Paris to Giverny by Train: A Day-Trip Guide

You've probably spent most of your time in Paris on the metro, but the trip to Giverny is by train. You'll leave from Gare Saint-Lazare, the station that appears in Claude Monet's paintings. Giverny is a tiny village in the hills with no train station of its own, so the route goes via Vernon: you ride to Vernon, then continue on to Giverny. It's easier than it sounds. Shuttle buses and a little tourist train to Giverny leave from right outside Vernon station, and since nearly everyone who gets off there is heading to Monet's house, you can simply follow the crowd. More detailed directions come in the next guide.

The journey from Saint-Lazare to Giverny takes about an hour and a half. You can book tickets in advance on the website of SNCF, the French national railway, or buy them at the station. Either way, it helps to know your train times beforehand, and we've listed the station names on the detail page to make searching easier. One-way fares range from €8.90 to €30, and a round trip runs roughly €18 to €60. The cheapest tickets can sell out, so check online ahead of time.

Monet's house and gardens close at 6 p.m., so an early start is best. If you want to linger, take photos and have a meal, plan on four to five hours in Giverny. If you only want a quick look at the house and gardens, about an hour and a half will do. Pick your trains with your departure and arrival times in mind. And if you're heading out early for a morning visit, bring a light jacket, as it can be chilly out in the countryside.