Time of day for visit to Giverny

A couple of thoughts: I usually like to get to sights early and did the Gardens about 6 years ago first thing. Yes crowded. Did it November 1, 2023 late in the afternoon around 3pm. It was a holiday and the last day the Garden was open for the season. Area crowded, the actual Garden sparse.

Also on my first trip I did the house, strolled the Garden and of course ended up at the Bridge and ponds. Everyone of course wanted the picture on the bridge with no one else. So a lot of time wasted to get my turn. So in November made a beeline for the bridge, no one there and took my shot. So either time you go, I would recommend sprinting right to the pond and bridge area for get a shot and then do everything else.

Since it opens in April and people are probably anxious to go, I would at least try to get tics for a weekday instead of Sat or Sunday.

Thanks. I’ve got the bridge picture already. I’m not going to stress over that or waste any time on it.

Just trying to decide when it will be the most peaceful time to enjoy the garden. I may just go for opening because I think it’ll be easier. Definitely looking at a Wednesday or Thursday.

We were also there on November 1 2023 which was the last day it was open. The flowers were not as great as earlier in the season but still beautiful and we didn't find it particularly crowded. The bridges at the ends of the pond were both easily used as photo ops without others in the photos -- alas the real beauty there is when the wisteria is in bloom and that is in spring.

We were there mid-morning to mid afternoon. When we had gone years ago in May it was more crowded. Frankly it really doesn't matter much though except at the house. There are plenty of camera angles to get photos of flowers and the pond without a lot of people in pictures. Lots of people show up very early and rush to the lily pond but if you are fast you might get there before the rest of the crowd.

I'll just throw this out for what it's worth. April can often be quite rainy in Normandy and I might be hesitant to buy advance timed tickets to something like gardens that are weather dependent. Just my personal opinion and I must confess that I'm not adverse to waiting in line if it's necessary. I'd probably check weather the day before and then get an early train to get to Giverny before 9:00 and get in line - they open at 9:30. Most day trippers arrive after opening time, usually around 10:00 or so. Now all this is dependent on whether you can still buy tickets the day of at the gate - it's possible that advance purchase tickets are the only way to go now.

Just another opinion.

When weather is an issue we buy last minute on line looking to the weather report. I think we reserved our Giverny tickets this last fall the day before.

We will be going to Giverny in mid-April too on a Tuesday en route to Honfleur. Picking up our rental car in Paris that morning. Don't think we could make the 9:30 time. Do we need advance tickets for the 10:30 slot (again slightly hesitant since what if we run late out of the rental office). If we don't buy tickets in advance we line up (with crowds) to buy them there? In that case, we may wish to buy them in advance and take the risk.

I am considering this very same thing - AM or PM.

Rick Steves's guidebook says if you go in the PM - after 16:00. He also says Sunday AMs are the busiest when cruise groups are in the area (not sure if it's just May-June for the cruise groups).