Private Rouen, Giverny Day trip from Paris with Michelin Lunch

Discover the Best of Normandy on a Private Day Trip from Paris

This private tour from Paris offers a carefully curated journey through Normandy’s most iconic sights, combining art, history, and culinary delights. Priced at $664.95 per person, the trip lasts approximately 12 hours and features hotel pickup in a luxurious Mercedes vehicle, ensuring comfort and convenience. Guided by knowledgeable hosts, you’ll explore Claude Monet’s home and gardens in Giverny before savoring a gourmet Michelin lunch in Rouen. The tour also includes museum entrance fees and free time for independent exploration, making it ideal for those seeking a personalized and relaxed experience outside of Paris.

The tour’s strength lies in its customized approach—each stop is carefully selected to highlight Normandy’s artistic, architectural, and culinary treasures. While the itinerary is packed, the pace allows for genuine engagement with each location. However, because it’s a private experience, the group size remains small, offering an intimate atmosphere and flexibility that larger tours can’t match.

Key Points

• Private, personalized experience for up to 7 guests
• Visit Claude Monet’s house and gardens in Giverny with skip-the-line access
• Gourmet lunch at La Couronne, Normandy’s oldest Michelin restaurant
• Walking tour of Rouen’s Gothic architecture, including Notre Dame Cathedral and Joan d’Arc’s Church
• Comfortable transport in a Mercedes E220 or minivan
• Includes all fees and taxes plus bottled water

Starting from Paris: Easy and Luxurious Transfer

The tour begins promptly at 8:00 am with hotel pickup in Paris. Your private driver and guide greet you and provide insightful commentary about French history and Impressionism during the approximately 1.5-hour transfer to Giverny. This seamless start ensures your day kicks off smoothly, avoiding crowded group departures. The vehicle’s air-conditioned comfort keeps you relaxed as you journey through the scenic countryside.

This setup benefits travelers seeking a stress-free experience, as everything is arranged for maximum convenience. The small group or private setting guarantees an exclusive experience, ideal for those who prefer tailored itineraries over large bus tours.

Visiting Claude Monet’s House and Gardens in Giverny

Upon arrival at Giverny, you get skip-the-line admission to Claude Monet’s historic house, which takes about 1 hour and 30 minutes. The guide leads you through Monet’s studio and vivid flower gardens, where Monet found inspiration for his famous water lilies paintings. The water pond, with its floating lilies, remains a highlight for art lovers and photographers alike.

You’ll appreciate the importance of this site to the Impressionist movement and see how Monet’s surroundings influenced his artistic style. The admission ticket is included, allowing you to spend your free time exploring the charming village or visiting local art galleries. The visit provides a tangible connection to Monet’s life and work, making it a memorable highlight of the trip.

Exploring Giverny Village and Art Galleries

After the house visit, you have one hour of free time to wander Giverny itself. The village features flowered houses, quaint cafes, and art galleries, perfect for a leisurely stroll. For art enthusiasts, the Impressionists museum in Giverny is recommended, offering further insights into the movement Monet helped shape.

This flexible period allows you to soak in the peaceful atmosphere of the Norman countryside and perhaps purchase souvenirs or local delicacies. It’s an opportunity to experience Giverny’s charm beyond Monet’s gardens, giving a well-rounded visit.

Journey to Rouen and Gourmet Lunch at La Couronne

Next, a one-hour drive transports you to Rouen, the historic capital of Normandy. Here, a standout feature is the lunch at La Couronne, a restaurant operating since 1345. Recognized as Normandy’s oldest Michelin restaurant, La Couronne serves classic French cuisine in a historic setting. A three-course meal is included in the tour, allowing you to savor traditional dishes crafted with expertise.

The gourmet lunch provides a delightful break in the day’s sightseeing, offering an authentic culinary experience in a venue celebrated for its culinary legacy. The inclusion of this meal elevates the overall value and makes the trip suitable for food lovers eager to taste Normandy’s traditional flavors.

Walking Tour of Rouen’s Gothic Sights

Post-lunch, the tour features a guided walking tour of Rouen’s most famous Gothic landmarks, lasting about 1 hour and 15 minutes. The guide takes you through the Notre Dame Cathedral, renowned for its appearance in Monet’s paintings, and the Old Market area, where Joan d’Arc was famously executed. You’ll also see the Palace of Justice from the 16th century and the iconic Gros-Horloge medieval clock on a pedestrian street.

This tour emphasizes Rouen’s architectural heritage and historic significance, with the guide providing engaging insights into each site. The free time afterward allows you to explore further or relax before heading back to Paris.

Independent Exploration in Rouen

After the guided tour, you’re given about 1 hour and 15 minutes to explore Rouen at your own pace. Whether you want to visit additional museums, shop for local products, or simply enjoy a coffee in a local café, this period offers flexibility. The city’s Gothic cathedral and medieval streets make for a pleasant and enriching walk.

This extra time makes the tour suitable for those who appreciate autonomy in their sightseeing, while the included guide ensures you don’t miss the highlights.

Return to Paris and End of the Day

The journey back to Paris departs around 5:30 pm, with a 2.5-hour scenic drive. During the return, the guide may share more stories about Normandy and answer questions, closing the day on a warm and informative note. The tour concludes with drop-off at your hotel in Paris around 8:00 pm, completing a thoroughly organized and satisfying day.

Practical Details and Booking Information

The tour includes a Mercedes E220 for smaller groups or a Mercedes minivan for larger parties, providing luxury transport throughout. All fees and taxes are included, along with bottled water, ensuring a comfortable and hassle-free experience. The group size is small and private, making this tour ideal for families, couples, or friends wanting an exclusive day out.

Bookings are typically made 65 days in advance, reflecting its popularity. The tour is well-suited for most travelers, given its moderate physical requirements and the convenience of hotel pickup and drop-off.

Final Thoughts on the Normandy Day Trip from Paris

This private tour offers a balanced combination of artistic discovery, historical exploration, and culinary indulgence. It’s especially attractive for those who value personalized attention and want to avoid large group crowds. The inclusion of Monet’s famous gardens and Rouen’s Gothic architecture, paired with a Michelin lunch, makes for a comprehensive Norman experience.

However, the long drive times—around 1.5 hours each way—mean that pacing is important. Travelers should be comfortable with moderate walking and enjoy flexibility for independent exploration. This tour suits art lovers, history enthusiasts, and foodies eager to see Normandy’s highlights in a single day with comfort and style.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is included in the tour price?
The tour price includes hotel pickup and drop-off, private transportation, skip-the-line entry to Monet’s house, a gourmet lunch at La Couronne, a guided walking tour of Rouen, all fees and taxes, and bottled water.

How long is the transfer from Paris to Giverny?
The transfer takes approximately 1.5 hours in a luxury Mercedes vehicle.

Is there free time at each stop?
Yes, there is about 1 hour in Giverny for exploring the village and art galleries, and about 1 hour and 15 minutes in Rouen for independent sightseeing after the guided tour.

Can I customize this tour?
Since it’s a private experience, the tour can be tailored to your interests and pace, within the available itinerary.

Is the tour suitable for children?
While the physical requirements are moderate, the tour’s focus on art, history, and culinary experiences makes it suitable for families with older children and teenagers.

What should I wear?
Comfortable walking shoes are recommended for the walking tours in Rouen and Giverny.

Are meals included?
Yes, the gourmet three-course lunch at La Couronne is included in the tour price.

What happens if I need to cancel?
Cancellation is free if made at least 24 hours in advance. Refunds are processed fully if canceled within this window.

How do I book this tour?
Bookings are managed through Clewel Travel, with options to reserve well in advance, especially during peak seasons.

Is this a group or private tour?
This is a private tour, with only your group participating, ensuring an exclusive and flexible experience.