I am considering doing a day trip by train/bus from Paris to Giverny in mid-May. Would arrive when the gardens open to avoid the worst of the crowds. I have read online that rhododendron and wisteria will be blooming in mid-May. My question is: is it worth the day trip given that the water lilies will not be blooming in mid-May?
Posted by
Chicago
8381 posts
it's worth a visit if you don't think you'll ever have the opportunity to go again or when the water lilies are blooming. People go and enjoy the place not just for the water lilies. It's easy to get there from Paris and not expensive.
Posted by
Long Beach, Ca, usa
1889 posts
Elizabeth,
In 2017 we went in very early May and the gardens were wonderful, full of tulips and so many other flowers. The whole place was a joy. I certainly didn't notice if the water lilies were in bloom, but I didn't miss them if they weren't there. Go and enjoy! There will be an abundance of flowers!
Posted by
Coeur d’Alene, Idaho, USA
15438 posts
Oh yes, I vote yes on going!
The train from Paris is pretty easy. Download the SNCF app. You would not need to buy the train ticket until a few days before. You might want to get the Giverny Entry ticket soon.
Here is a link to what IS blooming in May.
Posted by
Dallas, TX area
213 posts
Check on the train app to verify the trains are running because there are planned construction disruptions for the second weekend in May.
Posted by
Chicago
8981 posts
Here was our May visit 15 years ago:
https://janettravels.wordpress.com/2010/05/25/not-so-secret-garden-giverny/
I would be surprised if there is much wisteria as it is almost done in Paris although we did have it when we were there in May. We were there after most bulb flowers were done and before there were a lot of roses, but it was still lovely and there were plenty of water lilies flowering.
Posted by
USA
131 posts
We went on April 2nd this year, There was plenty of beauty there and it wasn't too crowded (I easily got a pic of my daughter on a Japanese bridge, which I heard is hard to do in the busier times). I'm glad we went even if there weren't waterlilies.