I am chaperoning a small group of high school students to Paris during spring break (Easter Week). We would like to go to Giverny, Monet's home. What is a secure,inexpensive and reliable way for me to get us there? I can not rent a van for this. Where do I find the pertinent train and bus schedules? Do you recommend private bus services? I would like to give my travelers a cost estimate before we depart. Merci!
Posted by
Atlanta, Ga, USA
2023 posts
We found it easy to get to Giverny by train-from Gare Lazzare. Take it to Vernon and get on a bus there and it is a short ride to the house & gardens. Bikes are available at the train station should your group prefer to ride. Sorry but I can't remember the cost of train tics but were not expensive. Perhaps the students can get a reduced rate to tour Giverny? It is definitely best to go early to avoid the crowds. The house is wonderful-frozen in time-and nice to tour it sans crowds. The day we toured it there was a huge group of preschoolers and we were happy to get there early for our visit. How many students will be in your group? Perhaps someone has info on private bus service so you can compare costs.
Posted by
Fontainebleau, France
893 posts
What week exactly do you call "Easter Week"? Is it the last full week in March, or the first week in April? Because if you're going the last full week in March, the cost will be 0€ as Giverny isn't open yet. If you're going the later week, then how many exactly is in your "small group" will definitely impact what is most cost efficient. Cost efficient doesn't always equal easiest, though. Is cost or ease more important to you?
Posted by
Minneapolis, MN, USA
8700 posts
According to the official site, the gardens will open on 29 March. The 2nd class train fare for Paris (Gare Saint-Lazare) to Vernon is €13.90 each way. The roundtrip Vernon-Giverny bus fare is €6.50.
Posted by
Kansas City
36 posts
Bike Rental is about 10 euros each I think. If the weather is good it is really a fun easy ride. There is a cafe directly across the street from the train station in Vernon that rents bikes. Also can get a great glass of Bordeaux for 3e there.
The train is quick like 50 minutes from Paris.
Posted by
L'Occitanie, France
10248 posts
There should be group tickets and other discounts for a school group. Maybe someone who knows the trains well can give some info.
Posted by
Decorah, Iowa, USA
345 posts
Please make sure you and your students are not going on any of the national (bank) holidays. We did that and it was not much fun due to the number of people there. However, the gardens were still beautiful, albeit crowded! Enjoy your trip!
Posted by
OP
Lakewood, USA
12 posts
Thank you all for responding. My group consists of 6 high school students, 1 parent and myself, totaling 8. Our day for this Giverny excursion is Wed. April 3. I have been to Giverny twice before, on big bus groups. I am looking forward to trying this as a small group.
Thank you for the train and bus prices and confirming the opening day. Merci, bien!