Giverny Travel Guide

Giverny is a beautiful French town that offers natural beauty, art, culture and fun activities. Discover the best places to visit, stay and eat in Giverny with our comprehensive guide.


Introduction to Giverny

Giverny is a charming small town situated in Upper Normandy, France, that is known for its beautiful gardens and its rich culture. Located only 80 km from Paris, this little town offers an escape from the hustle and bustle of big cities while still providing visitors with an array of activities to keep them busy. Giverny is steeped in history, art, gardens and outdoor activities that can be enjoyed by visitors all year round. This comprehensive guide will help you explore the best of what Giverny has to offer.

List of Places to Visit in Giverny

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

  1. Claude Monet’s House and Gardens: Claude Monet, the founder of Impressionism, spent the last years of his life in Giverny. He used his gardens as inspiration for his paintings, and his house and garden have now been preserved as a museum for visitors to tour.
  2. Musée des Impressionnismes Giverny: This museum is dedicated to showcasing the works of Impressionist artists and their impact on art history.
  3. Church of Sainte Radegonde: This ancient church has been around for over 800 years and features impressive architecture and stained glass windows.

Natural Attractions of Giverny: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

  1. Gardens of Claude Monet: These stunning gardens were the inspiration for some of Monet’s most famous paintings. With water lilies, ponds, bridges, and beautiful flowers, the gardens are a true treasure.
  2. Seine River: While in Giverny, take a walk or a bike ride along the Seine River and enjoy the peaceful views of the countryside.
  3. Les Andelys: This town is located a short distance away from Giverny and features a beautiful old castle and lovely views of the Seine.

Hiking/Biking Routes of Giverny

  1. Les Andelys Loop: This is an excellent cycling route that takes you through the beautiful countryside and along the Seine.
  2. Hiking in the Vexin Regional Park: The park features numerous hiking trails that offer scenic views of the region and a chance to see the local flora and fauna up close.

Best Things to Do in Giverny: Activities and Tours

  1. Giverny Gardens Bike Tour
  2. Giverny Monet’s House & Gardens Skip-the-Line Tour
  3. Painting Classes in Giverny
  4. Giverny and Monet guided tour from Le Havre

Week-Long Itinerary for Giverny

Day Itinerary
Day 1 Visit Claude Monet’s House and Gardens
Day 2 Take a bike tour of the region
Day 3 Visit the Musée des Impressionnismes Giverny
Day 4 Hike in the Vexin Regional Park
Day 5 Take a day trip to Les Andelys
Day 6 Take a painting class in Giverny
Day 7 Relax and enjoy the local food and drinks in Giverny

Food and Drink Scene of Giverny

Must-Try Dishes

  1. Escargots de Bourgogne: A traditional French dish made with snails cooked in garlic butter.
  2. Boeuf Bourguignon: A classic French beef stew made with red wine.
  3. Crème Brûlée: A rich and creamy dessert made with custard and caramelized sugar.

Local Beverages

  1. Calvados: An apple brandy that is produced in the region.
  2. Normandy Cider: A refreshing and slightly sweet apple cider that is produced in the region.

Where to Stay in Giverny: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

  1. Le Jardin des Plumes: A luxurious hotel located in the heart of Giverny, with picturesque views of Monet’s Garden.
  2. Les Rouges Gorges: A charming bed and breakfast that offers a peaceful and relaxing experience for visitors.
  3. L’hôtel Normandy: A cozy and welcoming hotel that offers comfortable accommodation and traditional French breakfast.

What to Buy in Giverny: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

  1. Monet’s Art Prints: Get a Monet’s print of a famous painting.
  2. Local Cider, Jam, and Cheese: These locally produced specialties are the perfect souvenir for foodies.
  3. Traditional pottery made in Normandy.

Local Culture and Customs of Giverny

Normandy is known for its cider, cheese, and beautiful landscapes, and Giverny is no different. Local customs and traditions are preserved together with the town’s rich history, including the craftsmanship of pottery.

Best Time to Visit Giverny

The best time to visit Giverny is in spring, from March to May, when the gardens are in full bloom, and the weather mild. Autumn is also a good time to visit, from September to November, when the crowds have dispersed and the foliage is at its most beautiful.

Do’s and Don’ts of Giverny

Do:

  1. Visit Monet’s House and Gardens
  2. Wear comfortable shoes for walking around town and the gardens.
  3. Learn some French before visiting.

Don’t:

  1. Touch the flowers in Monet’s Garden.
  2. Be loud or disruptive when visiting the historic sites.
  3. Leave rubbish around the town or gardens.

Safety and Health

Safety in Giverny

Giverny is a safe and peaceful town, but visitors should still take standard safety precautions, such as keeping an eye on their belongings and avoiding walking alone at night.

Health in Giverny

There are no specific health risks associated with visiting Giverny. However, visitors should ensure they have travel insurance and be aware of any pre-existing medical conditions before traveling.

Getting to Giverny: Transportation Options and Logistics

Airports Near Giverny

The nearest airport to Giverny is Rouen Airport, which is around 55 km away. Charles De Gaulle Airport is the nearest international airport, about 100 km from Giverny.

Bus Stations Near Giverny

There is no direct bus service that connects Giverny to other destinations, but visitors can use Bus Verts de Normandie to get to the nearest train station in Vernon.

Other Options

The best way to get to Giverny is by car or train. Visitors can take a train from Paris to Vernon, and from there, it is only a short bus or taxi ride to Giverny.

How to Get Around in Giverny

The best way to get around Giverny is by walking or cycling. Bikes can be rented in town for visitors to explore the surrounding areas with ease.

Where to Go Next from Giverny: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

  1. Rouen: The historic capital of Normandy, which features medieval architecture, art museums, and lively markets.
  2. Étretat: A stunning coastal town located on the English Channel famous for its Cliffs and white pebble beaches.
  3. Paris: The stunning city of light, known for its gastronomical scene, art museums, and romantic trips on the river Seine.

Conclusion

Giverny is a hidden gem in France that deserves more recognition for its rich cultural and natural beauty. Whether you are a fan of art, nature, or history, this charming French town has something to offer you. Take your time, explore the town, and enjoy all the fantastic activities and sights that Giverny has to offer.

Painting by Claude Monet - Water Lily Pond with Japanese Bridge in Giverny Painting by Claude Monet - Water Lily Pond with Japanese Bridge in Giverny Monet's House Monet's House