Nestled in the countryside of Normandy, France, the town of Giverny holds a treasure that has enchanted visitors for over a century: the home and gardens of Claude Monet. Famed as the father of Impressionism, Monet transformed a simple country estate into a living masterpiece full of color, texture, and light. Stepping foot into his domain today feels like entering one of his iconic paintings. Let's explore Monet’s Home and Gardens in Giverny together.
Practical Information
Our exploration begins with practical information and tips to help guide you to Giverny as our starting point.
Location - Maison et Jardins de Claude Monet, 84 Rue Claude Monet, 27620 Giverny, France.
Opening - Generally late March to early November. Check Fondation Claude Monet for current schedules and ticketing information.
Getting There from Paris -
By Car – Depending on your departure location in Paris, take the A13, A14, or A15 to connect with the A13, which will take you to Giverny. Parking is readily available around the House and Gardens.
By Train - Take the train from Saint-Lazare station to Vernon, which takes between 45 minutes and 1 hour. Note: Giverny does not have a train station, so to get from Vernon to Giverny, you’ll have several options:
• Giverny Tourist Train – A small open-air choo-choo train that operates to and from Monet’s House and Gardens at various times throughout the day. At the time of publishing, the cost is 5 euros each way.
• Taxi -Local taxis typically sit outside the train station, or you can call a local taxi company for a ride. The cost is about 20 euros.
• Uber/Bolt - Using these apps, you can request a car to drive you from the train station or anywhere in Vernon to Monet’s House and Gardens.
• Walking - From Vernon to Monet’s House and Gardens is possible on a well-maintained gravel pathway marked by signs “Musees de Giverny.” Allow yourself at least 1 hour and 15 minutes for this 3.5-mile (5.5 km) walk.
• Cycling – You can rent bicycles (traditional and electric) at the Vernon train station and bike along the gravel path to Monet’s House. Additional rental shops are located near the train station.
• Tours - Guided tours are also available directly from Paris and from the Vernon train station. Viator offers an array of tours to suit your wants and needs.
Recommended Visit Duration – We recommend a minimum of 2 hours, but suggest 3 to 4 hours for a leisurely exploration of Monet’s house, both gardens, and the adjacent Museum of Impressionism. You can easily make Giverny a day-long expedition with the Monet House and Gardens, walking to and from the train station, and enjoying a meal at one of the many Vernon establishments.
Highlights of the House and Gardens
Claude Monet moved to Giverny in 1883, settling in a former farmhouse. Over the next 43 years, he transformed the property into a world-renowned center of art and horticulture. The estate features two distinct gardens: the Clos Normand, located in front of the house, and the Japanese water garden, situated across the road (visitors pass the road through a pedestrian tunnel).
The Clos Normand is laid out in bold color combinations and features carefully structured flowerbeds filled with seasonal blooms, including tulips, irises, poppies, and dahlias.
Across the road, the water garden, created by diverting a branch of the Ru River, features a pond edged with bamboo, weeping willows, and water lilies, and is crossed by an arched wooden bridge in the Japanese style. This garden inspired Monet’s famous Water Lilies series, which he painted from the 1890s until he died in 1926.
Visitors to Monet’s house will find a pink and green façade and interiors preserved to reflect Monet’s daily life and artistic influences. The house contains several original rooms, including the sunny yellow dining room and the blue-tiled kitchen. Monet’s personal collection of over 200 Japanese ukiyo-e woodblock prints is displayed throughout the home, illustrating his admiration for Japanese art and culture. His studio, reconstructed from archival photos, showcases reproductions of some of his most iconic works.
The non-profit Fondation Claude Monet now maintains the estate and welcomes hundreds of thousands of visitors annually, offering a vivid glimpse into the home and creative environment of one of France’s most influential Impressionist painters.
Seasonal Highlights: When to Visit
Monet’s garden transforms dramatically with the seasons, encouraging return visits and rewarding patient exploration. Go during whichever season you’re visiting, and the grounds are open. If you are fortunate to live in the area or return to the region, revisit the grounds to experience the differences the seasons afford.
Spring (April–May) – Forsythia, cherry blossoms, and tulips burst in the Clos Normand, and young shoots promise summer’s bounty. Early spring light is soft and cool, making it ideal for photographers seeking pastel palettes.
Summer (June–August) - The garden reaches peak vibrancy as roses climb trellises, delphiniums and hollyhocks tower, and water lilies bloom abundantly. Plan to visit early in the day to avoid crowds (and heat) and capture gentle morning light. Our first visit was in early June. And while absolutely stunning with bright blooms abounding, the grounds were also quite crowded.
Autumn (September–October) - Dahlias, asters, and chrysanthemums offer a finale of jewel-like tones. Golden light deepens foliage hues, and the gardens possess a mellow charm. Cooler temperatures make strolls more leisurely, with fewer visitors in late October.
Winter (Closed Season) - Monet’s Gardens closes in winter, but glimpses of structure, the bare shapes of willows, and the form of the bridge hint at the beauty to arise in spring’s bloom.
Check the official Fondation Claude Monet website for exact opening dates and ticket reservations, as schedules vary from year to year.
Visiting Tips
To make the most of your visit to Monet’s House and Gardens, we offer you some tips to help you enjoy your experience to the fullest.
Book in Advance - The popularity of Giverny means tickets often sell out in high season. Reserve online to secure your preferred date and entry time. You can purchase your tickets directly through the Maison et Jardins Claude Monet website or one of the tour operators.
Arrive Early - Aim to begin your visit at opening time to enjoy the garden before the peak crowds arrive (typically early afternoon). The morning light also enhances colors and reflections, which is excellent for photography.
Bring Comfortable Shoes - Gravel paths and gentle slopes abound on Monet’s grounds, so comfortable walking shoes are essential to ensure you can fully explore both gardens. Leave the heels at home.
Respect the Space -The gardens are living artworks. Avoid touching plants or straying off paths. No picking of flowers! Photography without flash inside Monet’s House is encouraged, and drones are prohibited in the gardens. Please leave your furry friends at home, as pets are not allowed.
Leave Your Luggage in Paris – Luggage is not permitted on the grounds, and there is no storage available on-site. Leave your luggage in a storage locker in your hotel, at the Saint Lazare Station, or in the trunk of your car. If you must bring luggage with you, services such as Nannybag offer storage options in Vernon.
Visit the Museum - Adjacent to Monet’s home is the Musée des Impressionnismes Giverny, which presents rotating exhibitions that deepen our understanding of Impressionism and Monet’s legacy.
Guided or Self-Guided - Audio guides and guided tours offer rich context about Monet’s process, while independent exploration lets you linger at your own pace.
Nearby Dining - After your visit, take a stroll around Giverny or Vernon to discover the local culinary specialties, including ciders, cheeses, honey, and fresh bread. A riverside picnic or apero with market finds or a special edible souvenir adds a touch of local flavor.
Seasonal Attire - Normandy weather can shift quickly. Layers and a light rain jacket are recommended during spring and autumn to ensure comfort. A wide-brimmed hat and ample sunscreen protect from the summer sun. During autumn, a scarf adds warmth from the chilly weather.
Combine with Seine Cruises or Cycling - Many travelers pair Giverny with a scenic Seine River cruise or a cycling excursion through Normandy villages, creating a rich regional itinerary.
Enjoy Vernon - Vernon is a charming and quaint French town with numerous local eateries and shops. On a warm spring or summer’s day, you can enjoy a beverage outdoors while waiting for the return train to Paris, stay for dinner, or walk around to explore. We particularly enjoyed the cafes and bars along Place Charles de Gaulle, as well as the Cookie Cat Cafe on Rue d’Albufera.
Final Reflections: A Journey in Color and Light
Monet’s Home and Garden in Giverny remain timeless destinations because they embody the heart of Impressionism. Monet’s grounds are an invitation to observe, to feel, and to celebrate the ephemeral. From the riotous blooms of the Clos Normand to the serene reflections of the water garden, every corner offers a lesson in color, texture, and light.
As you plan your journey, let anticipation be part of the fun. Envision stepping through the rosy façade into Monet’s house, inhaling the scent of flowers warmed by the sun, and pausing on the Japanese bridge as water lilies drift before you.
Whether you are a seasoned traveler or a first-time visitor, Monet’s Giverny promises a rich tapestry of experiences that stay with you long after you return home.
So, pack your camera, your curiosity, and your sense of wonder. Giverny awaits, and Monet’s living masterpiece beckons you to discover its ever-changing magic.
Bon voyage et belles découvertes!