Giverney Times to visit

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Posted by Marty-S (Denver, CO) on 08/17/25 07:42 PM

We will be in Paris in early May. I have 2 questions about visiting Giverney.

Since May 8 is a holiday, (Labor Day I believe) would Giverney be even more crowded than other days?
Most people recommend getting there early, but most tours also seem to start early. Would we find the crowds thinning toward closing? That is, would it be as well to arrive around 2:00 and spend 3-4 hours?

Posted by Pam

Coeur d’Alene, Idaho, USA

08/17/25 08:15 PM

15901 posts

I would not go on May 8 or May 1.
The last time I went was end of October 2024. I had entry tickets for 130 after having taken a 10:11 train and having lunch beforehand. The gardens were very crowded up to the time I left about 4PM. They are open until 6P but when I visited late in the season it was dark by then, lol. You'll have more daylight in May. For me, it's still a wonderful place to visit even with lots of people.
You didn't ask but download the SNCF app to your phone and buy your ticket on that instead of trying to buy it at either station. Look carefully closer to your travel time and select outbound trains that are direct.

Posted by Marty-S OP

Denver, CO

08/17/25 08:40 PM

2 posts

Thanks Pam. Based on your suggestion and other info, we will go to Giverney on another day, and in the afternoon. We are not morning people anyway. And we scheduled this trip for spring specifically to get later daylight. We have been on other trips in October and the days are just too short to enjoy the views.

Posted by Pam

Coeur d’Alene, Idaho, USA

08/17/25 09:15 PM

15901 posts

It's amazing how quickly in October you start losing daylight! May is a good time since you are going into longer days. I know you will have a great time!