How would you rate the towns of Giverny and Fontainebleau? We are visiting Monet’s gardens in Giverny and the chateau in Fontainebleau this October and are wondering how much time to allot for exploring the towns themselves. Thanks for any insight!
Posted by
Lake Oswego, Oregon
1315 posts
The village of Giverny is tiny, just one lovely street. Be sure to walk to the end and see Monet's grave in the little cemetery. You'll pass the Hotel Baudy where you can take a break and sit outside and have a succulent duck omelet and glass of wine. I would allow 3 to 4 hours for seeing the gardens and the town and lunch. I haven't been to Fontainebleau yet.
Posted by
SF Bay Area, CA
2030 posts
I lived in Fountainbleau, and while it was very pleasant, the town itself is not particularly special. There are a lot of restaurants and shops, and outdoor markets on some days, on the main street outside of the chateau. The main attraction there besides the chateau, is the forest surrounding the town that is highly touted for hiking (though I did not go there).
Posted by
OP
Denver, CO
731 posts
Thanks for the replies - this really helps. What about the town of Vernon, where we get off of the train to go to Giverny - any thoughts on that town?
Posted by
Lake Oswego, Oregon
1315 posts
Dawn, I'm sorry I haven't explored Vernon. When you get off the train, the bus is waiting for you so there hasn't been time to walk around the town.