France
Vernon: The closest town, just 5 kilometers (3 miles) from Giverny. Explore the Collegiate Church of Notre-Dame, a beautiful Gothic church. Visit the Old Mill (Vieux Moulin), a picturesque half-timbered mill built on a bridge over the Seine. Wander through its charming medieval streets, browse local shops, and enjoy a meal in a local restaurant. This location blends history, local life, and amenities, a practical complement to Giverny's artistic focus.
Rouen: The historic capital of Normandy, approximately 1 hour by train from Vernon or 1.5 hours drive from Giverny. Famous for its stunning Gothic cathedral. Explore the medieval old town with its half-timbered houses, the Gros Horloge (a large astronomical clock), and the Place du Vieux Marché, where Joan of Arc was executed. Visit the Musée des Beaux-Arts for an impressive art collection. Rouen offers rich history, impressive architecture, and a lively city atmosphere.
Explore various ways to reach nearby locations from Giverny, from convenient tours to independent travel.
Vernon: Reachable by shuttle bus from Giverny, bicycle along the "voie verte," taxi, or a walk. Rouen: Best by train from Vernon-Giverny station. Direct trains run frequently. Les Andelys and La Roche-Guyon: Best by car. Public transport connections are limited.
Train to Vernon and local transport: Travel to Vernon by train, then use the shuttle, bicycle, or a car to Giverny and other sites.
The area around Giverny holds opportunities to experience the natural beauty of Normandy.
Parc Naturel Régional des Boucles de la Seine Normande lies west of Giverny. It encompasses diverse forests, wetlands, and Seine River loops.
The park offers hiking, cycling, birdwatching, and riverine landscapes. Interpretive trails and viewpoints are available. It contrasts with Giverny's manicured gardens, presenting wilder, natural beauty.
Spring brings apple blossoms in orchards. October presents warm autumn colors in trees around Giverny and the regional park.
Giverny is inland. For beaches, travel further north to the Normandy coast (e.g., Honfleur, Deauville).
The regional park and surrounding countryside offer picturesque views and varied terrain for outdoor activities.
For those with more than a day or two, combine your Giverny visit with further exploration of Normandy.
Extend your trip to explore the historic D-Day Landing Beaches (Omaha Beach, Utah Beach, etc.), sites of World War II history.
From Giverny, travel to other parts of Normandy for continued exploration of its diverse history, culture, and landscapes.
An example route for a comprehensive Normandy experience.
Continue your journey through Normandy, encountering diverse historical and cultural sites.
Expand your Giverny trip into a exploration of Normandy's diverse offerings.
Visit the deeply moving sites of World War II history.
Explore Honfleur for its picturesque harbor or Deauville for elegant resorts.
Experience the awe-inspiring medieval abbey and village.
Giverny is often a day trip, but longer stays open possibilities for wider exploration.
Arrive in Vernon by train. Check into accommodation. Visit Claude Monet's House and Gardens (2-3 hours). Enjoy dinner in Giverny or Vernon.
Visit the Musée des Impressionnismes Giverny (1.5-2 hours). Explore Giverny village (galleries, shops, Église Sainte-Radegonde). Walk or cycle to Vernon, explore its old town. Dinner in Vernon.
Optional day trip: drive to Les Andelys (Château Gaillard), La Roche-Guyon, or train to Rouen for a few hours. Depart from Vernon.
Monet's House, Église Sainte-Radegonde, Vernon's Collegiate Church & Old Mill. Day trips to Rouen (Gothic cathedral, medieval old town), Les Andelys (Château Gaillard), Château de Bizy.
Local restaurants in Giverny/Vernon for Norman specialties (Tarte Tatin, Camembert, apple/cream dishes). Visit Vernon's local market. Regional cider farm or Calvados distillery for tastings.
Monet's House & Gardens, Musée des Impressionnismes Giverny, village art galleries. Vernon's Collegiate Church & Old Mill architecture. Rouen Cathedral (Monet painted), Musée des Beaux-Arts.
