the city’s major railway hubs. From here, take a SNCF TER regional train to the town of Vernon (the station is called Vernon - Giverny), the nearest train station to Giverny. The train ride takes approximately 50 minutes, with departures running regularly throughout the day.
I recommend purchasing your train tickets in advance (especially during the peak summer season) and check the return train schedule to ensure that you do not miss the last train from Vernon back to Paris. You can purchase your tickets directly from SCNF Connect online. SCNF Connect also offers a user-friendly mobile app that allows you to download your train tickets onto your phone.
Once you arrive in Vernon, you have a few options to complete the final 3.7 mile (6 kilometer) journey to Monet's garden.
Either before or after your visit to Monet’s garden, I highly recommend stopping by the Musée de l’Orangerie in Paris, home to Monet’s iconic Water Lilies. Seeing these breathtaking paintings after experiencing the very gardens that inspired them provides a profound appreciation for how Claude Monet literally cultivated his environment to fuel his artistic vision. If you are a lover of Impressionism, a visit to the d'Orsay Museum (Musée d’Orsay in French) is also a must. Housing the world’s most extensive collection of Impressionist and Post-Impressionist masterpieces, it offers an incredible opportunity to explore the works of Monet and his contemporaries, including Renoir, Degas, and Van Gogh, all under one roof. Together, these museums and a day trip to Monet’s garden in Giverny create a truly immersive experience, allowing you to step into the world of Impressionism—both on canvas and in real life.
Whether you are an art aficionado or simply seeking a serene escape from Paris, Monet's garden in Giverny promises an unforgettable experience, where nature and art converge in perfect harmony. A day trip to Monet's garden in Giverny is not just a journey through art history but a sensory immersion into Monet's world. From the beautiful gardens to the intimate glimpses of his life, every moment echoes the spirit of Impressionism. Monet's garden in Giverny was one of my favorite day trips from Paris, so if you have a half-day to spare, I highly recommend heading to Giverny.
Looking for more Paris day trip suggestions? Consider visiting Versailles, the Château de Fontainebleau, or even Brussels! Need assistance planning your trip to Paris? Be sure to check out our Paris Travel Guide for hotel suggestions, restaurant recommendations, and more! Bon voyage!
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