Review: From Paris, Monet’s gardens by bike and picnic break
My verdict: the highest-rated of the six, 4.8 out of 238 reviews, and the only one that turns Giverny into a full day rather than just a stop. Because from Paris, you visit Vernon’s market to buy your picnic, cycle about 5 km along the Seine on flat terrain, and get entry to the house and gardens included. You’ll need to be up for an 8.5-hour outing, do some pedaling, and skip hotel pickup.
How the visit works
Meet at 24 rue Edgar-Faure, in the 15th arrondissement, near Dupleix and La Motte-Picquet-Grenelle metro stations. The coach heads first to Vernon, on the other side of the Seine. There, we stop at the market to put together our picnic: bread, cheese, fruit—whatever you like, at your own expense. This is one of the moments travelers mention most, along with the bike ride itself.
Then we hop on the provided bikes—helmets included—and ride about 5 km along the Seine to Giverny. The path is flat, and the pace matches the group’s; if you can ride a bike, you can handle this route. We picnic outside the Fondation Monet Giverny grounds—it’s not allowed inside—then visit the house and gardens, with admission included. The guide takes you past the Hôtel Baudy, the former inn for American painters, and to the churchyard of Sainte-Radegonde, where Monet’s grave and the graves of 1944 soldiers are located. We cycle back to Vernon, then return to Paris by coach.
What’s not included: hotel pickup, meals and drinks, and the rain poncho, which is offered as a paid option. Check the weather the day before.
What works well
- The highest rating of the six options
- A full day around Giverny, not just a 90-minute stop
- Vernon market and picnic by the water
- Bike and helmet provided, about 5 km on flat terrain
- Pass by the Hôtel Baudy and Monet’s grave, with a guide
- House and garden admission included
Things to know
- 8.5-hour outing, no hotel pickup
- You’ll need to pedal and ride in a group
- In rainy weather, the rain poncho is a paid option
- Meals not included; picnic is paid for at the market
- Only 238 reviews—a smaller sample than the coach tours
At Vernon market, also buy water: there’s nothing to drink along the Seine path, and nothing is provided.
What travellers say
The reviews are the most enthusiastic of the six, and they focus more on the day itself than the gardens: the river, the market, the bike ride. Two guides, Nick and OJ, come up in several comments.
“My favorite moment of the trip, riding along the river” — Kathy, USA
“Nick and OJ, great guides; Vernon then biking through the countryside to Giverny” — Julie, USA
“The market, the bike ride, and Monet’s garden” — Tracy, Australia
“Clean, spacious, air-conditioned coach; our favorite excursion” — Erin, USA
Who it’s for
For those who have a full day, can ride a bike, and prefer a countryside outing to a coach tour. For families with teenagers. For anyone who wants to picnic near Giverny without wondering where, since it’s not allowed in the gardens. It’s not suitable for those who only want a half-day, or who have difficulty walking or cycling: in that case, the private tour with a driver is the flexible option, and the half-day excursion is the shorter one. Practical details, the greenway, and the required fitness level are on the full-day cycling page; to choose your date, check the best time to visit.
Alternatives
Most bookedFrom Paris: Giverny, Monet’s house and gardens (half-day)
Small groupFrom Paris: guided minibus tour to Monet’s gardens
PrivateFrom Paris: private tour of Giverny with chauffeur
Frequently asked questions
Do you need to be athletic for the full-day cycling trip?
No. The route covers about 5 km on the flat path along the Seine between Vernon and Giverny, at the group’s pace, with bikes and helmets provided. You just need to know how to ride a bike and be comfortable cycling in a group. The route is described on Cycling to Giverny.
Where do we picnic?
Outside the grounds of the Fondation Monet Giverny, where picnicking is not allowed. You buy food at the Vernon market before setting off on your bike. Other possible spots around the village are listed on Where to picnic in Giverny.
Is there hotel pickup?
No. The meeting point is at 24 rue Edgar-Faure, Paris 15th, near the Dupleix or La Motte-Picquet-Grenelle metro stations. The options with pick-up are the minibus and the private tour.
What happens if it rains?
The outing still takes place. A rain poncho is available as a paid option. Check the weather the day before and wear closed shoes. Free cancellation is possible up to 24 hours in advance if you prefer to reschedule.