Blue Fox Travel Day Trip

Discover the inspiration for Monet’s Impressionist paintings on a tour of the artist’s gardens in Giverny.

Overview

Blue Fox Travel runs this five-hour excursion from a single meeting point in Paris, 6 Avenue de Wagram, and takes the group by minibus out to the village of Giverny in Upper Normandy. Claude Monet lived and worked there for the last 40 years of his life, and the Japanese Garden with its lake of water lilies served as the inspiration for over 250 of his paintings. The drive each way takes about an hour.

Once there, the visit follows a set sequence. You get 110 minutes at the water garden and the grounds, then a shorter stretch inside the Fondation Monet, where you can see the rooms the artist shared with his family, before a brief stop at his modest grave. Reviewers consistently describe the guides as knowledgeable drivers who share background on Monet during the ride. One reviewer described the walk through the property as self-guided, and another noted that materials were used to explain things while the group waited to enter.

Entry to both the gardens and Monet's house is included in the price, along with transport. Hotel pickup is not, and nor are tips. The tour runs in English and runs rain or shine.

What's Included

Itinerary

1. Meet in ParisThe group gathers at 6 Avenue de Wagram, 75008 Paris. There is no hotel pickup.
2. Van to GivernyRoughly an hour's drive by minibus into Upper Normandy, with commentary from the guide along the way.
3. Monet's Water GardenThe longest stop, at 110 minutes, covering the Japanese Garden with its lake and water lilies.
4. Fondation MonetA 20-minute stop at the house where Monet lived and worked with his family.
5. Claude Monet's TombA 15-minute pause at the artist's grave, which several reviewers mentioned as an added bonus.
6. Van back to ParisAbout an hour's return drive, finishing at the original meeting point on Avenue de Wagram.

What To Expect From The Tour

A few practical points will help you get the most from this half-day trip.

• Getting there. You make your own way to 6 Avenue de Wagram for the start. One solo traveller picked this tour partly because the meeting point was close to their hotel, so check the address against where you are staying.
• Self-guided gardens. The walk through the house and gardens is self-guided, as one reviewer described it. The guide's commentary happens mostly on the drive out, so a little reading on Monet beforehand helps if you want depth on site.
• Group feel. Transport is by minibus, and one reviewer shared a van with only four people in total. Reviews repeatedly mention guides who were attentive to the group and mindful of different walking abilities.
• Weather and clothing. Tours run rain or shine, and the visit is largely outdoors. Wear comfortable shoes and bring a layer or umbrella depending on the forecast.
• Photography. The water garden, the lake full of water lilies and the flower garden with its many varieties of flowers are the main photo subjects. With 110 minutes at the water garden you have time to wait for quieter moments.
• Tips. Tips are not included in the price and are left to your discretion.

Common issues. A few travellers felt the time at the house and gardens was too short and would have preferred a longer stay. Entry to Monet's House is not skip-the-line, so some waiting is possible, and the tour runs regardless of weather. Hotel pickup and drop-off are not included, and neither are tips.

Common Questions