Nestled in the heart of Normandy, just 75 kilometers west of Paris, lies the enchanting village of Giverny. This picturesque locale, immortalized by the legendary Impressionist painter Claude Monet, has become a pilgrimage site for art enthusiasts and nature lovers from around the world.
At the core of Giverny's allure is the Fondation Claude Monet, comprising the artist's meticulously preserved house and gardens. Visitors can explore:
The pink-and-green house, filled with original furnishings and Monet's collection of Japanese prints
The Clos Normand, a flower garden bursting with color and variety
The iconic water garden, featuring the famous lily ponds and Japanese bridge
While Monet's legacy is paramount, Giverny offers more:
The Musée des Impressionnismes showcases the broader Impressionist movement and its influence
The Church of Sainte-Radegonde, where Monet and his family are buried
The charming Rue Claude Monet, lined with quaint houses, shops, and restaurants
Open season: Late March to early November
Best times: Spring for blossoms, summer for water lilies, autumn for foliage
Ticket prices (2025): Adults €14, children/students €8.50
Recommended visit duration: 1.5 to 2 hours for Monet's property
Book tickets in advance to avoid queues
Consider a guided tour for deeper insights
Explore the village and surrounding area by bike or on foot
Visit early morning to avoid crowds and capture the best light
Giverny offers a unique blend of artistic heritage and natural beauty, making it an ideal day trip from Paris or a standalone destination. Whether you're an art aficionado or simply seeking a serene retreat, Giverny promises an inspiring and refreshing experience that brings the world of Impressionism to life.
You can get from Paris to Vernon-Giverny by train in an average of 1 hour and 7 minutes. The fastest train takes 46 minutes.
On average, the train journey from Paris to Vernon-Giverny takes 1 hour and 7 minutes, and you can count on about 27 trains per day. During weekends and holidays, travel times may be longer.
Claude Monet's house and gardens in Giverny are a major attraction for art and nature lovers, drawing visitors from all over the world to the picturesque village in Normandy. Monet lived in his house in Giverny from 1883 until his death in 1926 and transformed the property into a colorful home surrounded by flower and water gardens that served as daily inspiration.
What to See
Monet's House: Explore the interior of Monet's home, which has been preserved to reflect his life there. The house features a blue lounge, a pantry, and Monet's first studio, restored to resemble its appearance during his time. Upstairs, you can view Monet's bedroom and the bedrooms of Alice and Blanche Hoschedé-Monet. The dining room showcases a collection of Japanese prints on yellow walls, and the kitchen displays blue Rouen tiles and copper utensils.
Clos Normand Garden: Right outside Monet's kitchen is the Clos Normand, a flower garden filled with a variety of seasonal flowers5. The garden is designed to offer a vibrant display throughout the seasons, with tulips, daffodils, and forget-me-nots blooming in the spring and rhododendrons and wisteria in May.
The Water Garden: Shifting the course of a stream, Monet created a water garden complete with lily ponds1. This garden led to his famous Water Lilies paintings.
Planning Your Visit
Hours: Monet's house and gardens are open daily from 9:30 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. between April 1 and November 17. The last admission is at 5:30 p.m.
Tickets: Advance tickets are highly recommended and can be purchased online from March 2025. In 2025, standard admission is 14.00 euros for adults, 8.50 euros for children and students, and 7.50 euros for disabled visitors. Admission is free for children under 7.
Guided Tours: Parisian Private tours offers an intimate experience in Giverny with departure from Paris by train. You will commute exactly in the same way as Monet and the impressionist painters were doing, as they were always in search of inspiration in the majestic scenery of the French countryside.
Duration: A self-guided visit typically takes around 1.5 to 2 hours.
Accessibility: The house and gardens are accessible to visitors with disabilities, with reduced admission fees available.
Important Information
Picnics, painting, and drawing are not allowed on the property.
There is no luggage storage available.
Pets are not allowed.
Visiting Monet's house and gardens offers a unique opportunity to step into the world of the famous Impressionist and see the landscapes that inspired his art
