Leaving from Paris, this day trip is a step-by-step biking excursion to Monet's house in Giverny.

Custom map at the end of this article!

9:00 AM – Arrival in Vernon-Giverny

Notes:

I use the Trainline mobile app to book my tickets.
The best day of the week for this itinerary is Wednesday, as that's market day in Vernon.
Vernon is the closest village to Giverny.
If you do not want to bike, you can take a shuttle or taxi.

9:30 AM – Givernon Rental Station

This bicycle rental shop offers online reservations and an easy check-in and out process. I highly suggest upgrading to an electric bicycle for this experience.

I do not recommend this biking experience for beginners or those with young children.

Do you prefer to dine in a restaurant for your Giverny experience?

I have noted some great options in Giverny on the custom Google map.

Reservations highly recommended.

Vernon Farmers Market

10:30 AM ARRIVAL

Every Wednesday, from 8 AM to 1 PM, Vernon hosts a wonderful outdoor marché. Full of local products and produce, this is an excellent opportunity to shop for picnic lunch supplies.

Grab a fresh baguette, fresh cheeses, sliced charcuterie, fruit, and Normandy cider are excellent choices and will easily fit in your bicycle basket. Ask the vendors to slice or open a cider bottle for you - they'll do it no problem!

If you aren't hungry for an early picnic, there is a lovely park when you first enter Giverny with picnic spaces. This is noted on the custom Google map that I created for you.

Need bottled water or other grocery items? There's a grocery store next door to the marché. I have also noted a pharmacy nearby.

Collégiale Notre-Dame

11:15 AM ARRIVAL

As the church is on your way to the mill, it's worth a stop to peek inside and see the stunning stained glass. Or you can visit on your return trip.

Please note that as you leave this area, traffic is concentrated as you cross the bridge, over the river. Please exercise caution and take your time.

Prefer to spend more time at the gardens? Skip the market and visit a boulangerie for a ready-made baguette sandwich.

11.45 AM Arrival - Le Vieux-Moulin de Vernon

The old Vernon mill is a half-timbered building straddling two piers of the old bridge over the Seine. The bridge itself dates from the 12th century, the mill is probably from the 16th century. This is the perfect spot for a picnic!

12.30 PM Depart - La Sente des Cheminées

Please be careful as you cross from the mill towards this starting point of the bike path. Once you're on this route, it is a peaceful, stunning 20 minute bike ride past apple orchards, pastures, and beautiful French cottages.

There is so much more to discover in Giverny other than just Monet's house. Book a hotel overnight at one of these locations.

DOMAINE DE LA CORNICHE

LA DIME DE GIVERNY

Monet's House & Gardens

The bike rental shop provides bike locks and there are bike racks near the parking lots as you enter giverny.

At this point, it will be about 1 PM when you arrive to Monet's house, which is perfect because others will still be having lunch. The gardens will be less crowded!

Estimate two to three hours to explore the gardens, house, and gift shop. Ultimately, the time spent here is of your choice & when you want to return to Paris.

Book your entrance tickets in advance HERE.

Tombe de Claude Monet

Would you like to thank Mr. Monet for this artistic contributions to the world? You can visit his grave site as you leave Giverny. It's a special moment and way to end your day trip. From here, retrace your steps back to the bike rental shop & train station to return to Paris.