Le Havre: Giverny and Honfleur Private Shore Excursion

Key Points

• Private, small group tour limited to 8 participants ensures personalized experiences and flexibility.
• Visit the iconic Giverny Gardens, including Monet’s house, water garden, and flower beds designed by the artist himself.
• Explore the picturesque harbor town of Honfleur, with its art galleries, shops, and stunning Old Harbor.
• Transportation in a comfortable, air-conditioned vehicle with a guide providing engaging commentary.
• Includes entrance tickets to Giverny, making it easy to focus on enjoying the sights without extra costs.
• Tour duration of 9 hours, departing from and returning to Le Havre Cruise Port for convenience.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Discover the Artistic Charm of Monet’s Giverny Gardens

This private tour revolves around the inspiring world of Claude Monet, with exclusive visits to his home and gardens in Giverny. You start with a pick-up directly at Le Havre Cruise Port, making the process smooth and stress-free. The journey to Giverny takes around 1.5 to 2 hours in a luxurious, air-conditioned vehicle, with the guide sharing stories and insights along the way.

Once at Giverny, the guide leads you through Monet’s house, including his bedroom, his wife Alice’s room, and the private apartments. You’ll see artworks by Monet’s friends such as Cezanne and Renoir, along with Monet’s renowned collection of Japanese prints. The vibrant Clos Normand, designed by Monet himself, impresses with its carefully arranged flower beds of daffodils, tulips, peonies, and roses. The garden’s central path, lined with nasturtiums and fragrant blooms, showcases the colors that inspired Monet’s famous paintings.

Walking Through Monet’s Water Garden and Lily Ponds

The Water Garden at Giverny offers a serene setting created by Monet, who diverted a small river to craft this landscape. Visitors walk through lily ponds and cross the Japanese bridge, both features that Monet painted repeatedly. The presence of oriental plants such as maples, bamboo, and white lilies adds to the tranquil atmosphere, giving visitors a vivid sense of Monet’s inspiration for his “Nymphéas” (Water Lilies) series.

This part of the tour emphasizes Monet’s love of nature and his skill in capturing light and seasonal changes. The Water Garden’s peaceful environment contrasts nicely with the vibrant flower beds, offering a complete picture of Monet’s horticultural and artistic pursuits.

Lunch Break and Scenic Drive to Honfleur

After exploring Giverny, the tour provides time for a self-organized lunch—a chance to relax and enjoy Normandy cuisine at your own expense. The guide then accompanies the group on a scenic drive to Honfleur, a charming harbor town famous for its artistic heritage and picturesque streets.

Walking Tour of Honfleur’s Old Town and Harbor

In Honfleur, a short guided walk reveals the town’s cobbled streets, lined with art galleries, shops, and half-timbered houses. The highlight is the Vieux Bassin (Old Harbor), a postcard-perfect scene with colorful boats and historic quay-side buildings. The guide points out notable sights and shares insights into the town’s artistic legacy, which includes many painters and writers who have been inspired by its unique atmosphere.

Visitors have the chance to wander freely after the guided tour, absorbing the authentic Norman ambiance, and capturing photos of the harbor views. The small group size enhances intimacy and allows for personalized attention and flexible exploration.

More Great Tours Nearby

Convenient Return to Le Havre Cruise Port

The tour concludes with a 1.5-hour drive back to Le Havre, ensuring enough time for the group to reboard the cruise ship comfortably. The pick-up and drop-off service at the cruise terminal simplifies logistics, making this tour ideal for cruise passengers wishing to maximize their day in Normandy.

Practical Details: Transportation, Guides, and Inclusions

This private tour offers transportation in an air-conditioned vehicle, with a professional English-speaking guide leading the experience. The group is limited to 8 people, promoting a personalized, less crowded experience.

The entrance tickets to Giverny Gardens are included, removing the need for extra payments and ensuring smooth access to Monet’s house and water gardens. The tour excludes meals and drinks, so travelers should plan accordingly for lunch at their own cost.

The provider, Your Shore Time, maintains a 3.8 rating, reflecting overall satisfaction, although reviews suggest the tour is well-organized and offers a good balance of sightseeing and comfort.

Physical Requirements and Accessibility

The tour involves some walking, with good walking shoes recommended. It is not wheelchair accessible, so it best suits travelers who are comfortable with moderate mobility. The tour may not be suitable for those with mobility challenges or requiring wheelchair access.

Additional Considerations and Flexibility

The tour reserves your spot with a pay-later option, providing flexibility for travelers to confirm their plans confidently. Cancelling up to 24 hours in advance ensures a full refund, adding peace of mind.

Since the tour is private and limited to 8 participants, it offers a more intimate experience compared to larger group excursions. This makes it perfect for travelers seeking personalized attention and a relaxed pace.

Summary of the Normandy Day Trip to Giverny and Honfleur

This 9-hour private tour delivers a well-rounded experience of Normandy’s artistic and harbor towns, focusing on Claude Monet’s gardens and Honfleur’s charming streets. The included entrance tickets and comfortable transport make it a convenient choice for cruise passengers wanting to see iconic sites without the hassle of planning logistics.

While the price of $2,025 per group might seem high, it covers all transportation, guides, and entrance fees, offering a seamless day trip. The small group size enhances the experience, making it ideal for travelers who value personalized service.

This tour is most suited to art enthusiasts, garden lovers, and those seeking a scenic, relaxing day in Normandy. It balances cultural exploration with beautiful scenery, with the stunning views at Giverny and the picturesque streets of Honfleur standing out as highlights.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this tour suitable for children?
While the tour involves some walking and standing, it can be enjoyed by families with children who are comfortable with moderate mobility. However, it is not specifically tailored for young children.

Are meals included in the tour?
No, lunch and drinks are not included, so travelers should plan to purchase lunch during their free time in Giverny or Honfleur.

What should I bring on the tour?
Comfortable shoes, a camera, and water are recommended to make the most of the sightseeing and walking involved.

Can I cancel this tour?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, offering flexibility in case of changing plans.

Is this tour accessible for travelers with mobility challenges?
No, it involves some walking and is not wheelchair accessible, so it’s best suited for travelers with good mobility.

This private Normandy trip combines culture, scenery, and comfort, offering a captivating day exploring Monet’s masterpieces and the scenic harbor of Honfleur.

You can check availability for your dates here: More Great Tours Nearby