Monet's house and gardens at Giverny are a half-day excursion from Rouen. Drive or take the train to Vernon (on the Paris–Rouen line), then a short taxi or shuttle bus to Giverny. The water garden with its Japanese bridge and lily pond, which inspired the Nymphéas series, is extraordinary in May–June. Combine with the Château des Bizy at Vernon (beautiful formal gardens).
Monet's gardens at Giverny are among the most visited natural sites in France, drawing over 600,000 visitors annually to the small Norman village where Claude Monet lived and painted from 1883 until his death in 1926. The gardens — the Clos Normand (kitchen and flower garden) and the Jardin d'Eau (water garden with its lily pond and Japanese bridge) — directly inspired the Nymphéas series of paintings that now hang in the Musée de l'Orangerie in Paris, making a visit to Giverny a pilgrimage for anyone interested in Impressionist art.
From Rouen, the journey to Giverny covers approximately 70 kilometres by car via the D982 along the Seine valley, taking about 1 hour. Alternatively, SNCF trains run from Rouen-Rive-Droite to Vernon (40 minutes, approximately €12 return), from where a seasonal shuttle bus or taxi covers the remaining 5 kilometres to Giverny. The shuttle bus runs from April to October from Vernon station, costing approximately €6 return; taxis cost approximately €12 each way. Outside the shuttle season, a bicycle can be hired at Vernon station (approximately €15 per day) for the flat riverside ride to the village.
Advance booking of Giverny entry tickets is essential — the gardens sell out months in advance in May, June, and September. Tickets can only be purchased online at the Fondation Claude Monet website (giverny.org). Entry costs approximately €12 for adults and includes access to both gardens and Monet's house. The gardens open at 09:30 daily from April through October and close at 18:00; the house closes at 17:30. A morning visit (09:30–12:00) is strongly recommended — afternoon crowds in summer can be substantial.
The Clos Normand flower garden in front of Monet's pink house blazes with colour from late April through October — nasturtiums, geraniums, alliums, and climbing roses line the central allées. The water garden, reached through a small underpass beneath the road, is the more celebrated half. The Japanese bridge draped in wisteria (late April to early May) and the lily pond shimmering with reflections are the direct source imagery for the Nymphéas series. Photography is permitted throughout both gardens.
The nearby town of Vernon, the closest rail stop, has a small medieval quarter worth 30–45 minutes of exploration. The Château des Bizy, a 18th-century château with formal gardens 2 kilometres from Vernon's centre (€9 entry), makes a worthwhile afternoon addition for those with a car. Lunch in Vernon by the Seine bridge before returning to Rouen completes a well-paced day.
Highlights
- Monet's Water Garden (lily pond and Japanese bridge)
- Clos Normand flower garden
- Monet's pink house and studio
- Château de Bizy at Vernon (optional)
Tips for visiting
- Book tickets at giverny.org well in advance — May and June slots sell out months ahead; advance booking is the single most important practical step.
- Take the 08:40 train from Rouen to arrive in Vernon by 09:20, connecting to the shuttle or taxi to reach Giverny for the 09:30 opening.
- The shuttle bus from Vernon station to Giverny runs seasonally (April–October), costs approximately €6 return, and is timed to meet arriving trains.
- Bicycle hire at Vernon station (€15/day) provides the best option in shoulder seasons when the shuttle is not running — the 5km riverside ride is flat and pleasant.
- Allow 2.5–3 hours for the full gardens — 1.5 hours for the Clos Normand and 1 hour for the water garden is a good split.
- The Musée des Impressionnismes Giverny (adjacent to the gardens, €7.50 entry) runs changing exhibitions on Impressionist painting and is worth an hour.
When to visit
Late April to early June is the prime window — the wisteria on the Japanese bridge peaks in late April, the Clos Normand reaches full flower in May, and crowds are lower than the July–August peak. Late September is the second-best period, with dahlias and last summer flowers still in bloom. The gardens are closed November through March.
Accessibility
The Clos Normand has some gravel paths and gentle slopes that can be challenging for wheelchair users, though most areas are navigable. The water garden paths are largely flat but include some narrow sections. Monet's house has steps at the entrance with limited wheelchair access to the ground floor only. Visitors with mobility needs should contact the Fondation Claude Monet in advance to discuss access arrangements.
Frequently asked questions
How do I book tickets for Monet's gardens at Giverny?
Tickets must be booked online at giverny.org (the Fondation Claude Monet website). Walk-in tickets are not sold. Entry costs approximately €12 per adult and includes access to both gardens and Monet's house. Booking as far in advance as possible is strongly recommended — May and June slots sell out months ahead of the visit date.
What is the best time to visit Giverny?
Late April to early June is ideal: the wisteria on the Japanese bridge peaks in late April, the Clos Normand reaches full flower in May, and visitor numbers are lower than in peak summer. Late September and early October offer a beautiful second season with dahlias and autumn light. The gardens close completely November through March.
Can visitors reach Giverny by public transport from Rouen?
Yes — take the train from Rouen-Rive-Droite to Vernon (40 minutes, approximately €12 return), then the seasonal shuttle bus from Vernon station to Giverny (approximately €6 return, April–October). Outside the shuttle season, bicycle hire at Vernon station provides an enjoyable 5km flat ride to the village along the Seine.
Is Monet's house included in the garden ticket?
Yes — the entry ticket (approximately €12 per adult) includes access to both gardens (Clos Normand and Jardin d'Eau) and to Monet's house, including his studio and the famous blue kitchen. The house and studios close at 17:30, thirty minutes before the gardens close.
Are there restaurants in Giverny?
Several cafés and restaurants operate in the village, along with a café within the Fondation Monet grounds. Options are limited and prices are elevated given the tourist draw. Many visitors prefer a picnic lunch in Vernon by the Seine, or eat before departing from Rouen, as the village dining scene does not match its gardens in quality or value.