We are going to be in Paris in mid-May for a few days. Have never been to Giverny........would mid-May be good time to take the train out for a day? Flowers in bloom? Might want to spend one day outside Paris and have been to Chartes and Versailles before.
Posted by
Braintree, MA
139 posts
I have been to Giverny in April and in June. It was beautiful both times. May will be awesome at Giverny :)
Posted by
Michigan
483 posts
If you do go, I recommend getting there as early as possible. When we went in June our tour guide emphasized the importance of getting there early. She was gleeful that we were the first bus there! We hustled right to the pond first and that was gorgeous because the waters were still and so beautifully reflective. That would be my advice to you, because once the crowds came it was a totally different experience. We toured the homes and the gardens at our leisure after visiting the pond and the water lilies.
If you’re a big Monet fan, I’d also recommend going to the Musée Marmottan, Musée d’Orsay top floor, and the Orangerie.
They are all worthwhile, and offer different and beautiful experiences.
Laurie
Posted by
OP
Spokane
56 posts
thanks for this advice Kathie and Laurie. Is taking the train the best idea? Sounds like we might want to take a bus from the train station rather than walking to the gardens. We won't have a car and don't really love tour buses. :)
Posted by
Tunbridge Wells
6113 posts
I was there roundabout 20 May 2017. We got there before opening and were first in the queue. Once it opened, we almost ran to the lily pond on the far side of the garden to get a few photos without hundreds of people in shot.
Half an hour after opening, you practically couldn’t move in there. There is no way in the UK that they would allow so many people in there from a safety perspective. The gardens were in full colour, especially the poppies.
Posted by
Sacramento, California U.S.A.
10605 posts
Take the train to Vernon. There will be a bus outside waiting to take you to Giverny. I take a picture of the bus departure times when I get off the bus so I'll know my options for returning to Vernon. The cost of the bus is €5 each direction. An early arrival is ideal. If you go on a weekday you might find it less crowded.
If you have time for lunch, walking down the main street in Giverny you will find Baudy. They have a lovely area to eat outside and the food was delicious.
Posted by
Kelowna, Canada
118 posts
I went to Giverny last time I was in Paris (May 2018) and it was excellent. Would also recommend getting there as early as you can as it will be busy. I left Paris on train to Vernon at 8am and it was very busy when I got to Giverny
When you are there, take a walk up to the cemetery where Monet is buried (about 15 min walk) - lovely walk and cemetery also as memorial/grave to RAF Airmen who crashed and died nearby in WW2
Posted by
Rockville, MD, USA
653 posts
The flowering calendar is here: http://giverny.org/gardens/fcm/calendar.htm
If you have a smart phone there's an app you can download that helps you identify flowers: Jardin des Impressionnismes