We are going in June - do we need to book in advance? I'd rather not since I don't know what train we will be taking from Paris etc.
Posted by
Rochester
55 posts
We did book in advance in order to avoid waiting in line when we got there this September. It is my understanding that it is usually possible to get admission when you get there, but you may have to wait. Not sure about June Booking in advance actually caused us a little worry when we happened to try and catch the Paris to Vernon train on Sept 10, the same day as the first French protest/work stoppage, and no trains were available. We had our hotel call to see if there was any recourse and were told that the tickets would be honored the next day (or even the following day). So the next day we went out there and were let in at the timed entrance gate without any fuss. Even in September at 3pm there was a significant crowd, although not too crowded.
-Bruce
Posted by
New Jersey
54 posts
We booked the house and gardens in advance for a visit last week. We made the reservation about 6 weeks before and there were plenty of tickets.
Maybe book these tickets, then pick a train. Btw, the official shuttle from the station to the gardens worked like a charm.
Posted by
Chicago
8507 posts
You can book closer to the date and try to get the first entry time. I went off peak last year last week of October. It rained buckets the day before and the benches in the garden still damp.
Posted by
Rochester
55 posts
George:
Good to hear that the navette (shuttle) worked well for you, we had a little trouble. After about 40 minutes waiting with 3 other folks a shuttle bus showed up, but after unloading his passengers, the driver would not let us board. Apparently, another bus was coming in about 15 minutes. So we waited about an hour to get the shuttle.
FYI the shuttle bus stop is marked with a sign and located approximately 50 meters SE of the train station entrance along Rue de la Gare.
Also when we went there was not a train departure from Paris at around 1pm (13:00), only 12:00 & 2pm (14:00). We assumed this was for a lunch break, but check the train schedules when you go, this may vary.
-Bruce
Posted by
Paris
11024 posts
We booked the house and gardens in advance for a visit last week. We made the reservation about 6 weeks before and there were plenty of tickets.
Yes, there are far fewer people interested in visiting Monet's Gardens in October than there will be in June.
(In other words, do not extrapolate plenty of tickets in October to there being plenty of tickets in June.)