Trianon Small Group By Minivan

Small-group minivan day from Paris, max 7 people, pairing Monet's house in Giverny with Versailles, the Trianons and the Queen's Hamlet.

Overview

This Clewel Travel day trip packs two of the most visited estates near Paris into one long outing, roughly 11.5 hours door to door. A Mercedes or VW minivan carrying no more than seven people collects guests from hotels in the pickup area around 08:00 (or from the Opera Garnier main facade) and drives about 75 minutes to Giverny, where a guided visit of Claude Monet's house and gardens lasts about an hour and a half. After that comes free time in the village and an hour for lunch at a local restaurant of your choosing, at your own expense.

The afternoon belongs to Versailles. During the roughly one hour drive, the guide gives context on the palace and its residents. On arrival the group enters the Palace with skip the line access and an audio guide for about an hour and a half, then spends the rest of the afternoon, about three hours, across the Gardens, the Big and Small Trianon and the Hamlet de la Reine with a guided escort. The return drive runs 40 minutes to an hour depending on traffic, with drop off at the hotel around 19:30.

It suits travellers who want both Monet's gardens and the full Versailles estate in a single day without dealing with trains or queues, and who can handle a fairly full schedule. Entry tickets, the audio guide, bottled water, hotel pickup and drop off, and all fees and taxes are included. Meals, drinks, souvenirs and tips are not.

What's Included

Itinerary

1. Hotel pickup in ParisDeparture from your hotel in the pickup area, or from the meeting point at the Opera Garnier main facade, at 08:00.
2. Drive to GivernyMinivan transfer of about 75 minutes, roughly 70 km from Paris.
3. Monet's house and gardensGuided visit of the house, Norman flower gardens, the pond and Monet's studio, about 1.5 hours, tickets included.
4. Giverny free time and lunchOne hour of free time in the village, then a one hour lunch break. Lunch is optional and at your own expense.
5. Drive to VersaillesAbout a one hour transfer, with commentary from the guide on the history of Versailles along the way.
6. Versailles PalaceVisit of about 1.5 hours with skip the line access, audio guide and tickets included.
7. Gardens and Trianon estateAbout two hours in the Gardens, then 30 minutes at the Petit Trianon and 30 minutes at the Estate of Trianon, including the Hamlet de la Reine, with guided visits and tickets.
8. Return to ParisDrive of about 45 minutes, depending on traffic, with drop off at your hotel around 19:30.

What To Expect From The Tour

A few practical points before booking this one, based on the listing and on what travellers report back.

• Dress for walking. The listing recommends comfortable shoes and comfortable clothes. You will be on your feet through gardens, palace rooms and village streets for much of the day.
• Food is on you. Lunch in Giverny is a free hour at local restaurants, but meals and drinks are not included in the price. Several travellers also mention bottled water being provided, so you start hydrated at least.
• Guides and drivers. Reviewers repeatedly praise the guides' knowledge of Monet and Versailles history, and the drivers' handling of Paris traffic.
• Small van, small group. The minivan seats a maximum of seven people, and the listing describes it as a comfortable Mercedes or VW vehicle. Live guiding runs from four people.
• Weather matters. Hot conditions came up in more than one review. One said the guide adjusted the schedule around extreme heat, and another noted the guide stood in lines so guests could wait out of the sun.
• Long but rewarding day. Reviewers describe a full day that many counted among the best parts of their Paris trip. Plan for an early start, a return around 19:30, and a schedule that moves between stops.

Common issues. The day is long, roughly 11.5 hours, with early morning pickup and a return in the evening, so it demands stamina. Lunch, drinks, souvenirs and tips are extra. One reviewer mentioned a member of their party feeling unwell after the car ride, though the guide accommodated it. Live guiding only runs from four people, and group composition can shift during the day, as one reviewer described being paired with another couple for part of it. Cancellation is only free up to 3 days in advance.

Common Questions