My daughter and I are planning a day trip from Paris to Giverny and Versailles. We are considering booking with a tour company and would like to hear any feedback from those who have done it (or not, if appropriate). Thanks.
Posted by
Boston
4132 posts
Personally, I wouldn't plan one (1) day trip that included both Giverny, north of Paris and worth the better part of a day (counting transportation), with Versailles, south of Paris and worth the better part of a day (but not the same day).
If you think it would be a good way to spend your time I imagine that a tour, if there is such thing, with door-to-door service, would be the way to go.
Otherwise as separate trips from Paris each is very easy by rail.
Posted by
victoria, Canada
11507 posts
Hi, you don't mention your ages, but , my son and I have done Versailles on our own, and really enjoyed it. He was 14, I was older, LOL. It was dead simple to take the train for 5 or 6 euros. Walk the block or two to the Chateau( there are signs and many others walking the same way, you will not get lost, I promise), We enjoyed having lots of time to really enjoy what we were seeing, and to enjoy the gardens and grounds. I even rented a bike for him on the grounds and let him ride around the canals for an hour while I rested.
I have also taken a bike tour to Versailles( I have been 4-5 times) , Fat Tire Bike tour, google them. I did this with a friend last summer it was fun.
I wouldn't take a bus tour to Versailles , the expense for one and the short time allowed being another. Same with Giverny.
I have done one bus tour, and for me, it was worth it, it was an all day trip to the Loire Valley to see some Chateau. Since I refuse to drive in France it is really the cont..
Posted by
victoria, Canada
11507 posts
only way to see the Chateaus.
We used Cityrama ,, it was a long day, but it was good, the company handleed everything well, and although it was not cheap it was worth it. Parisvisions does similar tours, I just went with cheapest.
Posted by
indianapolis, in, usa
4 posts
Just take the train to Giverny, it is a lovely ride, and not expensive, don't hesitiate to go if it is a little drizzly, or not full summer.
Posted by
Minneapolis, MN, USA
8700 posts
For the sake of clarity, the train does not go to Giverny. Take the train to Vernon and then either a bus or taxi to Giverny.
Posted by
OP
Beaverton, Oregon, United States
2 posts
Thanks to all of you who responded. We decided to go ahead with the bus tour through ParisVision. We both seem to get a lot more out of stuff with a human guide. By the way, my daughter is 34 and I am . . . well, older than that.
Christine