Nearby Destinations Re-cap: Giverny

Nearby Locations

Vernon: Closest town, 5 km (3 miles) from Giverny. Explore Collegiate Church of Notre-Dame and the Old Mill. Wander medieval streets, local shops, and restaurants.

Rouen: Historic capital of Normandy, ~1 hr by train from Vernon or 1.5 hrs drive from Giverny. Famous Gothic cathedral, medieval old town, Gros Horloge, Place du Vieux Marché. Musée des Beaux-Arts for art collection.

More Local Sites

Les Andelys (Château Gaillard): Picturesque town, ~30-40 mins drive from Giverny. Ruins of Château Gaillard, sweeping views of Seine Valley.
La Roche-Guyon: "Most Beautiful Village of France," ~15 mins drive from Giverny. Unique cliffside château, caves, Seine views.
Vernon: Half-day. Rouen: Full day. Les Andelys/La Roche-Guyon: Half-day to full-day.

Transportation & Tours

Options for getting around and experiencing day trips, from organized tours to independent travel.

Accessible Locations Transport

Vernon: Shuttle bus from Giverny, bicycle along "voie verte," taxi, or walk. Rouen: Train from Vernon-Giverny station. Les Andelys and La Roche-Guyon: Best by car; public transport is limited.

Organized Tours vs. Independent Travel

Many operators offer combined day trips to Giverny, often with Rouen.
Tours: Convenience, pre-booked tickets, guided commentary.
Tours: Less flexibility, set itineraries.
Independent travel: More flexibility, set your own pace, explore hidden gems.

Explore and book day trips through GetYourGuide Day Trips.

Natural Escapes Recap

The area around Giverny holds opportunities to experience Normandy's natural beauty. Parc Naturel Régional des Boucles de la Seine Normande (west of Giverny) encompasses diverse landscapes.

Activities and Seasonal Phenomena

Offers hiking, cycling, birdwatching, and tranquil riverine landscapes.
Spring: Apple orchards covered in white and pink blossoms.
October: Trees display warm autumn colors.

Cultural Excursions Recap

Beyond Impressionist sites, other historical and cultural points of interest are nearby.

Historical Sites & Villages

Château de Bizy: Near Vernon, neoclassical château with French-style gardens.
Rural Villages and Agricultural Areas: Traditional stone houses, small churches, local farms.
No major pilgrimage sites directly associated with Giverny.
Check official websites for visitor information and hours.

Multi-Day Extensions Recap

For longer stays, combine Giverny with a wider exploration of Normandy.

Extended Itinerary Ideas

Normandy Coast: D-Day Landing Beaches, Honfleur, Deauville, Trouville.
Mont Saint-Michel: A medieval abbey on a tidal island.
Suggested loop: Paris to Giverny/Vernon, then Rouen, Honfleur/Deauville, Bayeux/D-Day Beaches, Mont Saint-Michel.
Return to Paris or continue to another region of France.

Budget-Based Plans Recap

Adjust your travel choices to fit your budget, from backpacking to luxury experiences.

Backpacker

Stay in budget hotel/hostel in Vernon. Pack picnic lunches. Train to Vernon, then walk/cycle to Giverny. Focus on Monet's House, enjoy free village activities.

Mid-Range

Stay in mid-range B&B/hotel. Dine at casual to mid-range restaurants (look for "formule midi"). Train and shuttle/bike/taxi. Visit Monet's House & Musée des Impressionnismes.

Luxury

Stay in high-end boutique B&B. Enjoy fine dining. Private transfers or premium train. Private guided tours, painting workshops.

Final Tip:

Tailor your trip duration and activities to your interests and available time.

Itinerary Suggestions Re-cap

Summary of suggested itineraries for different durations and interests.

Weekend Getaway 2-3 Days

A comprehensive visit to Giverny and nearby Vernon.

Day-by-Day Outline

Day 1: Arrive Vernon, check in. Visit Monet's House and Gardens (2-3 hrs). Dinner in Giverny/Vernon.
Day 2: Musée des Impressionnismes Giverny (1.5-2 hrs). Explore Giverny village (galleries, shops, Monet's grave). Walk/cycle to Vernon, explore old town. Dinner in Vernon.
Day 3 (Optional): Day trip to Les Andelys/Château Gaillard, La Roche-Guyon (by car), or Rouen (by train). Depart Vernon.
Consider booking experience components through GetYourGuide.

This itinerary balances main attractions with local charm.

One-Week Comprehensive Experience

A full week allows for a exploration of the wider Normandy region.

Regional Expansion

Days 1-2: Giverny and Vernon, as per weekend getaway.
Days 3-7: Expand to other parts of Normandy: Rouen (1 day).
Honfleur and Deauville/Trouville (1-2 days).
Mont Saint-Michel (1 day, possibly overnight).

Interest-Based Routes Recap

Tailor your Giverny visit to specific interests.

Historical & Heritage

Monet's House, Église Sainte-Radegonde.
Vernon's Collegiate Church & Old Mill.
Day trips: Rouen, Les Andelys, Château de Bizy.

Food & Culinary

Local restaurants for Norman specialties.
Vernon's local market.
Cider farm or Calvados distillery visits.

Art & Architecture Emphasis

Immerse yourself in artistic and architectural wonders.

Highlights

Monet's House and Gardens.
Musée des Impressionnismes Giverny.
Small art galleries in Giverny village.
Rouen Cathedral (Monet painted it many times) and its Musée des Beaux-Arts.

Family-Friendly Itinerary

Plan a trip that caters to all family members.

Family Activities

Gardens captivate children; Monet's house may be less interesting for very young ones.
Rent bikes in Vernon and cycle the flat "voie verte" to Giverny.
Vacation rentals with more space and kitchen facilities recommended.
Consider a boat trip on the Seine from Vernon if available.

-Hour Layover Highlights Recap

Not Applicable for Giverny

Giverny requires at least a full day trip from Paris due to travel time and the scope of its main attractions. It is not suitable for a brief layover.

Recommendation for Layover

For a short layover, consider exploring attractions directly in Paris.

Customized Travel:

Design your Giverny experience based on your specific interests and available time for a memorable journey.

Nearby Destinations Re-cap