Giverny: Day Trips and Tours from Bayeux

Giverny is a picturesque town in Normandy, France, best known as the home of impressionist artist Claude Monet. Located within a comfortable driving distance of Bayeux and other towns and cities in the region, a visit to Giverny is an ideal way to spend a day in the spring, summer and autumn months.

If visiting the region to explore the historically significant sites, Giverny offers visitors an oasis of peace and tranquility. Whether you are an art lover, or simply looking for a taste of Normandy’s countryside, a day tour to Giverny from Bayeux will not disappoint.

Here's all you need to know about Giverny, one of the most exciting day trips from Bayeux.

How to get to Giverny from Bayeux?

Giverny is located in the region of Normandy, to the east of Bayeux. It lies at the confluence of the River Seine and the River Epte.

From Bayeux to Giverny by car

From Bayeux, you can drive along the A13 to get to Giverny. The 200-kilometer drive should take approximately 2 hours.

Guided tour to Giverny from Bayeux

Giverny is included as a destination on private tours from Bayeux. Some operators will also allow you to include this location in a tour with a flexible itinerary.  A guided tour is perfect if you would like an excursion that is organized from start to finish. Tours usually begin with a pickup from your hotel.

What is the typical itinerary?

A typical day tour including Giverny operates on a private basis and starts with a collection at your hotel. A tailored itinerary gives you the opportunity to spend the day exploring according to your interests and preferences, or you can leave your day’s arrangements in the hands of your expert guide.

Although lunch isn’t usually included in the tour price, there will be ample time for lunch and refreshment breaks. Day trips from Bayeux to Rouen and Giverny usually last about 8 hours.

What kinds of tours are available to go to Giverny?

From Bayeux, a tour to Giverny typically occurs on a private basis and the standard itinerary includes a visit to Rouen. As the tour is private, you may request some schedule flexibility if Giverny is your preferred focus.

Full day Private Rouen and Giverny day trip from Bayeux

On a standard full-day tour of Rouen and Giverny, you can expect the medieval history of Normandy to be the primary tour focus. You can, however, request a customized itinerary in which Giverny is prioritized. Lunch along the route is for your own account, as are any entrance fees not included in the standard tour itinerary.

How much does a day trip to Giverny from Bayeux cost?

A full-day private day tour to Rouen and Giverny costs €400 to €900 per group. A minimum of two participants are needed to confirm an excursion, which accommodates a maximum of eight people.

What will you see and do?

The highlight of a visit to Giverny is the home and gardens of impressionist artist Claude Monet. The house itself has been restored and the visitor’s area gives a peek into the fascinating life of Monet, while the garden has two distinct parts.

Clos Normand is a flower filled garden with wonderful symmetries and colors. Flowerbeds are artfully arranged to give height and volume and like Monet preferred, different flowers matched by color are allowed to grow relatively freely.

In contrast, the Water Garden is inspired by Japanese gardens and includes the pond, wisteria covered Japanese bridge and the famous nympheas, which bloom throughout the summer.

The Musée des impressionnismes Giverny is also located in a beautiful garden setting, only a few minutes from Monet’s home. The museum is devoted to impressionism and combines architecture, nature and various artistic exhibits to showcase this unique style of expression.

If you have time, you should also consider a stop at Hôtel Baudy. Once the center of artistic life in Giverny, it is now a café and restaurant, still decorated in the style of its heyday.

When is the best time to visit Giverny?

To enjoy Giverny and to be able to enjoy Monet’s gardens in their full splendor, visits from April to November are best. The museum only allows a certain number of visitors at a time, so advance booking is essential to avoid disappointment. The mid-morning and late afternoon provide the best light for photographs.

Are there any tours to Giverny from other cities in France?

Yes, there are tours departing from other cities in France:

• Day trips to Giverny from Paris

Travel tips

• Online bookings for tours and tickets should be made well in advance.
• Advise the tour operator if you would like to customize your itinerary.
• Remember your camera.
• Flowers bloom in different months. Check the Giverny Monet’s Garden Calendar to get an idea of what to expect when you visit.