Monet's Giverny Gardens - how crowded on a Sunday in September

I don't remember what day we went - but I can definitely recommend getting there as early as you possibly can. Our tour bus was literally the first one there early on our morning visit, followed immediately by another...and then a lot more! Our savvy guide hustled us to the pond first, saying that we'd appreciate it much more when it was still and reflective, before the groundskeepers stirred up the water. For me, seeing the pond, the waterlilies, and walking over that beautiful bridge without throngs of people was a true highlight. When we made our way to Monet's home and gardens, they were lovely, too, but the crowds kept building, and when we were ready to leave, there were a LOT of folks arriving. This was at the end of June, so perhaps you'll have much less people to deal with on your visit.

It was wonderful - and well worth the visit for me.

Enjoy!
Laurie

We were there in February, but we got there first opening and there were only a very few number of people there. We leisurely walked around all the gardens and the pond, viewed the house inside and out. Went to the museum/gallery. Had lunch in a nice restaurant next to the museum.
Then we leisurely walked around the whole village, visited the church and cemetery and looked in on
several gardens in peoples' yards.
We took the train from Paris and planned to be there when it opened.
Maybe in Sept. there will be a few more people - but it was a lovely visit. Great scenery from the train too.

Perhaps it depends on how many others are going on the day you choose, which might be impossible to predict? My "bucket list" visit is planned for Monday Sept. 12 as a shore excursion from the cruise port of LeHavre. So those tour buses could be coming from various directions, not just from Paris...

Mardan

We went in May and didn't get there as early as we hoped because the train schedules that day didn't allow it. It was crowded and I stood in line for an hour just to get tickets (definitely get them ahead). That said and maybe because we were sort of expecting a tourist trap (we didn't go till our 10th or so trip to Paris) we were pleasantly surprised. It was crowded but perfectly enjoyable nevertheless. You can see my snapshots here: https://janettravels.wordpress.com/2010/05/25/not-so-secret-garden-giverny/ We really enjoyed it although we were just past the bulb flower season and roses were not in full bloom for the most part -- still lovely. Tulips and daffodils were done, but there were lots of Iris and a few roses and many other flowers. They work hard to keep the gardens beautiful during the entire season. I am curious about the February trip since it is closed till the end of March each year; how long ago was it open in February?

Jane your pictures are enchanting! We will go there is September, finally. Looking forward and planning an early arrival!

Laurei another place to go in September is the Musee Albert Kahn gardens.
https://janettravels.wordpress.com/2010/05/23/secret-gardens/
They are within steps of the line 10 St. Cloud/Bologne metro stop and it was 2 Euros entry last time I was there (may be higher now) The museum contains photos and exhibits by Albert Kahn who dedicated his life to documenting traditional cultures around the world that were beginning to disappear in the early 20th century. Interesting stuff. But the gardens there fit half a dozen different style gardens into a small space e.g. modern and traditional Japanese gardens, an English ramble, a French formal garden etc. lovely. Another good park/garden visit in Paris is Butte Chaumont.

We went one weekday in early September 2016. We left Paris for Vernon around 9 am or so and waited no more than 15 minutes for our admission tickets. I thought we would take a bus from the train station to the gardens, but a trolley-tram was loading up as we walked out and we bought our tickets from the driver. It took a cutesy little tour to the gardens. We profited from knowing the trains and tram schedules. I truly thought we'd spend most of the day but after 3 hours or so we felt good to go and in our case, there was a big gap in the tram to station schedule so we made our choice and headed back. The gardens were very nice and we never felt hemmed in by other folks, there are plenty of paths to wander. There is a nice little cafe across from the train station if you need to cool your heels or wait for the train. A very nice day all the way around.

Best way to get to Giverny?

Buy your train tickets to Vernon in advance! I nearly missed the train because of the slow line for ticket sales. Take the earliest train you can and buy Giverny tickets in advance. From Vernon, you have 3 options to get to Giverny: rent a bike, take the shuttle bus, or take a taxi. I went on a monday in mid-April last year. There was a line of buses waiting when the train arrived, but getting on was incredibly slow. Everyone had to buy a bus ticket from the conductor, who only spoke French. Many of the tourists didn't speak French. Each one was asked if he wanted one-way or round-trip which often took some explaining. Then each ticket had to be run slowly through a machine 3 or 4 times! I was in line for the front bus and at least 2 behind us filled up and left first. From the bus parking lot in Giverny, it's about a 10-15 walk through the town to the House. I thinking biking would be faster. I was lucky that there was a short line for entrance tickets. It still took a long time because each party had to decide which tickets to buy (there are several combo options which had to be explained). If you are a big Monet fan, get the combo ticket with the Marmottan Museum, which has an interesting Monet collection from one of his first Impression: Sunrise (from which the movement got its name) to some of his very last water lilies. It's well-displayed, comprehensive, and usually not crowded. There are other exhibits as well.

I think Sunday will be a good day to see Giverny. We went mid week in May and got there early which was great because school groups arrived and some of them spent the day there--so you won't encounter that on a Sunday. We loved it and Monet's house was a delight. It was 4 years ago and don't know if this place is still open but lunch at Botanic Cafe was very nice. It is a small garden center with a cafe and you can find a table in the garden.

We did miss the train because the ticket line was over an hour long; locals don't line up to buy tickets, they use machines which our credit cards didn't work in. So everyone in line had some complicated issue. We ended up going the next day since we missed the morning train that day. I always get tickets at least a day ahead (any train station or train boutique) so we don't have to fool with it when we have plans. The tickets on local trains are good any time.

"any train station or train boutique"

This is important. You don't have to go to an actual train station to get tickets. You can also go to an SNCF Boutique. They're all over Paris (and each larger French city has one or more), and are basically "train ticket stores." You take a number like at a bakery, sit in sort-of air conditioning until your number is displayed on the electronic board, then go to the desk to buy your tickets. Much more pleasant than standing in lines at stations.