A well-organized 48-hour weekend in the Vexin region lets you experience the very best the area has to offer: the medieval castle of La Roche-Guyon, Monet’s gardens in Giverny, a bike ride along the banks of the Seine, and the charming villages dotted throughout the valley. Here’s the itinerary we recommend—structured enough to ensure you don’t miss a thing, yet flexible enough to take a breather whenever the mood strikes.
Day 1: Leave Paris in the mid-afternoon to arrive at La Roche-Guyon around 5 p.m., and leisurely savor your first moments at Le Paradis de Lucile.
Day 2: La Roche-Guyon, the Seine, and the Vexin Hills
Morning: Breakfast with a view and a tour of the castle
After breakfast at Le Paradis de Lucile, start with a tour of the castle—allow 1.5 to 2 hours for a complete tour, including the cave cellars, the historic vegetable garden, and the climb up to the keep. The view of the valley from the top is one of the most beautiful in the region. And you’ll get to see Le Paradis de Lucile from a different angle.
For lunch, you have several options: the village restaurants—our favorite being Casa Victoria—or a picnic featuring local products purchased at Ahmed’s grocery store, the Château butcher shop, or Le Quai des Pains bakery.
Afternoon: Ride to Vétheuil
The afternoon is perfect for a bike ride—if you have a bike—toward Vétheuil, about ten kilometers away. The road is practically flat, has very little car traffic, and winds through riverbank landscapes of unchanging beauty. In Vétheuil, take the time to admire the Gothic church from the banks of the Seine—you’ll understand why Monet couldn’t tear himself away from it.
Return to La Roche-Guyon in the late afternoon for a shower and some rest before the evening.
Evening: Sunset and Dinner
Weather permitting, enjoy the breathtaking view from the house, perched on the heights of the Vexin, as the sun sets—the light on the Seine at this hour is extraordinary. Then, have dinner at a nearby restaurant or at the house, depending on your preference. The evening at Paradis de Lucile, in the garden or in the living room depending on the season, naturally drags on.
Day 3: Giverny, Vernon, and Back to Paris
Morning: Monet’s Gardens at Opening Time
Get up early to be in Giverny as soon as it opens (9:30 a.m.). These first few hours, before the tour buses arrive, are the best: the gardens are quiet, the light is magnificent, and you can take the time to really take it all in. Allow 1.5 to 2 hours for a complete tour of the house and gardens. Book your tickets online in advance.
Lunch in Vernon
Vernon, 5 km from Giverny, is a pleasant-sized town with great places to have lunch. The brasseries in the town center offer reasonably priced lunch specials. Take the opportunity to stroll along the Seine in Vernon and photograph the old mill—one of Normandy’s most photographed landmarks.
Afternoon: Return via the Loops of the Seine
On your way back to Paris, rather than heading straight back onto the highway, take a detour through Chérence (which offers an exceptional view of the loops of the Seine). This stop won’t add much time to your trip and will allow you to discover one of the region’s most beautiful villages.
Practical Tips for Planning This Weekend
How to Get Around the Vexin?
A car is still the most convenient way to travel this weekend, especially to get to Giverny from La Roche-Guyon. That said, the Vexin region is also well-suited for a train-and-bike trip: take the train to Mantes-la-Jolie or Vernon, rent a bike there, and explore the region by bike.
Reservations to Make in Advance
Be sure to book your tickets to Giverny online (especially from May through September). Book your lodging at least 2–3 weeks in advance for spring and summer weekends. For gourmet restaurants in the area, reservations are recommended for Friday and Saturday evenings.
Where to Stay: Le Paradis de Lucile in La Roche-Guyon
The Ideal Central Location
Le Paradis de Lucile, located in the heart of La Roche-Guyon, is ideally situated for this weekend getaway: just 10 minutes from Giverny and a few minutes’ walk from the château. It’s a charming house perfect for exploring the region in every direction.
For all types of groups
Whether you’re a couple, a family, a group of friends, or a small group of colleagues, Le Paradis de Lucile can accommodate your needs. The five bedrooms can accommodate groups of various sizes, and exclusive use of the entire property guarantees the privacy and flexibility you’re looking for.
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FAQ
Is this itinerary suitable for children?
Yes, with a few adjustments. Children really enjoy visiting the Château de La Roche-Guyon (caves, keep, vegetable garden). In Giverny, the gardens are well-suited for children ages 6 and up. For younger children, the garden at Le Paradis de Lucile is an excellent play area.
What is the budget for this weekend?
Excluding lodging: admission to La Roche-Guyon Castle (~€10/person), Monet’s gardens (~€12/adult, reduced rate for children), meals (varies depending on options). Depending on the season and the number of people, Le Paradis de Lucile offers direct-booking accommodations starting at €300 per night.
What if the weather is bad on one of the two days?
La Roche-Guyon Castle can be visited in any weather (the cave cellars are indoors). Giverny is less enjoyable in the rain, but the Musée des Impressionnismes is a covered alternative. Vernon has museums and a covered market. And a rainy day at Paradis de Lucile—snuggled up warm with a great library, board games, foosball, and a cozy fireplace in winter—is not to be missed.
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This two-day itinerary in the Vexin region is our top recommendation for discovering the best of the area at a leisurely pace. Le Paradis de Lucile welcomes you as the starting point for this wonderful adventure just a short drive from Paris.
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Photo: Valentin Rachetto
