What to see and do in Giverny? Top activities

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What to do in Giverny in one day?

See Claude Monet's house and gardens: the must-see of Giverny

It's impossible to visit Giverny without discovering Claude Monet's House. The painter lived there for more than 40 years and painted a large part of his Impressionist canvases there. The visit lets you discover his colourful interior, faithful to the period, and above all his extraordinary gardens:

• The Clos Normand, a flower garden where colours and plant varieties intermingle.
  
  
• The water garden, famous for its water lily pond and Japanese bridge, immortalised in his paintings.

Practical info: the house and gardens are open from early April to late October. In high season, it is advisable to book online if you don't want to spend hours queuing or find the site sold out.

Visit the Museum of Impressionisms in Giverny

Located a few steps from Monet's house, the Museum of Impressionisms is an ideal visit to extend the artistic experience. It highlights the history of Impressionism and its evolution around the world. The temporary exhibitions let you discover major and contemporary artists. The museum also has a pretty garden and a restaurant with a terrace.

Walk around the village of Giverny 

Wondering what to see and do in Giverny? Where to walk in Giverny? The charm of this village is not limited to Monet's house and gardens, even if many people only come for that. Once you're there, it would be a shame not to take the time to discover Giverny and its pretty half-timbered houses. Here are the must-sees, in our opinion, not to miss:

• Stroll through the flower-filled lanes: traditional houses covered in wisteria and climbing roses offer a peaceful and restorative setting.
  
  
• Go and see the Sainte-Radegonde church: this little Romanesque church houses the grave of Claude Monet, a sober and moving place of contemplation.

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• Discover the galleries and artists' studios: a legacy of the Impressionist era, many contemporary artists still exhibit in Giverny.
  
  
• Relax in the village cafés and restaurants: several establishments have flower-filled terraces ideal for lunch or a drink after your visit. As good addresses, we can recommend: Evergreen Guest House & Café, Malouquen tea and coffee room, or Le Bistro des Fleurs or the Guinguette de Giverny (open in the fine season) for lunch. For an artisan bakery, there is the Coin du Pain'tre. For gourmet typical Normandy cuisine, note the Jardin des Plumes by Michelin-starred chef David Gallienne.  

On foot or by bike, the paths around the village follow the Epte and cross a bucolic landscape that inspired many painters settled in the Eure.

How long to visit Giverny?

Many people wonder how long it takes to visit Giverny. Here are our recommendations, allow:

• 2 to 3 hours at most to visit the house and relax in Monet's gardens. Provided of course that you booked your tickets before arriving.
  
  
• 1 to 2 extra hours if you add the Museum of Impressionisms.
  

So, a day in Giverny is ideal so you don't have to rush: it lets you enjoy the village, a lunch on a terrace and possibly a walk in the Normandy countryside.

Which are the most beautiful villages around Giverny to see?

What ideas for visits around Giverny? After your visit, don't miss our selection of beautiful villages around Giverny if you plan to stay more than a day:

The town of Vernon 

A charming town on the banks of the Seine only 5 km from Giverny, famous for its old mill, medieval bridge and half-timbered houses. Also worth seeing: the Alphonse-Georges Poulain museum (also called the Blanche Hoschedé-Monet Museum) which displays works by Monet. Also don't miss the Château de Bizy in Vernon and its 10-hectare wooded park.

La Roche-Guyon

Ranked among the most beautiful villages in France, with its troglodyte castle carved into the cliff, its medieval keep, its sublime gardens and its limestone cliffs. 

Les Andelys

Dominated by the impressive ruins of Château Gaillard, Les Andelys offers a splendid view over the Seine valley. A site to visit between Paris and Rouen. 

The Vexin français Regional Nature Park

A vast protected area of valleys, forests and typical villages. Perfect for walks or bike rides around Giverny.

The town of Évreux 

About 30 minutes away, this Normandy town has a superb Gothic cathedral, a belfry and an art museum, perfect for a cultural excursion.

Mantes-la-Jolie 

Don't miss its Notre-Dame collegiate church, a Gothic masterpiece, and its Seine banks perfect for a stroll.

The town of Gaillon 

Go and visit its Renaissance castle, one of the first in France. It offers a lovely architectural discovery about twenty kilometres from Giverny.

All these sites are easily accessible by car and complement a getaway to Giverny wonderfully. Want to discover more? Take the Eure valley tourist railway! 

Practical information for visiting Giverny

• Getting there from Paris: take the train from Gare Saint-Lazare to Vernon (50 min), then a shuttle or bike (5 km).
  
  
• Ideal period: prefer April to October to see the gardens in bloom (very busy at weekends or school holidays).
  
  
• Recommended duration: allow a full day to enjoy the village and its surroundings in peace.

FAQ: what to do in Giverny 

Here are our answers to your most frequently asked questions 

What to do in Giverny in winter?

As Monet's house and gardens are closed from October to April, many people wonder what to do in Giverny in winter. Even out of season, the region keeps its charm, so enjoy the paths around the village for walks in the fresh air, explore Vernon or La Roche-Guyon .

How can I get to Claude Monet's house?

Claude Monet's house is located in Giverny, Normandy, about 75 km from Paris. The easiest way is to take a train from Gare Saint-Lazare to Vernon-Giverny (45-50 minutes). From there, shuttles, taxis or bike hire let you reach the village (5 km). By car, allow about 1h15 from Paris via the A13. Once there, the house and gardens are in the heart of the village, easily accessible on foot.

What is the best season to visit Giverny and Monet?

The best season to visit Giverny is from spring to autumn, when Monet's gardens are in bloom. From April to June, tulips, irises and wisteria colour the Clos Normand. In summer, the water lilies in the famous pond offer a magical sight. September and October charm with autumn hues and calmer crowds. In winter, the house and gardens are closed, but the village and region keep their peaceful charm.

And that's where our article "What to do in Giverny" ends. We hope all these tips will help you explore the wonders of Giverny and its surroundings, located only 1h30 from Paris. We wish you a lovely getaway in France rich in discoveries, in this magnificent region that is Île-de-France.