Private day tour to Giverny Gardens and Rouen from Paris

Exploring Giverny Gardens and Rouen in a single day offers an enriching glimpse into France’s artistic and medieval heritage. This private tour from Paris costs $813.33 per person and lasts approximately 10 hours, making it ideal for travelers seeking a personalized experience with convenience. The tour includes hotel pickup and drop-off, ensuring a smooth start and finish, while transportation fees are included. Visitors should note that entrance fees to attractions like Monet’s house and gardens are not included, costing around $9.50 per person.

Despite the premium price, the tour’s emphasis on private transport, expert-guided exploration of Rouen, and self-guided visit to Monet’s home make it a compelling choice for art lovers and history enthusiasts. It suits those who prefer a flexible, intimate experience over crowded group tours. The only potential limitation is that visitors need to cover entrance fees and are advised to dress appropriately for all weather conditions.

Key Points

• Private day trip from Paris to Giverny and Rouen for around 10 hours
• Cost is $813.33 per person, with hotel pickup and transportation included
• Visit Claude Monet’s House and Gardens with flexible, self-guided access
• Explore Rouen’s medieval sites with a knowledgeable guide, including its Gothic cathedral and Joan of Arc’s historical site
• All transportation fees are covered, but entrance fees are at your own expense
• Tour operates rain or shine, so dress accordingly

Start Your Day at Claude Monet’s House and Gardens in Giverny

The tour begins with a 3-hour visit to Fondation Claude Monet, where you can stroll through the charming gardens that inspired many of Monet’s paintings. The house offers a glimpse of where Monet lived and worked, and the gardens showcase the vibrant water lilies and lush plantings Monet famously captured on canvas. While entrance tickets are not included, the experience is made special by the opportunity to walk through the same scenery that influenced the Impressionist masters.

Adjacent to Monet’s house, the 11th-century Eglise Sainte-Radegonde de Giverny welcomes visitors with its Roman architecture and the tomb of Monet and his family. This peaceful site takes about 30 minutes and is free to enter, providing a quiet moment to reflect on Monet’s life in Giverny.

Discover Rouen’s Medieval Charm with a Guided Tour

After leaving Giverny, the journey continues to Rouen, a city famed for its Gothic cathedral and medieval streets. The Cathedrale Notre-Dame de Rouen features prominently in Monet’s paintings and offers a full hour of exploration. Inside, visitors find the tomb containing Richard the Lionheart’s heart, adding a layer of historical intrigue.

A guided walk through the old town reveals half-timber houses, giving a sense of Rouen’s medieval past. The Aitre Saint-Maclou, a 16th-century ossuary and mass grave, provides a rare glimpse into European funeral practices and history, while the Gros-Horloge, with its 1389 clock mechanism, showcases medieval engineering craftsmanship. The 30-minute stop at Le Bûcher de Jeanne d’Arc marks the site where Joan of Arc was burned at the stake, offering a poignant historical moment.

Scenic Drive Through France’s Countryside

Throughout the day, travelers enjoy views of the French countryside during the drive between Giverny and Rouen. The scenery includes rolling fields, quaint villages, and lush landscapes, providing a picturesque backdrop to the day’s sightseeing. This leisurely journey enhances the sense of stepping back into France’s artistic and historical landscape.

Practical Details: Logistics and Accessibility

This private tour includes hotel pickup and drop-off, making logistics straightforward and comfortable. Transportation is exclusive to your group, with all fees for petrol, parking, and highway charges covered. The tour starts at 8:00 am, giving ample time to explore each site.

While most travelers can participate, strollers are only available if requested at the time of booking, and the tour operates in all weather conditions—so dressing appropriately is recommended. Entrance fees to Monet’s house and gardens (~$9.50) are not included, so travelers should budget for this additional expense.

Unique Features that Set This Tour Apart

What makes this tour stand out is its private nature, allowing for a more relaxed pace and personalized experience. The combination of self-guided time at Monet’s gardens and guided exploration of Rouen’s historic sites offers a balanced visit. The inclusion of hotel pickup and transportation fees simplifies the day, eliminating worries about logistics.

This tour is particularly well-suited for art fans, history buffs, and those who value the convenience of private transport. Its 10-hour duration ensures a comprehensive experience without feeling rushed, yet it’s a full day that requires a good amount of walking and outdoor time.

Final Highlights and Considerations

While the cost is on the higher side, the personalized service, expert guides, and exclusive access make this tour a worthwhile investment for many visitors. The flexibility of a private tour allows for a tailored experience, and seeing both Monet’s Gardens and Rouen’s medieval sights in one day offers a rich cultural snapshot.

However, travelers should prepare for additional entrance fees and dress for varying weather conditions. Those seeking an immersive, art-focused day or a blend of nature and history will find this tour particularly compelling. It’s ideal for visitors wanting a comfortable, curated outing that combines the beauty of Monet’s landscapes with the historic charm of Rouen.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is transportation included in the tour price?
Yes, all transportation fees—including petrol, parking, and highway charges—are covered. The tour uses private transport exclusively for your group.

How long is the visit to Monet’s Gardens?
The stop at Fondation Claude Monet lasts about 3 hours, offering plenty of time to explore the gardens and Monet’s house at your own pace.

Are entrance fees included?
No, entrance fees to Monet’s house and gardens are not included, costing approximately $9.50 per person. Visitors should plan for this extra expense.

Can I request a stroller or special accommodations?
Yes, strollers can be available if requested during booking. The tour operates rain or shine, so dress accordingly for outdoor activities.

What makes this tour different from other day trips to Giverny and Rouen?
Its private setting ensures a more relaxed and personalized experience. The combination of self-guided time at Monet’s gardens and guided exploration of Rouen’s historic sites offers a balanced, flexible day.

Is food included in the tour?
No, food and drinks are not included. Travelers should plan to bring or purchase their own meals during the day.

What is the best time to book?
Since the tour operates year-round and confirmation is within 48 hours, booking early is recommended to ensure availability, especially for specific dates or requests.

Is this tour suitable for all ages?
Yes, most travelers can participate. Most travelers are able to enjoy the day, but older guests or those with limited mobility should note the amount of walking involved.

Can I cancel this tour if my plans change?
Yes, free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before the start time, allowing flexibility for your planning.

This private day trip offers a well-rounded experience of artistic inspiration and medieval history, all within a manageable 10-hour window. It’s perfect for those who want an exclusive, curated journey through some of France’s most iconic sites, with the comfort of hotel pickup and private transport.