Giverny

Giverny is a small village on the Seine in the Eure department, close to the town of Vernon. Claude Monet lived here from 1883 until his death in 1926, and his house and gardens are the reason you come. After he died, the property fell into decline. It was later restored with donations, notably from the American patron Walter Annenberg. Giverny suits garden lovers, Impressionism fans and anyone based in Paris who wants an easy trip into Normandy. You can see it in a day from Paris. If you want the quieter late-afternoon hours, a night in or near the village makes that easier.

What to see in Giverny

Monet’s house and gardens

Monet’s House and Gardens are the heart of any visit. You walk through the painter’s home and then out into the flower garden and the water garden. That is the pond with the lilies he painted again and again. Allow about 90 minutes here.

The site is seasonal. In 2026 it opens from April 1 to November 1 and closes the rest of the year. For daily hours and tickets, see the attraction page or the official Useful information page. Our guide to Monet’s Garden at Giverny covers the gardens in more depth.

Timing your visit

Normandy Tourism recommends a weekday in spring or mid-autumn and suggests arriving in the late afternoon. It names the middle of the day as the busiest time. It also advises avoiding July, August, public holidays, school holidays and weekends with good weather. If your dates are flexible, plan around that advice. Our page on the best time to visit Normandy helps you fit Giverny into a wider trip.

Musée des impressionnismes Giverny

The Musée des impressionnismes Giverny holds temporary exhibitions. In 2026 it hosted a show on the artist Daniel Buren, which runs until November 1, 2026. Entry is free for visitors under 18. Check the museum’s own site for adult tickets and what is on next.

Monet’s grave and the village

Monet is buried at the church of Sainte-Radegonde in Giverny village. Restaurant Baudy, also in the village, was a historic meeting place for artists. It is worth seeing as part of the village’s story even if you don’t eat there.

If Giverny leaves you wanting more, our overview of gardens in Normandy lists other gardens across the region.

Where to stay

You have three sensible options, depending on how you travel.

• In Giverny village. Staying here puts you within walking distance of Monet’s house. You can visit in the late afternoon, when Normandy Tourism advises coming, without worrying about the last shuttle or train.
• In Vernon. Vernon is 5 km from Giverny and has the Vernon-Giverny train station. It works well if you arrive by train and want to reach the village by shuttle, bike or on foot.
• In Rouen. If you are touring Normandy, Rouen is a bigger base with its own sights. Normandy Tourism gives about 40 minutes by train from Rouen Rive Droite to Vernon-Giverny.

You can also stay in Paris and come out for the day. Our Giverny day trip from Paris page walks through that plan.

Getting there

From Paris by train

Trains to Vernon-Giverny leave from Paris Saint-Lazare. SNCF Connect lists 22 trains a day, operated by TER and NOMAD. It gives a fastest journey of 46 minutes and an average of 57 minutes. Normandy Tourism gives about 50 minutes for the same trip. For fares, see the From Paris box above.

Once you reach Vernon-Giverny station, you have four ways to cover the last stretch to Giverny:

• Shuttle bus. It runs from the station from April to November. Boarding depends on available seats, and groups are not carried. See the From Paris box above for the fare.
• Little tourist train. It also runs from the station. Check the operator for prices.
• Bike. Bikes are for hire near Vernon-Giverny station, and the ride takes about 20 minutes.
• On foot. The walk takes about one hour.

Some of these services do not run in winter. If you travel outside the season, check before you go. Our page on getting to Normandy from Paris compares the main train routes.

From other Normandy towns

From Rouen, take the train from Rouen Rive Droite to Vernon-Giverny, about 40 minutes according to Normandy Tourism. Then use the same shuttle, bike or walking options. NOMAD Car bus line 208, which runs between Gisors and Vernon, also serves Giverny.

By car

Driving times here come from OpenStreetMap routing and are estimates without traffic. Rouen is about 59 minutes (70 km) away, and Honfleur about 93 minutes (120 km).

If you drive from Paris, note a closure. The northern tube of the A13 Saint-Cloud tunnel near Paris is shut from November 16, 2026 to the end of August 2027. That is the direction leaving Paris toward Normandy. The other direction stays open. Signed diversions run via the RD910 and RN118, or via the RN13 and A14, and rejoin the A13 further west. Expect longer journeys at some times of day.

From a cruise ship at Le Havre

The drive from the Le Havre cruise terminal takes about 102 minutes without traffic. That makes Giverny a long day from the ship. Our Le Havre cruise port day page covers closer options and how to fit them in.

Getting around

Giverny village is small, and you can walk between Monet’s house, the museum, the church of Sainte-Radegonde and Restaurant Baudy. The longer trips are between the village and Vernon-Giverny station. For those, use the shuttle in season, a hired bike, the little tourist train, NOMAD Car line 208, or the hour-long walk.

You don’t need a car for Giverny itself if you come by train. A car helps if you want to combine Giverny with several other Normandy towns on the same day. If you would rather go without one, see Normandy without a car.

Day trips from Giverny

Rouen

Rouen is the most practical next stop. You can reach it by train from Vernon-Giverny or drive in about 59 minutes. The main sight is Rouen Cathedral, open all year. In 2026 a summer light show plays on the facade from May 29 to September 26. Read more in our Rouen guide.

Honfleur

Honfleur is about 93 minutes (120 km) away by car, which makes for a long day trip.

Back toward Paris

Because Paris Saint-Lazare is less than an hour away by the fastest trains, Giverny also fits at the start or end of a longer Normandy route. For ideas, see things to do in Normandy and our three days in Normandy itinerary.