Giverny is a small village in Normandy, in the northwest of France. It is best known as the home of the famous painter Claude Monet. Every year, thousands of visitors come to admire his beautiful gardens and the famous pink house with green shutters. But one important question remains: how do you get around in Giverny? Here is a practical guide to help you plan your visit.
1. Getting to Giverny
Before talking about moving around Giverny, let’s look at how to get there. There are several good options:
By train
The nearest train station to Giverny is Vernon-Giverny, located about 6 kilometers from the village. You can reach this station from Paris Saint-Lazare in around 45 to 50 minutes. This is the most convenient way if you're coming from Paris.
Once you arrive at Vernon-Giverny station, you have several choices to reach the village:
Tourist shuttle (in season)
Local bus
Taxi
Bike rental
Walking (for the more adventurous)
By car
You can also drive to Giverny. From Paris, the drive takes about 1 hour 15 to 1 hour 30 minutes, via the A13 motorway. There are free parking areas at the entrance to the village, which makes things easy.
2. Getting around in Giverny
Giverny is a small and quiet village. You don’t need a car to explore it. Here are the main ways to get around:
On foot
The best way to discover Giverny is on foot. The village is perfect for walking. Distances are short, and the paths are well maintained. You can easily walk to:
Claude Monet’s House and Gardens
The Museum of Impressionisms
The Church of Sainte-Radegonde (where Monet is buried)
The flower-filled village streets
Walking lets you enjoy the peaceful atmosphere: charming Norman houses, stone walls, trees, and colorful flowers… It’s a true visual delight.
By bike
If you like cycling, you can rent a bike at Vernon station or in the village. The ride from Vernon to Giverny takes about 20 minutes on a pleasant cycle path along the Seine.
Biking is also a good option to explore the surroundings, such as:
The Seine Valley
Fields of wheat or rapeseed
Charming countryside hamlets
By tourist shuttle
During the high season (spring to autumn), a tourist shuttle runs between Vernon station and Giverny. It drops visitors off near Monet’s house. The ride takes about 15 minutes. It’s a practical option if you don’t want to walk or cycle.
The schedule is usually matched to trains from Paris. It’s a good idea to check the timetable in advance, especially outside peak season.
By car (not recommended inside the village)
Even if you come by car, it’s not recommended to drive in the village. The streets are narrow, often pedestrian-only, and there are few parking spots inside. It’s better to park at the entrance and walk from there.
3. Practical Tips
Here are a few helpful tips for getting around Giverny:
Wear comfortable shoes – some paths are gravel or dirt.
Visit early in the morning or late in the afternoon – to avoid crowds.
Avoid public holidays and weekends – the village can get busy.
Bring a water bottle – especially if walking or cycling.
4. If You Have Mobility Issues
Giverny is partially accessible to people with limited mobility. Monet’s house has ramps, and part of the gardens are adapted. If you need a wheelchair or assistance, make sure to check in advance what services are available.
Conclusion
Getting around Giverny is easy, especially if you enjoy walking or biking. The village is peaceful, the distances are short, and everything is set up to welcome visitors comfortably. Whether you’re planning a half-day trip or a weekend stay, you can explore the wonders of Giverny at your own pace. So don’t wait—plan your visit and discover the magical world of Claude Monet.
