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Our 45 most popular Giverny trips. Compare tour itineraries from 18 tour companies. 99 reviews. 5/5 avg rating.
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Giverny Attractions & Landmarks Guide
What is Giverny famous for?
The beautiful region is famous for its well preserved 100 years old Giverny Monet gardens that inspired the famous artist Claude Monet for years. He fell in love with Giverny at first sight while passing by in a train in 1883, and this love forced him to spend 43 years of his life at this magical place.
Monet's Garden has two parts; Clos Normand or flower garden that is found in front of the house and water garden inspired by Japanese style, located on the other side of the road. The stunning Giverny gardens receive 5,00,000 visitors every year but have still managed to preserve its beauty.
The major reason might be the fact that visitors are not allowed to go closer to the garden and can visit only through the walkways. These gardens evoke the memories of the beautiful paintings of the famous painter. Therefore, they attract not only the tourists who are attracted to the Giverny gardens because of their beauty, but also the ones who come here to admire the impressionist art.
Top tips for visiting the Giverny Gardens
Though these stunning Giverny Monet gardens have a different color for every season it is better to visit during May. There will be lesser crowds that means you will have the place all to yourself.
- Never plan your trip on the weekend or there will be thousands more to accompany you.
- This trip should be the first thing you do in the morning. Try to get there as soon as possible, around the opening time to avoid many people.
- Book your tickets online that will save you a lot of time by avoiding the long queue. There is a separate entry line for people with pre-
- Spare enough time to enjoy and admire the beauty of the astounding Giverny gardens. Don't rush or make a quick tour. Stroll around with peace, taking in the beauty of the place to have an experience full of pleasant memories.
- You won't find any ATM in the small region so bring cash along.
Top activities in Giverny
This small but beautiful village does not have an extensive list of worth-visiting places. However, it has a few tourist spots that will captivate you with their beauty and historic significance.
1. Foundation Monet
This non-profit organization is running to manage and preserve the assets of Claude Monet; the house and the gardens. This foundation was created in 1980 and has worked really well to restore and preserve the natural treasures of the late artist. It has successfully fulfilled its purpose and now hoists thousands of French as well as international tourists every year.
Visit the beautiful garden and well-maintained house of Claude Monet and discover all his works and secrets. You will get mesmerized by the beauty of the lily pond and flowering gardens that have inspired his major artworks. The water garden has a stunning array of willow trees and colorful flowers right at the spot where Monet painted the Nymphéas.
2. Museum of Impressionism
This art museum is home to a huge collection of artworks focused on Impressionism. Created in the early '90s, the purpose of this museum was to study and highlight the history of the principle of impressionism.
Started by the great artist, Claude Monet, this concept had brought various artists in this region that got inspired by the surrounding beauty and bowed down to the concept of impressionism. The museum focuses on the detailed history, as well as the artworks from these artists, to explore and explain the huge effect it had on the region and its surroundings.
3. Château des Tourelles
This magnificent castle is located just outside Giverny in the commune of Vernon, at a distance of about 7 km that could be traveled in no time once you get in the vehicle.
Philippe Auguste built the huge tower in 1196 during his war against Richard the Lionheart, to acquire Normandy, and seized the town of Vernon, making it his military base. Rising to 20 meters, the castle has four round turrets, surrounding the square tower. This monument is one of the few lucky castles of France that have remained completely unchanged since their inception.
4. The Old Mill of Vernon
This half-timbered constructed mill stands above the Seine waters on the two pillars of the ancient bridge. This enchanting structure makes one wonder how on earth did it even get here. Like several other mills, this one was constructed in the 16th century and is surprisingly still standing here while all the rest have diminished over the course of time.
The Old Mill has been a focus of attention for many artists as they used to come to Vernon especially to paint it. Maisons sur le vieux pont de Vernon by Monet and The Red Bridge in Vernon near Giverny by Theodore Earl Butler, are two of the masterpieces. It will not be wrong to label it as a historical and cultural landmark of the region.
5. Musée Alphonse-Georges-Poulain
This amazing museum is located in what used to be the mansion of the Le Moine de Bellisle family. Opened for public in 1983, this place plays an important role to have a deeper understanding of Impressionism collection of Giverny. It has a huge collection of paintings made by Claude Monet and other artists who used to live at this place.
There are various sections of the museum. One is completely devoted to animals, one filled with local history, and then one with the graphic art collection. This place has the honor to be the only museum of Europe with the original works of Claude Monet.
6. Castle of La Roche-Guyon
This magnificent castle is located in one of the most beautiful villages of France, La Roche-Guyon, standing on the Seine River. The region has for a long time remained independent despite the wars of power going around it. The castle was originally built in the 12th century and has gone under various renovations and extensions after that.
Today's design is the 18th-century finalization. The interior, however, remained untouched for most, having a unified design spread around the fascination large courtyard. Take your time to visit the castle and go up the hill to have a fabulous view of the surroundings.
7. Maison du Temps Jadis
Located at a small distance from Giverny, in the city of Vernon, this place has a long and significant history. Originally built during the 1450s, the house luckily got spared in the 1944 bombings. Since 1924, this house has been classified as a historical monument. This ancient and one of the oldest houses of Vernon is located near the front of the town hall and collegiate church.
The overhanging half-timbered walls are a perfect sample of the Seine valley's Norman architecture. There is a beautiful sculpture in the corner posted to represent the Annunciation.
8. Castle Brécourt
Dating back to the 17th century, this magnificent castle is found in a large forest park between Douains and Vernon, at a distance of about 23 minutes from Giverny. The castle was built for Jean Jubert, belonging to the respectable Jubert de Bouville family. This place remained to be a luxury hub for several years.
Under the authority of the inventory of historic museums, the castle has managed to retain its original form and preserved the facades and other parts in their actual form. In 1979, the castle was transformed into a luxurious resort after some major restorations.
9. Church of St. Nicholas of Vernonnet
This city monument of Vernon is located at almost 7 minutes distance from Giverny. The diocesan architect, Symphorien Bourguignon constructed the building in the year 1850, while the structures are made by Louis Delahaye. The middle part of the church has a central vessel collaterals that make three hemispheres.
The facade sides that are corresponding to the collaterals have round-headed wide bay pierced with a pedestal. The interior has delamination of large arches and arched windows on composite piles, while the collaterals have semi-circular windows. You will not find such architecture anywhere else except this unique place.
10. Musée De Mécanique Naturelle
This museum is one of the few famous tourist attractions of the Giverny itself. The old mechanical museum displays a huge collection of diesel and steam engines that are still in working condition, thanks to the determined volunteers. Initiated in 1955 by Adolphe Guillemard, the museum got proper exhibit form in 1990 and today huge tourist groups visit here every year. The huge collection of hundreds of vintage engines, the museum will take you on a ride back to the old times.
Nearby cities in Normandy
The Normandy region is full of beautiful and historic cities around Giverny. Let’s have a look at the more popular Normandy town that you can visit after exploring the beautiful small village.
1. Rouen
Explore the cobbled lanes and beautiful timber-framed houses of the largest city of Normandy. The ancient city is known to be the home of Joan of Arc. You will enjoy the blend of the modernism of the city with its medieval past. The city has a whole museum dedicated to the famous writer Gustave Flaubert.
2. Caen
This is one of the most popular towns in the region is known for various important things. Enjoy the D Day Beaches, magnificent castle of William the Conqueror, and the famous Peace Museum of Le Mémorial de Caen. Don't forget to taste the delicious les tripes à la mode de Caen to get the true essence of the region.
3. Bayeux
The beautiful town is home to the famous Bayeux Tapestry from the 11th century, with more than 5o scenes, telling the story of England invasion done by William the Conqueror. The medieval charm, stunning Romanesque cathedral, unique architecture, and rich history makes this place special.
4. Le Havre
The town got all destroyed during WWI and was rebuilt later using cheap concrete hence, it might not come up to your beauty standards. However, this concrete was used to make the modern jungle of concrete made geometric columns.
The uniformity, light-filled interior, and spaciousness of this concrete grid system make it significantly unique. The Japanese Gardens, Musée des Beaux-Arts André Malraux, the Shipowner Home, Musée du Vieux Havre, and Abbey of Graville are some of the important places to go.
5. Honfleur
This vibrant town was once one of the main ports of France before a lot of mud flooded the harbor, preventing the large ships to dock. Apart from the medieval architecture, colorful mansions, galleries, and restaurants, which makes it unique is that it is home to the largest wooden church of France.
6. Étretat
Sitting on the northern coast of France, this beautiful little place amazes the visitors with its chalk-white cliffs. The natural arch formation along with soothing sea breeze makes it the favorite of everyone. Stroll along the coastal walk or explore the hidden carven, but don't forget to visit the historic French mansion of Château du Tilleul.
7. Mont Saint Michel
The conical-shaped high tidal island is surely one of the must-see destinations not only by Normandy but in France. The sea encircles it completely such that even the footpath is submerged in the high tides. The breathtaking abbey and the Gothic style architecture gives the island a pretty and charming effect.
Museums in Giverny
The small region of Giverny does not have a long list of museums or other attractions. There are only two museums, both with a different focus.
1. Musee Des Impressionnismes
Located at a distance of just one hour from the city of Paris and Rouen, this unique museum was created to focus on the impressionist movement of impressionism and its consequences in France, especially Giverny and surroundings.
The museum contains extensive details about the history of impressionism, its origin, and its aftermath. In 1883, the famous artist Claude Monet settled in Giverny, attracting various follower artists that very quickly filled the little village. These artists wanted to implement the principles of impressionism here in the magnificent landscape of Giverny.
The museum was founded in 1992 by Daniel J. Terra to study and explore the history of Impressionism and the consequences it had on the region, specifically during the 12th and 13th centuries. The museum holds two temporary exhibitions every year that particularly focus on the works of related artists who had a major influence on the very concept, during the 12th and 13th centuries.
2. Musée De Mécanique Naturelle
If you are interested in old Diesel and steam engines, then this is just the right place for you. The historic museum with a variety of internal combustion and steam engines has preserved its items in appropriate working conditions for more than 50 years. This unique museum was started by the Guillemard family, in 1955.
Adolphe Guillemard passed on all his precious information and passion for engines to his children who, over the years, purchased and accumulated the spare parts to restore these engines. Finally, in 1990, the huge collection was exhibited in the form of a permanent exhibition at its current venue. Hundreds of old engines with their vintage look and appeal take you back to the old times.
Giverny Reviews & Ratings
The tour CEO (GA title for tour guide/manager) had only led one other GA tour and no National Geographic tours
This tour was originally sold to us by National Geographic’s as a co-branded tour led by GA adventures. About a month before the tour was to start National Geographi...
L
It was a cheesy (and winey) trip
It was a cheesy (and winey) trip. The countryside and towns the bike rides went through were lovely. Fall colors in the vineyards were spectacular. We were lucky wit...
M
The barge is well planned, from the accommodations to the sun deck
The barge is well planned, from the accommodations to the sun deck. The meals were very well presented and were delicious. Our Chef was great. The activities and the...
S
Exploring the wine region of France was something on my bucket list
Exploring the wine region of France was something on my bucket list. I enjoyed the wine tastings, visits to the vineyards as well as the small "sleepy" towns. I espe...
L
A good choice to learn about French food, wine and culture at a relaxing pace
A good choice to learn about French food, wine and culture at a relaxing pace.
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