Paris to Giverny: The Complete Step-by-Step Guide
Direct train from Paris-Saint-Lazare, driving the A13, or a guided tour — everything you need to reach Monet's gardens in a day.
Giverny, the village where Claude Monet lived and painted his famous water lilies, is one of the most popular day trips from Paris — and for good reason. The gardens are just 75 km northwest of the capital, reachable by a scenic train ride along the Seine valley in well under an hour.
This guide walks through the direct train from Paris-Saint-Lazare to Vernon, the shuttle bus onward to Giverny, driving the A13 yourself, and joining a guided tour — with realistic timings, prices, and ticket tips.
Quick comparison: your options from Paris
| Option | Time (one way) | Cost (one way, per person) | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| 🚆 Train Paris → Vernon + shuttle | ≈45–60 min | €15–25 | No car, scenic route |
| 🚗 Driving (A13) | ≈1 hour (75 km) | €10–12 tolls + fuel | Flexibility, combining stops |
| 🎟️ Guided tour | ≈1 hour | €70–110 | Zero planning, guided context |
Option 1: Train from Paris-Saint-Lazare to Vernon, then shuttle
The classic route to Giverny starts with a train from Paris-Saint-Lazare to Vernon–Giverny station, on the main Paris–Rouen–Le Havre line.
Step by step
- Paris-Saint-Lazare → Vernon–Giverny — Direct trains take about 45 minutes on the fastest services (some all-stops trains take up to 1 hour). Trains run roughly every hour; check live times at SNCF Connect. A one-way ticket costs around €12–18.
- Vernon station → Giverny — A shuttle bus timed to meet incoming trains covers the 5 km to Giverny in about 15 minutes (€10 return). Cycling (rental bikes available at the station) or a taxi (€15–20) are good alternatives.
- Giverny gardens — Monet's house and gardens are a short walk from the shuttle stop. Book your timed entry online in advance, especially for weekends.
Recommended schedule: Take an early train (08:00–09:00) from Paris-Saint-Lazare, arrive at the gardens for opening (10:00), explore for 2–3 hours, then catch an early-afternoon shuttle and train back to be in central Paris by mid-afternoon.
🚆 Booking tip
Buy your SNCF ticket and reserve a shuttle bus slot in advance during peak season (May–July). The shuttle can queue up at Vernon station when several trains arrive close together.
Option 2: Driving from Paris via the A13
Giverny is an easy self-drive from Paris:
- Take the A13 motorway towards Rouen/Caen
- Exit at Vernon (exit 16)
- Follow the D5 to Giverny — about 75 km, roughly 1 hour total
Parking is available at the main Giverny car park (payant, around €6–8 for the day). Arrive early in summer — the lot fills up by mid-morning.
🚗 Combine with Rouen
If you're heading on to the Armada in Rouen, Giverny sits almost directly on the A13 route — continue another 45 minutes north to reach the tall ships. See our Paris to Rouen guide.
Option 3: Guided tour from Paris
Numerous operators run half-day and full-day tours from central Paris to Giverny, often combined with Rouen or the Normandy coast. These typically include hotel or central pickup, round-trip transport, and skip-the-line garden tickets.
GivernyMonet's Home & Gardens — Half-Day Trip
From Paris to Monet's house and gardens with an expert guide. Round-trip transport included.
from €74 — Book on GetYourGuide →
GivernyMonet's House & Gardens — Guided Tour
Licensed local guide through Monet's home, the water-lily garden and the Japanese bridge.
from €69 — Book on GetYourGuide →
GivernyGiverny Village Walking Tour
Stroll the village that inspired the Impressionists and enter Monet's garden direct.
from €75 — Book on GetYourGuide →Check our tours page for more recommended operators and booking links.
Tickets, prices & opening hours
The Fondation Claude Monet gardens are open daily from 1 April to 1 November, 10:00–18:00, last admission 17:30. The gardens close for winter maintenance outside this window.
| Ticket | Price |
|---|---|
| Adult | ≈€13–14 |
| Child (7–17) | ≈€7 |
| Under 7 | Free |
Book your timed-entry slot online at fondation-monet.com — slots sell out on summer mornings.
Practical tips
- Best day to go: Tuesday to Friday. Mondays are busiest, since many Paris museums are closed and tourists head to Giverny instead.
- What to bring: Comfortable shoes for gravel paths, water, a hat in summer heat, and your camera.
- Combine with Rouen: If you're visiting the Armada 2027, Giverny makes a natural stop on the way — see our Paris to Rouen guide.
More Armada travel guides: Paris to Rouen · Paris to Étretat · Paris to Honfleur · Paris to Deauville · All day trips
Article published 17 July 2026 by the Armada Rouen Visitor Guide team.
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