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How to Get to Giverny

How to Get to Giverny

Giverny France Travel Guide

Air Travel

Major Airports

Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport (CDG) is the largest and busiest airport in France, handling a vast network of international and intercontinental flights. Paris Orly Airport (ORY), south of Paris, mainly serves domestic flights and a large number of European routes. Both offer extensive facilities and services for travelers.

Airport Facilities

  • Numerous shops (duty-free, fashion, electronics).
  • Wide range of restaurants, cafes, and bars.
  • Car rental services and currency exchange.

Flight Information

All major international airlines fly to CDG from global hubs. Many European budget airlines also serve both CDG and ORY. Numerous direct flights are available. Prices fluctuate based on season; peak prices occur during summer and major holidays. Booking several months in advance for high season travel often yields better fares.

Booking & Deals

  • Check flight comparison sites like Skyscanner.
  • Look into services like Dollar Flight Club for alerts.
  • Shoulder seasons (April-May, Sept-Oct) offer a good balance.

From CDG: RoissyBus

An express bus service connecting CDG to Opéra in central Paris, near Gare Saint-Lazare.

From CDG: RER B Train

Most common and direct way to central Paris. Transfer to RER A or Metro Line 14 for Saint-Lazare.

Taxis & Ride-Sharing

Available outside all terminals with fixed rates to central Paris. Subject to traffic.

Transfers to Gare Saint-Lazare

From Charles de Gaulle CDG

  • RER B train to Châtelet-Les Halles, then transfer to RER A or Metro 14.
  • RoissyBus to Opéra (near Saint-Lazare).
  • Taxis and ride-sharing services available.
  • AirHelp for flight issues.

From Orly Airport ORY

  • Orlyval automated shuttle + RER B to central Paris.
  • OrlyBus express service to Denfert-Rochereau.
  • Taxis and ride-sharing services with fixed rates.
  • Allow ample time for transfers, especially during peak hours.

General Air Travel Notes

Flight Availability

Flights to Paris are available year-round. A wide range of flight options exists, from direct non-stop services to connecting flights globally.

Price Fluctuations

Prices fluctuate significantly. Peak prices occur during summer (June-August), major holidays (e.g., Christmas, Easter), and school vacation periods.

Booking Recommendations

Booking your flights several months in advance, especially for high season travel, is recommended for the best fares.

Land Transportation

Train Connections

The most common way to Giverny is by train from Paris. Trains depart from Paris Saint-Lazare station and arrive at Vernon-Giverny station. SNCF (French National Railway) operates these services.

Train Details

  • Route: Paris Saint-Lazare to Vernon-Giverny.
  • Journey Time: Approximately 45-50 minutes.
  • Booking: SNCF Connect website or app in advance.

Self-Driving

Giverny is easily accessible by car from Paris via the A13 motorway. The drive takes approximately 1 hour 15 minutes to 1 hour 30 minutes from central Paris, depending on traffic. This option offers flexibility for exploring the broader Normandy region.

Driving Information

  • Valid driver's license and International Driving Permit (IDP) for non-EU citizens.
  • Rental Options: Hertz, Europcar, Avis, Sixt. Consider DiscoverCars.com.
  • Roads in France are excellent; be aware of speed limits and tolls.

Long-Distance Bus Options

Direct long-distance bus services specifically to Giverny for independent travelers are not common. Most bus options are part of organized day tours from Paris that include Giverny in their itinerary.

Tour Bus Convenience

  • Often combined with other Normandy attractions.
  • Offer convenience with pre-booked tickets.
  • Less flexibility than independent travel.

Sea/River Arrivals

While Giverny is not a coastal destination, some river cruises on the Seine River may offer an indirect approach. These river cruises may dock in nearby towns like Vernon or Les Andelys. From these towns, Giverny is accessible by land transport.

River Cruise Links

  • No direct ferry services or major cruise ports.
  • Docking points like Vernon or Les Andelys.
  • Connections to Giverny from docking towns by taxi or bike.

Important Travel Notes

  • No border crossings when traveling from Paris.
  • Motorcycle/scooter rentals less common in Vernon/Giverny.
  • Immigration procedures at seaports not for direct Giverny visits.
  • No hop-on-hop-off services within Giverny itself.
  • No boat taxis or water transportation directly in Giverny.
  • No cable cars, funiculars, or unique local systems.

Departure Information

Departure Procedures

No specific exit fees or taxes are payable by travelers departing France by air or land. These are typically in your flight or train ticket price. Arrive at Paris airports (CDG or ORY) 2-3 hours before your international flight for check-in, security, and passport control.

Airport Timing

  • 2-3 hours before international flights from Paris.
  • Allows time for check-in and security screening.
  • Includes passport control for Schengen area departures.

Station Departures

For train departures from Vernon-Giverny, arrive at the station 15-20 minutes before your train's scheduled departure. This gives you time to find your platform and board without rush. Vernon-Giverny is a smaller regional station with basic facilities.

Station Facilities

  • Vernon-Giverny station has basic ticket machines and a waiting area.
  • Paris airports (CDG, ORY) offer duty-free shopping, dining, lounges.
  • VAT refund services for eligible non-EU purchases.

No Exit Fees

No specific exit fees or taxes are payable when leaving France.

Timely Arrival

Arrive at airports/stations well in advance of departure times.

Airport Amenities

Paris airports offer full range of departure facilities for travelers.

Travel Tip for Departures

Seamless Departure

For international flights from Paris airports, dedicate sufficient time for check-in, security screening, and passport control. Confirm specific airport recommendations for arrival times, which often exceed two hours for non-Schengen departures.