We are staying in Paris and want to know if it is possible to see Giverny Gardens and Versailles in the same day, or is that too ambitious? If it might work, which should be first?
Posted by
Chicago
8047 posts
They are on two separate train lines from Paris. There are probably canned tours but I suspect they don't have enough time to really enjoy both.
Posted by
Central Connecticut, USA
1103 posts
Each of these are worth a full day.
Posted by
11153 posts
I can’t begin to imagine doing those in one day!
Posted by
Charleston & Birmingham
4313 posts
If a tour company is stupid enough to schedule this, you need to find a better tour company.
Posted by
Tunbridge Wells
6113 posts
Only if you charter a helicopter to fly over both!
Posted by
113 posts
In a word - NO!
Posted by
Wyckoff, NJ, USA
7291 posts
Most people do these places independently, not with "bus tours" or a private guide in one day. Is that the way you would visit them? If done independently, it's quite impossible to get to both in the same day (I mean, during the hours they are open to the public.) In both cases, the public transportation doesn't even deposit you right beside the attractions, you have to get to the site yourself. In Giverny, it is quite a distance from the rail station to the gardens.
It's not unbelievable that some bus company might try to combine them, but it would be very limited time at each, and you might have to buy their lunch in order to serve it and eat it fast enough.
On a nice day, Versailles is easily a full-day visit, with gardens that are too big to see all of.
Posted by
Coeur d’Alene, Idaho, USA
13931 posts
I have seen people mention bus tours that go to both and I just can't see how. I agree Versailles is a full day and doing Giverny on your own with train there and back takes a full day as well. If your time is limited, I'd pick one.
But then in UK people try to cram in Windsor, Stonehenge and Bath on a single day tour which to me is impossible too.
Posted by
Darmouth, MA, USA
348 posts
So clearly the answer is no. Now, I assume you must decide which. If you have not seen an estate like Versailles perhaps that is your choice, and I did 18 years ago and it was mobbed then! I just visited Giverny and by mid morning the crowds were overwhelming, everywhere you were in line, BUT walk up the village, away from the people, have lunch in a courtyard cafe and you might have a magical day as I did. Regardless of the crowds, Giverny was very special and the walk up the small hill more so! Good luck
Posted by
Corvallis OR
7026 posts
Somehow I can't imagine that it would be the most enjoyable visit to either, although I know people do it. I'd pick one and a have a good experience.