Best Way to Visit Monet's Garden from Paris – Day Trip Guide

Claude Monet's house and gardens at Giverny are among France's most visited cultural sites — and for good reason. The water lily pond, the Japanese bridge, the explosion of flowers in the Clos Normand — it's the living canvas that inspired some of the world's most famous paintings. Here's everything you need to plan the perfect visit from Paris.

Opening hours & season

The Fondation Claude Monet is open from April 1 to November 1, daily from 9:30am to 6:00pm (last entry at 5:30pm). The gardens are closed during winter. The Musée des Impressionnismes Giverny, located nearby, has its own schedule — check their website for current exhibitions.

Tickets & booking tips

Adult entry costs €11 (€7.50 for children 7–17, free under 7). Online booking is strongly recommended from May through July — tickets can sell out by midday during peak weekends. Book at fondation-monet.com at least 48 hours in advance.

Tip: If you book a private transfer, your driver can drop you right at the entrance, letting you use your timed ticket slot perfectly.

When to visit: the best months

• Late April: Tulips in full bloom, wisteria beginning on the Japanese bridge, fewer crowds
• May–June: Peak season. Wisteria in May, irises and roses in June. Spectacular but crowded.
• July: Water lilies at their prime — the famous Nymphéas scene
• August–September: Dahlias and asters. Still beautiful, noticeably quieter
• October: Autumn colors, very peaceful. Last chance before winter closure.

Best time of day

Morning (9:30–10:30am) is ideal: soft light, fewer visitors, and the gardens feel intimate. Avoid 11am–3pm when tour buses arrive and paths get congested. Late afternoon (after 4pm) is also lovely — golden light and thinning crowds.

What to see at Giverny

The Water Garden

The heart of Giverny. The Japanese bridge draped in wisteria, the water lily pond reflecting clouds and willows — this is where Monet painted his most famous series. Allow at least 45 minutes to explore and photograph.

The Clos Normand

Monet's flower garden is a riot of color arranged with a painter's eye. The central path lined with climbing roses, the geometric beds overflowing with seasonal blooms — every angle is a composition. Plan 30–45 minutes.

Monet's House

Step inside the pink-plastered house to see Monet's blue-tiled kitchen, his collection of Japanese woodblock prints, and his bedroom overlooking the garden. The house visit takes about 20 minutes.

The Village of Giverny

After the gardens, stroll through the charming village. Visit the church where Monet is buried, browse art galleries, and enjoy lunch at one of several excellent restaurants (Le Jardin des Plumes, Les Nymphéas, or the historic Hôtel Baudy where Impressionist painters used to gather).

Suggested day-trip itinerary from Paris

Getting there: your transport options

For a detailed comparison of all transport options, read our complete guide to getting from Paris to Giverny. For a head-to-head breakdown of the two most popular choices, see our train vs car detailed comparison. In short:

• Private transfer: The most comfortable option. Book here.
• Train + shuttle: Budget-friendly but slower and less flexible.
• Airport direct: Coming from CDG or Orly? Read our airport transfer guide.

Practical tips

• Wear comfortable shoes — gravel paths throughout the gardens
• Bring sun protection — little shade in the Clos Normand
• No picnics allowed inside the gardens
• No pets allowed
• Photography is encouraged but tripods are not permitted
• The gift shop has excellent Monet prints and unique souvenirs