Giverny from Paris

While there is no need to get the train ticket to Vernon in advance, you can score a non-refundable discounted ticket if you do so (approx. 50% discount). No need to book weeks in advance to get the discount; I'm still seeing discounted tickets for tomorrow for instance. Do not book the train back however, you'll want flexibility.
Do check the times for the shuttle (on the Fondation Monet website); they should be timed to meet most trains but not sure if they meet all trains.

Thanks, Balso!

Yah just check trains the next day. Once you get off at Vernon there's a small shuttle train that's 8 euros round trip to the gardens that runs every 15 minutes.

I went to Giverny last May when in Paris and did not book train in advance and had no issues - just make sure you arrive at Gare St Lazare with plenty of time

Also when in Giverny/Vernon make sure you visit the church Église Sainte-Radegonde de Giverny, Monet's grave plus a lovely memorial to WW2 RAF pilots who crashed nearby. It is only 10 minute walk from Monet's house/gardens

Good morning, I am following both your post as I am traveling to Paris in August and we will also be spending the day visiting Giverny. We are staying in the latin quarter. What is the best way to get there. How long should I plan for travel time to Giverny and how long would you allow to spend and enjoy it. If only a half day is needed then we may take the train to Avignon in the late afternoon.

Do we just purchase our ticket for the train at St Lazare that morning and would I be correct in thinking don't book the return until we are ready to leave? When arriving in Vernon we take a shuttle to Giverny ? Should we purchase the tickets to Giverny ahead of time to avoid the lines? Any recommendations for lunch out that way?

I booked the train the day ahead -- I didn't intend to but we missed the train we intended to take as the lines for tickets were over an hour long and when we did this our American cards would not work in ticket machines. Mostly now they do if the tickets are not over about 50 Euro or so (chip/sig card). I booked an open return; you don't want to be trying to buy a ticket at an unmanned train station like Vernon at the last minute. I like to have a ticket ahead so there is no last minute fumbling around.

itref323, you wrote "What is the best way to get there. How long should I plan for travel time to Giverny and how long would you allow to spend and enjoy it."

I think we set out from Paris around 11 am and were back by 6 pm but that included lunch in a restaurant in Giverny (sorry I don't remember the name) and it didn't include entering Monet's house. The train arrives in Vernon - from there you can take the bus or a tourist tram. We took the tram and learned a bit about the history of Vernon.

Marty, Your trip was from Paris and back correct. The reason I ask is because after visiting Giverny for the day we plan on taking a train to Avignon. I am trying to time everything and make sure this is a sound decision. After reading your post It might be better to go first thing the next day. I plan to arrive at Giverny when it opens to avoid the crowds. but we will also like to have lunch out there as well then head back get our stored luggage and take the train down to Avignon.

Has anyone been to Giverny in August. i am wondering if I save this for another visit and the garden may not be as spectacular? Thought appreciated

Thank you!

Hi Itref323,

Yes, my trip was from Paris and back to Paris.

I saw your question about what is in bloom in August. There's a flowering calendar here: http://giverny.org/gardens/fcm/calendar.htm

Also there's an app named Jardin des Impressionismes which I found helpful for identifying flowers.

Good luck, have fun!