Giverny at Opening Time: Monet's House & Gardens

The water-lily pond at opening time, before the coaches, with each view next to the painting it became.

Quick Overview

• Your group only (up to 6 people)
• Duration: About 6.5 hours, from Paris and back
• What we see: The Clos Normand, the water garden and Japanese bridge, Monet's house and yellow dining room, the village
• What's special: The first entry of the day: soft light, a quiet bridge, and the garden as Monet saw it
• Season: April to October (the gardens close in winter)
• Travel: By train with me from Saint-Lazare to Vernon, then the shuttle
• Pace: Unhurried, and shaped around what you love
• Languages: English; ask if you need another language
• Best for: Monet lovers, garden lovers, couples
• Your guide: Me, a state-licensed guide-conférencier with a background in French art history

The Experience

Giverny is magical early in the morning and very busy by eleven. So we take an early train from Saint-Lazare and arrive for the first entry, when the light is soft and the Japanese bridge is still quiet.

We walk the Clos Normand, planted like a painter's palette, then the water garden with its willows and lilies, and I'll show you each view beside the painting it became. Then Monet's house, his yellow dining room and his collection of Japanese prints.

We finish in the village at Monet's grave, with time for lunch before the train back. You'll be in Paris by mid-afternoon, with the rest of the day still yours.

Route & Walking Info

• Distance: 3 to 4 km on foot
• Terrain: Garden paths, gravel, narrow stairs in the house
• Pace: Whatever feels good to you. We take breaks when we need them.
• Accessibility: If you need to avoid stairs or long walks, tell me before booking and I'll adapt the route.

Good to Know

• Meeting Point: Gare Saint-Lazare, in front of the departure boards (main hall). I'll send a map link and very clear instructions once you book.
• Timing: Meet me 15 minutes before the train; I'll have everything ready.
• Crowds: May and June are the busiest months; the first entry makes a real difference.
• Rain: The museum of Impressionisms in the village is our rainy-day plan.
• Shoes: Wear your most comfortable ones. Really.
• Bags: Keep them small; many sites have security checks.
• Late Arrivals: Trains don't wait. If we miss ours, we'll take the next one; any ticket change fee is at your cost.

Optional Add-Ons

• By private car with Auvers-sur-Oise (licensed driver partner, billed separately)
• Orangerie water lilies the day before
• Other Languages (Ask me about availability)
• Afternoon Planning (I can help you map out the rest of your day nearby)

After You Book

• A personal confirmation once I've checked the date. I confirm every booking myself.
• My meeting instructions, clear and simple.
• I'll ask what you're most curious about (or what you'd rather skip), and shape the visit around it.
• Mobility needs or children in the group? Tell me early and I'll plan for it.
• Want lunch or dinner afterwards? I'll suggest a table I'd book myself nearby.

FAQ

Is it really private? Yes. Just you, your group, and me.

Why not by coach? Coach tours arrive with everyone else. By train we're there for the first entry.

Do we eat in Giverny? Yes, there are good places in the village. Lunch isn't included so you can choose.

Send me your dates and what you love most, and I'll shape the day around you.