Small-Group Giverny and Van Gogh’s Room in Auvers from Paris

Small-Group Giverny and Van Gogh’s Room in Auvers from Paris: An Artistic Journey in Ile-de-France

This 10-hour small-group tour from Paris offers a captivating glimpse into the worlds of two iconic artists: Claude Monet and Vincent Van Gogh. Priced at $257 per person, the tour is limited to 8 participants, ensuring an intimate experience with personalized attention from the English-speaking guides. Starting at Café des Dames, the journey takes you through the scenic countryside, visiting Monet’s lush gardens and home, then exploring Van Gogh’s final residence and the inspiring town of Auvers-sur-Oise.

The tour’s highlights include walking through Monet’s famous gardens and house, paying respects at his tomb, and gaining rare access to Van Gogh’s room in the Auberge Ravoux. The carefully planned itinerary balances artistic discovery with relaxed pacing, making it ideal for art lovers and those craving an authentic countryside escape. While the tour operates rain or shine, the small-group format and skip-the-line access enhance the overall experience, though guests should be punctual to make the most of each stop.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Key Points

• Limited to 8 participants for a more personalized and engaging experience.
• Visit Monet’s house and gardens in Giverny, including the famous water lily pond.
• Discover Van Gogh’s room at Auberge Ravoux, where the artist lived his final months.
• Explore the town of Auvers-sur-Oise, including the gothic church and wheat field with crows.
• Entrance fees and tickets to all sites are included, with no additional costs for entry.
• Tour departs from Café des Dames and is led by knowledgeable guides with excellent reviews.

Starting Point at Café des Dames in Paris

The tour begins at Café des Dames, where guests are advised to arrive at least 15 minutes before the scheduled departure time. The driver-guide arrives about 10 minutes early with a grey minibus, ready to transport the small group through scenic countryside. This prompt start helps maximize time at each location, ensuring a relaxed yet comprehensive exploration.

Exploring Monet’s Gardens and His Home in Giverny

The centerpiece of the tour is Giverny, where Claude Monet’s gardens and house evoke the painter’s most famous works. Visitors walk among willow trees and water lilies, crossing the iconic green bridge over Monet’s pond. This setting feels like stepping into one of Monet’s Impressionist paintings.

Inside Monet’s colorful family home, guests gain special access to see where the artist lived and worked, providing insights into his daily life and creative space. After exploring the house and gardens, a short walk to Monet’s tomb offers a chance to pay respects to this influential figure. The garden entrance, along with Monet’s house and tomb, are included in the ticket price, making this a seamless visit.

Discovering Van Gogh’s Last Days in Auvers-sur-Oise

After Giverny, the tour moves to Auvers-sur-Oise, the village that inspired 77 of Van Gogh’s paintings. Here, the focus is on Van Gogh’s final three months and the places he loved. Guests see the boarding house where Van Gogh stayed during his last days, and the gothic church that features in his works.

A highlight is walking through the Wheat Field with Crows, where Van Gogh painted his last masterpiece. The town’s atmosphere reflects the restless energy of Van Gogh, adding emotional depth to the experience. The Van Gogh room at Auberge Ravoux offers an intimate look at the artist’s remaining days, and is included in the tour. The final resting place, an ivy-covered grave, provides a poignant moment to reflect on his life and work.

More Great Tours Nearby

The Art of the Guides and Pacing of the Tour

Throughout the day, the English-speaking guides share detailed stories about Monet and Van Gogh, blending art history, personal stories, and local lore. Reviewers consistently praise guides like Martijn, Brune, and Arthur for their knowledge, friendliness, and engaging storytelling.

The pacing of the tour is carefully managed, with about 2 hours at Giverny and 75 minutes in Auvers-sur-Oise. Lunch in Auvers is scheduled for 1 hour, providing time to relax and enjoy local cuisine. The entire itinerary balances artistic immersion with rest breaks, making it accessible without feeling rushed.

Logistics and Group Size: A Small-Group Advantage

The tour operates rain or shine, with all entrance fees included. The small-group format, capped at 8 participants, ensures ample opportunity for questions and personalized attention. This setup is especially appreciated in sites that can become crowded, like Monet’s gardens.

Guests are advised to be punctual, as the tour starts promptly and late arrivals cannot be accommodated. The comfortable minibus offers a smooth ride, and the guided commentary enriches each stop with context and insights.

Value and Cost: What’s Included and What to Consider

At $257 per person, the tour offers all entrance fees to Monet’s gardens, Monet’s house and tomb, Van Gogh’s room, and the villages of Giverny and Auvers-sur-Oise. The skip-the-line access helps save valuable time. However, food and drinks during the day are not included, so guests should plan accordingly for lunch.

The extensive reviews highlight the excellent value given the quality of sites visited and the expert guides. Many note that the timing and organization make for a comfortable and enjoyable day, even with a long schedule.

Pacing and Physical Considerations

The tour involves walking through gardens, towns, and historical sites, so some light physical activity is involved. The walks are manageable, but guests should be prepared for standing and walking outdoors. The tour is suitable for most mobility levels, but guests needing additional assistance should inquire beforehand.

Comparing This Tour to Similar Options

This small-group day trip from Paris stands out for its personalized experience, comprehensive access, and expert guides. While other tours may focus solely on Monet or Van Gogh, this one combines both artists’ key sites, offering a more complete picture of their lives and work.

Plus, the limited group size and prompt start set this tour apart, ensuring a more relaxed atmosphere. The inclusion of Van Gogh’s room and Monet’s tomb adds meaningful touches that deepen the experience.

Final Thoughts on the Small-Group Giverny and Van Gogh’s Room Tour

This tour provides a well-balanced, art-focused journey through two of France’s most inspiring artist locations. The $257 price point covers entrance fees, transportation, and guidance, offering good value for those interested in Monet and Van Gogh’s worlds.

Ideal for art enthusiasts, history buffs, or anyone wanting to escape the city and enjoy the serene beauty of the French countryside, this tour delivers deep insights and personal touches that larger group excursions often lack. The small-group format ensures a more personal and flexible experience, highly praised by past participants.

While the long day requires some walking and punctuality, the rich storytelling and beautiful sights make it a rewarding way to connect with these legendary artists. This trip suits travelers who appreciate art, history, and scenic landscapes in a comfortable, thoughtfully curated setting.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is included in the tour price?
All entrance fees to Monet’s gardens, house, and tomb; Van Gogh’s room; and the villages of Giverny and Auvers-sur-Oise are included. Food and drinks during the day are not part of the package.

How long does the tour last?
The entire experience takes around 10 hours, starting and ending at Café des Dames in Paris.

What is the group size?
The tour is limited to 8 participants, ensuring a more intimate atmosphere and personalized attention.

Is transportation provided?
Yes, a grey minibus transports the group between locations, with timely departures and a smooth ride.

Can I visit Monet’s gardens and house?
Absolutely. The tour includes 2 hours in Giverny to explore Monet’s gardens, house, and tomb.

Will I see Van Gogh’s room?
Yes, the Van Gogh room at Auberge Ravoux is part of the visit, along with other Van Gogh sites in Auvers-sur-Oise.

What should I bring?
Guests should wear comfortable shoes, bring weather-appropriate clothing, and plan for lunch outside since it’s not included.

Is this tour suitable in bad weather?
Yes, the tour operates rain or shine, so be prepared for outdoor walking even in inclement weather.

How do I ensure punctuality?
Guests should arrive at least 15 minutes early at Café des Dames to avoid missing the departure, as the tour starts promptly.

Can I cancel if my plans change?
Yes, full refunds are available if canceled up to 24 hours in advance.

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