What to Do in Giverny: Claude Monet's House and Gardens
About 75 km west of Paris, right on the edge of Normandy, Giverny packs into a single village nearly everything that inspired some of Impressionism's most famous canvases. Here's how to plan a day that makes the most of it.
Monet and Giverny, in a nutshell
Claude Monet lived in Giverny for 43 years and created his water gardens there: the Clos Normand and its flower beds next to the house, then the Japanese-inspired water garden, with its green bridge and water lilies — the very ponds he painted for the Nymphéas series now hanging at the Musée de l'Orangerie in Paris. His house, restored with his original collection of Japanese prints, sits right next to the gardens, studio included.
Visiting the house and gardens
Plan on about 2 hours for the house and gardens at an unhurried pace, a little more in high season if crowds slow things down. Arriving in the morning, right at opening time, is noticeably quieter than a midday visit, especially between May and July when the water lilies are in bloom. The gardens close for winter, generally from November to March, so it's worth checking the opening dates before you go.
What else to do in and around Giverny
The Musée des impressionnismes Giverny, a few minutes' walk from Monet's house, extends the visit with temporary exhibitions on the movement and its legacy. The village itself, with the Rue Claude-Monet and its half-timbered houses, is pleasant to walk through, and several small galleries along the main street still sell work by contemporary painters who come to Giverny for the same light that drew Monet here in the first place.
About ten minutes away, the small town of Vernon is worth the detour: a historic centre, timber-framed houses and Seine riverbanks, a good way to round out the day before heading back toward Paris.
Planning your day from Paris
The drive usually takes between 1 hour and 1 hour 15 minutes. By train, you'd reach Vernon station and then take a shuttle bus to Giverny — an option that requires timing your schedule in advance.
A private Tesla excursion from Paris runs about 6 hours in total, including travel — enough to see the house and gardens without rushing, with an optional stop in Vernon along the way. The drive, a little longer than for other day trips around Paris, stays comfortable thanks to the vehicle's quiet cabin. Tolls and parking are included in the price; the ticket for Monet's house and gardens is not.
Book your private Giverny day trip in a Tesla Model Y, with a dedicated driver and a fixed price.
Frequently asked questions
Are the Giverny gardens open year-round?
No, Monet's house and gardens close for winter, generally from November to March. Check the opening dates before booking your excursion.
How long is the drive to Giverny from Paris?
Giverny is about 75 km west of Paris, roughly 1 hour to 1 hour 15 minutes by car.
Can Giverny and Vernon be combined in the same day?
Yes — Vernon is about ten minutes from Giverny, and a stop in its historic centre pairs well with a visit to Monet's gardens.