Paris: Giverny & Versailles Small Group or Private Tour

Uncover the Artistic and Royal Treasures of Ile-de-France

This full-day tour offers an enriching experience combining Versailles Palace and the village of Giverny, home of Claude Monet. Priced at $262 per person, the tour lasts approximately 9 hours and is designed for those who appreciate art, history, and breathtaking gardening. It includes guides, entrance tickets, a delicious lunch, and optional transportation options, making it a practical choice for exploring these iconic locations in a single day.

The tour is available as both a small group experience with a maximum of 15 people or as a private tour with up to 7 guests, allowing for personalized attention. It is ideal for visitors seeking a comprehensive yet intimate way to see two of France’s most celebrated sights, with highlights like Monet’s water lilies and Versailles’ Hall of Mirrors. A key benefit is the flexibility offered by optional pickups and audio guides, though note that garden access on fountain days is not included.

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Discover the Majesty of Versailles Palace

The Versailles visit is the tour’s grand centerpiece, showcasing the Sun King’s residence and one of the most important French architectural masterpieces of the 17th century. A guided tour leads you through the State Apartments, featuring Baroque and classical styles, and into the Hall of Mirrors, where the grandeur of royal life is on full display.

You also explore the French gardens designed by Le Nôtre, renowned for their symmetry and beauty. The tour emphasizes the elegance and harmony that define Versailles, offering insights into King Louis XIV’s court and the artistic achievements that symbolize his power. Visitors should be aware that garden access on fountain show days is not included, which may affect the experience depending on the timing.

Experience Monet’s World at Giverny

A highlight of the tour is the visit to Claude Monet’s house and gardens in Giverny, famous for inspiring some of his most celebrated water lily paintings. You’ll see the magnificent water garden, complete with its water lilies and weeping willows, and the flowerbeds that Monet tended for decades.

Following this, the group explores the quaint village of Giverny, which attracted numerous Impressionist painters during the 19th century. This stop offers a glimpse into Monet’s daily life and the artistic atmosphere that shaped his work. The tour concludes with lunch at Moulin de Fourges, a charming countryside restaurant that adds a relaxing touch to this artistic day.

Practical Details and Group Sizes

This tour provides hotel pickup and drop-off when booked as a private experience, making logistics smooth. The small group option does not include pickup, but the tour can also be joined from a meeting point in Paris. Both options feature a multilingual guide speaking English and Spanish, with an audio guide available for added flexibility.

Group sizes are limited to 15 people for the shared tour, ensuring a more personal atmosphere, while the private tour accommodates up to 7 guests for a more tailored experience. The tour is designed for those comfortable with walking, as comfortable shoes and sunglasses are recommended.

Highlights of the Artistic and Royal Excursion

The most celebrated features include the magnificent palace of Versailles, the Hall of Mirrors, and the French gardens by Le Nôtre. In Giverny, the house and water gardens stand out as the true artistic draw, offering a perfect setting to appreciate Monet’s painterly inspiration.

The tour’s length and pacing balance the grandeur of Versailles with the intimacy of Monet’s gardens. Guests benefit from skip-the-line tickets and a professional guide who shares engaging insights. However, it’s worth noting that garden access on fountain show days is not included, and timing of pickups can vary slightly due to traffic.

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Why This Tour Is a Solid Choice

This 9-hour experience delivers a comprehensive look at two very different but equally inspiring sites: the palatial splendor of Versailles and the artistic serenity of Giverny. The small group or private options enable a more relaxed visit, especially for visitors who prefer a more personalized approach.

The lunch at Moulin de Fourges receives praise for its charming setting and quality food, adding a memorable culinary touch. With guides praised for their knowledge and friendliness, this tour strikes a good balance between education, sightseeing, and comfort.

Final Thoughts on the Giverny & Versailles Tour

This tour offers good value for those eager to see two of France’s most treasured sights in one day. The guided visits ensure you understand the historical and artistic significance, while the beautiful gardens and architecture provide stunning visuals throughout.

While it’s a long day, the pacing and well-chosen stops make it manageable for most visitors. The option to choose private or small group experiences adds flexibility, and the inclusion of lunch makes it a convenient, all-in-one package.

If you’re interested in art, history, and royal architecture, this tour provides a balanced and rewarding way to experience both Giverny and Versailles with ease.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is hotel pickup included?
Hotel pickup and drop-off are included only in the private option. For the small group, you will meet at a designated point in Paris.

Can I participate if I have mobility issues?
The tour involves walking at both sites, with some uneven surfaces. Guides are accommodating, but it’s not suitable for wheelchair users.

What is the duration of the tour?
The entire experience lasts approximately 9 hours.

Are tickets for gardens included?
Entrance tickets are included, but gardens on fountain show days are not covered.

What should I bring on the tour?
Comfortable shoes and sunglasses are recommended, as you will be walking outdoors and exploring gardens.

Can I join as a private group?
Yes, private tours are available for up to 7 people and include hotel pickup.

Is lunch included?
Yes, your lunch at Moulin de Fourges is part of the tour package.

Do guides speak English and Spanish?
Guides are available in English and Spanish, with an optional audio guide in English.

Is this tour suitable for children?
While suitable for most, the tour is better suited for those comfortable with walking and long periods of sightseeing.

How flexible are the booking options?
You can reserve now and pay later, and cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

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