Giverny Question

We visited Giverny during the week and it was crowded with kids on school trips. IMHO you can't predict crowding and just take it as it comes.

Most kids' school groups go on Wednesday afternoon.
I'd go on Tuesday or Thursday, and buy advance tickets.

As you will be there the week before the gardens close for the year, don't expect much from the plantings at that time of year.

I don't know but I would expect that at the end of the season the crowds would be significantly diminished.

As far as what will be flowering in the garden at that time, I was there on October 13th two years ago and was pleasantly surprised at how much was still in bloom! I was very glad I went.

We were there last week on a Friday afternoon, we did not wait in line at all. The gardens had beautiful fall color and was well worth the visit.

I would not buy advance tickets because the weather can be variable. Look at the forecast and decide which day is the best to be there--I wouldn't go if it was going to rain.

I didn't realize that the advance ticketing had changed. When I went, you could buy the ticket online and it was good any day of the current season. Now it looks like you do have to select a specific date. That's too bad, because as T points out, you don't want to go on a bad weather day.

I suggest you buy train tickets to Vernon in advance. The line at the station can be slow, even when it's short. I nearly missed the train while waiting in line to buy the ticket.

We just got back from France and spent a wonderful morning in Giverny in Monet's garden last Saturday. The fall flowers were beautiful. We arrived to be there when it opened at 9:30. We had our tickets in advance and saved some time, but it was minimal at that hour of the day. We were able to stroll through the gardens peacefully but by 10:30 the tour bus groups started arriving and it was crowded. If you are taking the train and then the shuttle bus to the gardens, try to schedule to arrive early if possible. Enjoy your travels.