Monet's Gardens and the Palace at Versailles

I would suggest that you ignore "tours" and just go on your own. There is absolutely no need to be guided at either location.

I would do Giverny one day and Versailles another - not because you couldn't do them in the same day, but because there is no reason you should. They don't exactly go together logistically and there is nothing wrong with spending part of the day outside Paris and another part of the day in. Getting out for a bit is a nice diversion, I think - kind of like clensing the pallet.

Giverny will be about 90 minutes each way by train and a few minutes by shuttle bus. Figure somewhere between 90 minutes and 3 hours there depending on your tolerance for flowers.

Versailles is 40 minutes each way by train and anywhere from 2 hours to 8 hours there depending on your tolerance for opulance.

Depends of how much time you want in each place.

Most people seem to think Versailles alone is worth half a day (I disagree since I don't like the place, but who cares).

There's a good two and a half to three hours of road time involved just to drive the loop.

$225 seems a bit steep for a bus ride, some entrance fees, and a talking head. For Versailles, I'd hop the RER, snag a booklet on the way in, and figure it out for myself. For Giverny, I'd do much the same (on a different day), but I have no idea how public transportation works out that way or where you'd get off. Wild guess is the train to Vernon (other side of the river) and maybe an hour walk or perhaps a bus/taxi.

Gordon,, I also stand firmly on the do it on your own,, or perhaps I have another idea you may like..

Versailles is by far the easiest do it yourself datytrip ,, its about 5.9 euros for a return train ticket,, and about 20 euros to get in the gardens ,, ( 25 on weekends when they do the water shows). So a whole day for less then 30 euros! I like spending the most of a day there, you have to really devote at least 4-5 hours to see the palace and the grounds ,,plus there are other buildings. The Petit Trianon, the Grand Trianon and Marie Antionettes Hamlet. If you just see the palace you have missed half the experience.

Now, for Giverny ( Monets Gardens) would you be interested in a bike tour.. its very easy, and a beautiful way to see a little country side.
Fat Tire Bike tours does it,, I think it was 65 euros for the full day.. and worth it too. You can goolge Fat Tire, its run by Americans( started by an American ) so language is not an issue.

We did Versailles with Fat Tire and it was great. Nice leader, lots of fun.
Giverny was easy to get to by train and you can rent bikes from the restaurant across from the station. It was a pretty easy bike ride to the gardens. I think they can be viewed in a couple of hours.

In muy opinion, Randy is correct. See both on your own; no need to spend that kind of "big" money on a tour. As they are not close together and both very worthwhile I would spend a day at each, if possible. The Gardens are beautiful especially on a nice day weatherwise; Versailles is so big I could not get back far enough to capture it in a single frame on my camera. The Hall of Mirrors inside the Palace is worth the trip alone. Just the history of the world being changed by the Treaty of Versailles (Meeting held in the Hall) makes it a historical landmark in itself.

I also vote for giving each destination a full day. In Giverny, be sure to take time to see the village as well. There's just the one street but the houses and scenery along that street are worth the walk and you'll also pass the graveyard, where Monet is buried. Be sure to stop and relax at the Hotel Baudy and have lunch or a snack.

As others have said, Giverny is an easy train ride from Paris.

The big question-how long is your stay in Paris? If it's only 3-4 days, just do one day trip. We were there for 4 days and decided on no day trips. Did not regret that-there's plenty to keep you busy in Paris.

I'm with the others. Do not take a tour to either Versailles or Giverny.

Take the RER C from Paris to Versailles-Rive Gauche. Be aware that the RER C line divides on the west side of Paris so be sure to get on a train that is going to Versailles-Rive Gauche.

The closest train station to Giverny is Vernon. Trains from Paris depart from Gare Saint-Lazare. The fare is 12.50 EUR each way. From Vernon you have four choices to get to Giverny: taxi, bus, rental bike, walk.

Thanks for all the great information everyone. This is my first visit to Paris.

I agree with all the advice. Do get there via RER, and don't take a tour. We've also found it fun to take the local bus back from Versailles. If it's a nice day, the ride itself is a mini-tour. You pass cute little village-y suburban businesses, see old guys playing boules under the plane trees, pass the Speed Rabbit Pizza joint (no lie - awesome name, eh?), and get a glimpse of everyday life in France. Can't beat it.

I also want to chime in with - first trip to Paris?!?!? OMG, you are going to have such fun.