GIVERNY & IMPRESSIONIST TRAIL
The Impressionist Trail winds through Normandy’s pastoral landscape, following in the footsteps of masters like Claude Monet. This journey blends the serene beauty of Giverny with the historic towns and natural scenes that inspired a new way of seeing the world.
This region is where the vibrant art movement of Impressionism was born. It’s a land of iconic sights, from Monet’s gardens to the stunning light that captivated a generation of artists.
Most Popular Attractions
The Main Attractions:
Fondation Claude Monet: The centerpiece of any visit, featuring Monet’s iconic house and his famous water lily gardens. It’s the site where he created some of his most famous masterpieces.
Musée des Impressionnismes Giverny: A museum dedicated to the history of Impressionism and its legacy, with rotating exhibitions that connect the movement to contemporary art.
Sainte-Radegonde Church: A 12th-century Romanesque church where Claude Monet and his family are buried in the cemetery.
Giverny Village: The charming village itself, with its half-timbered houses and quaint streets that remain much as they were in Monet’s time.
The Old Mill: A picturesque, rustic mill on the edge of the village, a popular subject for painters and photographers.
Hotel Baudy: A historic inn and restaurant that was a popular gathering place for American Impressionists who came to Giverny to paint.
The Japanese Bridge: The iconic green bridge over the water lily pond at Monet’s house, a key element in many of his paintings.
Nearby Impressionist Sites & Towns:
Vernon: A nearby town with a medieval feel, located on the Seine. It’s connected to Giverny by a walking and cycling trail.
Vetheuil: A small village on the Seine where Monet lived before settling in Giverny, a subject of several of his paintings.
La Roche-Guyon: A village with a famous castle and a picturesque setting on the Seine that was painted by Monet and others.
The Cliffs of Étretat: While not in Giverny, these dramatic coastal cliffs in Normandy were a frequent subject for Monet and are a key part of the Impressionist Trail.
Rouen: The capital of Normandy, home to the Gothic cathedral that Monet painted in a famous series of over 30 works, capturing the facade at different times of day.
Honfleur: A picturesque harbor town and a birthplace of Impressionism, where artists like Eugène Boudin and Monet painted together.
Musée Marmottan Monet (Paris): Located in Paris, this museum holds the world’s largest collection of Monet’s paintings, including his famous work Impression, Sunrise, which gave the movement its name.
Auvers-sur-Oise: A town north of Paris where Vincent van Gogh spent his final months and created some of his most iconic works.
Musée d’Orsay (Paris): A world-renowned museum located in a former train station, housing an extensive collection of Impressionist and Post-Impressionist masterpieces.
Pont de Sèvres: A bridge and area in Paris, frequently painted by Impressionists for its views of the Seine and the city’s outskirts.
Argenteuil: A Parisian suburb on the Seine that became a hub for Impressionist painters in the 1870s, including Monet, Manet, and Renoir.
Activities & Experiences
Visit Monet’s House and Gardens: Explore Claude Monet’s iconic pink house, the studio where he painted, and the magnificent gardens he cultivated. Wander through the famous water garden with its Japanese bridge, weeping willows, and water lilies, which inspired his most famous works.
Explore the Musée des Impressionnismes Giverny: Located just a short walk from Monet’s house, this museum is dedicated to the history of Impressionism and its offshoots. It features rotating exhibitions of artists from the movement and their contemporaries.
Cycle the Impressionist Trail: Rent a bike and follow the scenic “Chemin des Impressionnistes,” a marked trail that winds through the countryside. It connects Giverny with Vernon and offers beautiful views of the Seine River and the landscapes that captivated so many artists.
Take a Boat Trip on the Seine: Experience the same views that inspired painters like Monet, Sisley, and Renoir by taking a leisurely boat trip on the Seine River. You’ll pass by quaint villages and lush riverbanks.
Explore the Town of Vernon: Just across the river from Giverny, the town of Vernon is home to a medieval castle, a historic half-timbered house on a bridge (the Vieux Moulin), and a charming riverside promenade.
Go on a Painting or Photography Workshop: Embrace your inner artist with a plein-air painting workshop in the Giverny gardens or the surrounding countryside. Many local artists offer classes for all skill levels.
Visit the Château de Bizy: Located in Vernon, this beautiful 18th-century château is known as the “Versailles of Normandy.” Its elegant interiors, stables, and extensive parkland are worth a visit.
Wander through the Gardens of Giverny’s Other Artists: Explore the lesser-known gardens that once belonged to other artists who flocked to Giverny, such as the garden of the American painter Frederick MacMonnies.
Go Antiques Shopping in Vernon: The town of Vernon has several antique shops and markets, perfect for finding a unique souvenir or a piece of local history.
Hike the Eure River Valley: Explore the scenic walking trails along the Eure River, a tributary of the Seine, which is known for its peaceful landscapes and charming rural scenery.
Local Tips & Transport
By Train and Shuttle: The most common way to get to Giverny from Paris is to take a train from Gare Saint-Lazare to Vernon-Giverny station. The journey takes about 45 minutes to an hour. From the station, a shuttle bus runs directly to Monet’s house and gardens.
Walking or Biking: From the Vernon-Giverny train station, it’s a pleasant 45-minute walk or a 20-minute bike ride along a dedicated path to the village of Giverny. You can rent bikes from a shop right outside the station.
Car is Recommended for the Trail: While Giverny itself is small and walkable, a rental car is the best way to explore the wider Impressionist Trail and the surrounding towns like Auvers-sur-Oise and Rouen, which are too far to reach easily by public transport.
From the Airport: There is no direct transport from Paris’s airports (CDG or Orly) to Giverny. You must first take a train or bus into central Paris and then get the train to Vernon-Giverny.
Book Your Tickets in Advance: To avoid long queues, especially during peak season (spring and summer), it’s highly recommended to book your tickets for Monet’s House and Gardens online well in advance.
Arrive Early or Late: The gardens are most crowded between 11 a.m. and 4 p.m. To enjoy a more peaceful experience, try to arrive right when the gardens open at 9:30 a.m. or in the late afternoon.
Giverny is Seasonal: Monet’s House and Gardens are closed during the winter, typically from early November to late March. Check the official website for the exact opening dates each year. The best time to visit for flowers is late April to June.
Beyond Monet: While Monet is the main attraction, many other Impressionists lived and worked in the area. Explore the lesser-known artists’ studios and homes to get a broader sense of the artistic community that thrived here.
The Vieux Moulin (Old Mill): In Vernon, the old mill built on a bridge across the Seine is a fantastic and unique photo opportunity. It’s an iconic landmark of the region and a short walk from the town center.
Hidden Gems:
- The Japanese Garden: While everyone knows about the water lily pond, don’t miss the smaller, less-crowded Japanese-inspired dry garden behind Monet’s house, with its vibrant colors and serene atmosphere.
- L’Hôtel Baudy: This historic hotel and restaurant was a famous meeting place for artists in the late 19th century, including Cézanne and Rodin. It’s a great spot for a coffee or meal and still has its original artist studios in the back garden.
- The Giverny-Vernon Trail: This is an easy walk or bike ride along the old railway line, a tranquil path that showcases the idyllic countryside that inspired many paintings.
Top Restaurants
Au Bon Saint-Patrice [$25-$45] – A traditional brasserie in Giverny village with a cozy atmosphere and classic French dishes.
Restaurant Baudy [$30-$50] – Located in the historic Hotel Baudy, this restaurant was a popular haunt for Impressionist painters and serves traditional Normandy cuisine.
Le Jardin des Plumes [$60-$90] – A Michelin-starred restaurant offering refined and creative French cuisine with a focus on local ingredients in a beautiful setting.
Les Nymphéas [$20-$40] – A restaurant near Claude Monet’s house, offering a simple menu of traditional French food and a terrace with a view of the village.
La Musardière [$40-$60] – Located near the Giverny Museum of Impressionisms, this restaurant serves classic French food in a contemporary setting.
Restaurant Le Clos Normand – Chez Tante Léonie [$25-$45] – A restaurant in a historic house, offering a traditional menu in a charming and authentic setting.
Le Coin des Peintres [$30-$50] – A small, intimate restaurant in the heart of Giverny, known for its friendly service and classic French dishes.
Le Moulin de Fourges [$40-$60] – A beautiful historic mill transformed into a restaurant on the banks of the Epte River, serving traditional regional cuisine.
L’Ancien Hôtel de la Marine [$30-$50] – A traditional restaurant in the nearby town of Vernon, with a focus on seafood and classic French dishes.
Crêperie des Forges [$15-$25] – A simple and charming creperie in Giverny, offering a variety of sweet and savory crepes perfect for a casual lunch.
Le Bôbar [$35-$55] – A modern and lively bistro in Vernon with an inventive menu and a focus on creative cocktails.
L’Auberge du Lion d’Or [$40-$60] – A contemporary restaurant in Vernon, offering a creative take on traditional Norman cuisine.
Le Relais du Vieux Moulin [$45-$70] – A modern restaurant in a historic building in Vernon, known for its creative menu and sophisticated wine list.
La Vigne Restaurant [$40-$60] – A restaurant in the nearby town of Pacy-sur-Eure, offering a modern and creative menu with a focus on local and seasonal ingredients.
L’Essentiel [$50-$80] – A contemporary restaurant in Vernon that combines classic French techniques with a modern sensibility.
Le Prieuré Saint-Georges [$50-$80] – A refined restaurant in the nearby town of Saint-Georges-Motel, offering a modern and elegant dining experience.
La Table de Reuilly [$40-$60] – A modern and creative restaurant in Reuilly, offering a unique menu with a focus on fresh, local produce.
Le Jardin de la Licorne [$35-$55] – A charming restaurant in the nearby town of Pacy-sur-Eure with a creative menu and a beautiful garden setting.
L’Empreinte [$50-$80] – A modern restaurant in Vernon that offers a high-quality, creative dining experience in a sleek setting.
Le Goût du Large [$40-$60] – A modern seafood restaurant in Vernon, known for its fresh fish and creative dishes.
Le Kiosque des Impressionnistes [$15-$25] – A casual spot in Giverny, perfect for a quick bite or a coffee, with a simple menu of sandwiches and snacks.
L’Atelier des Gâteaux [$10-$20] – A delightful patisserie in Giverny village, offering a variety of delicious pastries and a great spot for a sweet treat.
Les Glaces de Giverny [$5-$10] – A small ice cream shop in Giverny, perfect for a refreshing treat on a warm day.
Restaurant du Parc [$25-$45] – Located in Vernon, this restaurant has a lovely terrace and a menu of simple, traditional French dishes.
Le Bistrot de l’Etang [$30-$50] – A traditional bistro in the nearby town of La Roche-Guyon, known for its classic French dishes and beautiful views of the Seine.
Le Jardin d’Hiver [$25-$45] – A charming restaurant in Vernon with a beautiful conservatory and a menu of traditional French cuisine.
L’Empreinte de Vernon [$40-$60] – A restaurant in Vernon that offers a gastronomic experience with a focus on creative, modern cuisine.
La Gâterie [$15-$25] – A cozy tea room and cafe in Giverny, perfect for a light lunch or a coffee and a pastry.
Le P’tit Broc [$20-$30] – A friendly local bistro in Vernon, known for its generous portions and traditional atmosphere.
Au Jardin d’Hortense [$20-$30] – A small, charming restaurant in Giverny with a limited but delicious menu of homemade dishes.
Top Cocktail Bars and Clubs
Les Nymphéas: Located near the heart of Giverny, this charming bar and restaurant offers a selection of classic cocktails and local wines, providing a perfect spot to relax after a day of exploring Monet’s gardens. The atmosphere is quiet and elegant, reflecting the artistic spirit of the area.
Le Jardin des Plumes: Situated just a short walk from the Claude Monet Foundation, this refined bar is part of a boutique hotel. It offers a sophisticated setting with a focus on expertly crafted drinks and a curated list of spirits, ideal for a quiet evening.
Hôtel-Restaurant La Musardière: Found in the village of Giverny, this hotel bar provides a rustic and cozy ambiance. You can enjoy a glass of wine or a simple cocktail on their terrace, which overlooks a tranquil garden.
Aux Ducs de Normandie: Located in nearby Vernon, this hotel bar provides a classic, unpretentious atmosphere. It’s a great place to stop for a drink and a bite to eat while exploring the town’s historic center.
Le Bistrot des Fleurs: A small, friendly bistro in Vernon with a simple yet inviting bar. It’s a popular spot for locals and visitors alike, offering a selection of aperitifs and wines.
Le Bistrot du 13: Found on Rue du 13 in Vernon, this bistro has a cozy and authentic French feel. It’s a wonderful place to have a pre-dinner drink in a relaxed setting.
Le Bivouac: This bar and restaurant in Vernon is known for its friendly service and laid-back vibe. It’s a good choice for a casual drink, offering a range of beers and spirits.
O’Délices: Situated in the center of Vernon, this bar and creperie is a good option for a casual evening. You can find a variety of ciders, beers, and simple mixed drinks.
Le Saint Pierre: A traditional French bar in Vernon that provides a glimpse into local life. It’s a no-frills spot, but perfect if you want an authentic experience.
Le Kiosque: Located in the heart of Vernon, this bar offers a wide selection of beverages. It’s a convenient and central place to meet up with friends for a drink.
La Rôtisserie Normande: This restaurant in Vernon has a small bar area where you can have a drink before your meal. It’s known for its welcoming atmosphere.
L’Endroit: Found in Vernon, this bar is known for its comfortable atmosphere and decent selection of drinks.
Hôtel Normandy: A hotel bar in Vernon that is a reliable choice for a quiet drink in a classic setting.
Bar Tabac Le Relais Fleuri: A very traditional French bar in Giverny, this is where you’ll find locals enjoying a casual drink.
La Pléiade: Situated in Vernon, this bar is a good spot for a laid-back drink after a day of exploring the town’s sights.
Le Sax: Located in nearby Eure, this is a popular live music venue and concert hall, offering a more vibrant nightlife experience than the bars in Giverny or Vernon. It features a diverse range of musical genres and is a great place to dance or enjoy a show.
Le QG: A lively bar in Évreux that often hosts DJ nights and has a more club-like atmosphere on weekends, drawing a younger crowd.
L’Usine à Chapeaux: Situated in Évreux, this venue is known for its concerts and themed nights, providing a more energetic alternative to the typical bars in the region.
Le Carré à Giverny: While not a nightclub, this restaurant and bar sometimes hosts live music events that can create a lively evening atmosphere, especially on weekends.
Le Moulin de Fourges: A scenic restaurant and event venue near Giverny. On select nights, it hosts events with music and dancing, offering a unique and charming clubbing experience in a historic setting.
Le P’tit Prince: A popular spot in Évreux that transforms into a lively late-night bar with music and dancing, especially during the summer.
Le Petit Salon: Located in Évreux, this spot is known for its cocktail list and sometimes has DJs, making it a good place for a small-scale, intimate dance party.
L’Hôtel de la Ville: The bar at this hotel in Vernon is sometimes a gathering point for small, late-night events with a DJ, especially on weekends, though it’s not a traditional club.
Les Tables d’Hôtes du Château: This venue in the surrounding countryside, while primarily a restaurant and a guesthouse, sometimes hosts private parties or events with music and dancing.
Le Village Club: A seasonal club in the wider Normandy region that is popular with locals for its theme nights and live music.