In this timelessly charming village, the light is like nowhere else, in the words of the master of Impressionism, Claude Monet…
Our advice
When is the best time to visit Giverny?
Visit at off-peak times
To get the most out of the village, we recommend visiting Giverny on a weekday in spring or mid-autumn. Late afternoons tend to be quieter in the village and gardens.
If you have the opportunity, you can also spend the night in Giverny or the surrounding area to make the post of the village at sunrise and sunset.
Plan your visit
We recommend that you book your tickets online in advance of your visit to Giverny if you wish to visit Claude Monet’s house and gardens.
Giverny’s unmissable sites
01
Claude Monet’s house and gardens
The home of the Master of Impressionism has retained the colours, furniture, Japanese prints and china that Monet so loved. Facing the house and studio, the Clos Normand walled garden displays a breath-taking palette of flowers and colours. The water garden, with its Japanese bridge, water lilies, wisteria and azaleas instantly bring to mind the brilliant interpretations of them painted by Monet time and again. French President Georges Clemenceau, a friend of Monet, once rightly declared that Monet’s gardens counted among his masterpieces.
02
Musée des impressionnismes Giverny
The main aim of this art museum is to promote the international nature of the Impressionist Movement, paying particular attention to the Giverny colony and the artists of the Seine Valley. The museum also traces the history of Impressionism and Post-Impressionism, and highlights their influence on subsequent movements in the 20th century.
03
Hôtel Baudy
When Monet was alive, artists including the likes of Cézanne and Rodin poured into Giverny to get close to the Master of Impressionism. Many stayed at this boarding house, which became a place frequented by artistic legends. The Ancien Hôtel Baudy is now a café and restaurant.
Near Giverny
04
The Old Mill in Vernon
Floods of tourists heading for Giverny pass through the pretty historic town of Vernon on the banks of the River Seine. Vernon boasts a particularly picturesque old mill, overlooking the river.
Vernon’s Old Mill
05
The Blanche Hoschedé-Monet Museum in Vernon
This fine arts museum holds some interesting pieces including a few lesser-known paintings by Claude Monet himself.
Musée Blanche Hoschédé-Monet
06
The Château de Bizy in Vernon
Discover this beautiful château, built in 1740 by its illustrious owners, and its extensive 20 hectare wooded park.
Château de Bizy
07
Eure Valley Railway
Combine your visit to Giverny and Vernon with a ride on a 19th-century railway train, and enjoy a scenic tour of the Eure Valley.
Eure Valley Railway
10 ways to discover Giverny differently
- Get creative in one of the many art galleries and small boutiques in the heart of the village.
- Wander along the half-timbered facades of the medieval quarter.
- Listen to the roar of old steam engines at the Musée de la Mécanique Naturelle.
- Take a gourmet break at the Coin du Pain’tre, a quirky traditional bakery.
- In fine weather, try an authentic local cider by the water at the Guinguette de Giverny.
- Sit at the same table as Cézanne, Rodin, Renoir and Sisley at the Ancien Hôtel Baudy.
- Sample gourmet Norman cuisine from Michelin-starred chef David Gallienne at the Jardin des Plumes.
- Walk the Sentiers des Coteaux de Giverny, 2 easy 5km walks: the Astragale and the Lézard Vert (start behind the Town Hall).
- Cycle along the Seine on the route linking Paris to Honfleur, Deauville and Le Havre.
- Pay your respects at Claude Monet’s grave in the local cemetery or at the British Airmen’s Memorial.
Giverny by bike
- Giverny lies on the Seine à Vélo cycle route, a 520km route linking Paris to Honfleur, Deauville and Le Havre.
- The village is easily accessible by bike from Vernon-Giverny station (5 km away). Bikes can be hired near the train station.