Giverney day trip end of October worth it?

I will say that I have never visited there after summer, but based on gardens here across the Channel, and my knowledge of weather in the next month (thanks, USA for sending us all your washed up hurricanes) I'd be quite surprised if the garden is much 5 days before they shut for winter.

But, you will be able to say you have been there.

The house isn't much really, the emphasis is the gardens and lake. There really isn't a lot to see in the house.

I'm sorry but I've never been to the museum in the village - it never appealed to me - so I can't speak to it.

I've been in the 2nd week of October and found the Dahlias and nasturtiums beautiful but I can't speak to how it would be 2 weeks later particularly if you take Nigel's weather comments in to account.

If you plan to catch the 12:51 you'll probably want to head back to the parking lot for the shuttles to the train station at 12 so really you've only got 2 hours. You'll need to allow time for the shuttles to load, drive the 10-15 minutes from Vernon to Giverny then walk the 7-8 minutes to the entrance to Monet's house/gardens which will work fine if it opens at 10.

I'd also say if this is your first trip to Paris I'd not spend one day out of 3 going to Giverny even at the height of the blooming season. Honestly, I'd save Giverny for your next trip when you aren't so rushed.

I'd also not spend one of those days going to Versailles if that is your back up plan!

Pam's reply could have been mine. My first time was mid-October and I loved it. The gardens still had plenty of flowers blooming. The water garden my favorite. It was my 3rd trip to Paris before I got there. I went back again this June during trip #6, excited to see Giverny in its summer glory. It was so crowded. As beautiful as the flowers were I think I preferred my October trip. My trips to Paris aren't for a day or two. My shortest trip was 5 nights and my longest was 12. I absolutely would recommend against going anywhere outside of Paris if this is your first trip and you only have 3 full days.

My guess is that it would depend a lot on weather in the month or so before your visit. For instance a frost could kill off a lot of flowers.

Take into account in your timing that you have to get from Vernon to the house in Giverny and then back to the train station. 3 hours is enough, IMO, to see the gardens and the house. I never visited the museum. The question is whether you will have 3 hours. AFAIK there are 3 ways to do the route - bus, bicycle or taxi. The buses line up for the arrival of the train but it can take some time for everyone to board - when I was there the process was slow and inefficient. OTOH it may go pretty fast if there aren't many people. There's a long walk from the bus to the house (10-15 minutes?). Then you have to be back at the bus before it leaves. In my experience they don't stick to any schedule. Cycling is perhaps a better option, if you are up to it - it's not far, 3-4 kms. Allow time to rent and return the bikes. If taxis are readily available. That would surely give you the most time.

I drove when I visited Giverny in June, but looking at the public transport schedules, it looks as though you will get nearer 2 hours there rather than 3, allowing for getting on and off the shuttle.

I spent just under 4 hours in Giverny, including the Impressionist Museum. We didn’t stop for a coffee break or lunch.

This year, due to the hot, dry summer in this part of Europe, many plants are about 2 weeks ahead of where they normally are, so there maybe less colour than usual.

Hi rafisach, I agree that there is plenty to see in Paris during your short visit. But, it's your vacation and if you're set on seeing Giverny, do it. I'd take the later train so you have time to walk through the gardens, house, (very nice) gift shop, stop at the cemetery to see Monet's grave, see the museum if you want to, and have lunch. Don't rush. Hope you have a great trip.