Day trip to Giverny

Since there are none of Monet's paintings at Giverny, I suggest seeing his works in Paris before you go.

We made this visit using the bus connection from Vernon, so I can only pass along hearsay about biking. I have heard that the route is neither especially hard nor especially scenic, as much of it is along a busy road. I don't know where to rent bikes in Vernon, but the rental shop can probably advise you on the route, and any scenic detours.

This link click here is to a discussion of Giverny, for cycling info see the 2nd post.

beth,
we did this just the other day. walked out of the train station and across the street to the cafe with a bunch of bikes. 12 Euros per bike and they give you a map. We started on the busy road then found the nice peaceful bike road above to the left. Giverny is very cute and the gardens and the house interesting. However it did not take long to see it all. We spent the night because we didn't know how long we wanted to spend there but it is easily a one day trip.
Sherrill

Beth,

I did the trip to Giverny with a tour group (not Rick's) and I enjoyed Giverny very much. I saw Giverny before seeing Monet's work in Paris, and that worked fine. Hope your cycling goes well.

Beth, I've been to Giverny twice - once on a tour bus and once by train - haven't rented a bike though at Vernon. I'd definitely skip the tour bus since you're on their time schedule. Taking the train to Vernon, then taking a bus or renting a bike for the short trip to Giverny gives you much more freedom. It's an easy day trip from Paris, preferably starting early in the morning. But be careful that you take the direct train to Vernon from Gare St. Lazare (takes about 45 mins.), not the one that stops at every little town (which we did accidentally). I fell in love with the French garden in front of his house, much more so than the Japanese one across the road. It's a riot of color and blooms. And leave time for a crepe lunch at the hotel behind his home. I don't know that it makes much difference which you see first - his home, where many of the paintings were done, or the paintings themselves in various museums in Paris (D'Orsay, L'Orangerie, or my favorite - Musee Marmottan). Either way you can appreciate his great talent. Have a wonderful day!

Beth, I've been to Giverny twice - once on a tour bus and once by train - haven't rented a bike though at Vernon. I'd definitely skip the tour bus since you're on their time schedule. Taking the train to Vernon, then taking a bus or renting a bike for the short trip to Giverny gives you much more freedom. It's an easy day trip from Paris, preferably starting early in the morning. But be careful that you take the direct train to Vernon from Gare St. Lazare (takes about 45 mins.), not the one that stops at every little town (which we did accidentally). I fell in love with the French garden in front of his house, much more so than the Japanese one across the road. It's a riot of color and blooms. And leave time for a crepe lunch at the hotel behind his home. I don't know that it makes much difference which you see first - his home, where many of the paintings were done, or the paintings themselves in various museums in Paris (D'Orsay, L'Orangerie, or my favorite - Musee Marmottan). Either way you can appreciate his great talent. Have a wonderful day!

Don't make the mistake we did the first time around...we arrived on a Monday and they were closed. Apparently, Monday's are okay if they are holidays.

Thanks all for the replies. We have decided not to do Giverny this time. We have had a full trip so far, and still have three days to go. Versaille may be added instead.