Is Monet’s Garden in Giverny Worth the Day Trip from Paris?

If you’re contemplating a day trip from Paris and you love either beautiful gardens or love Monet, then I highly recommend visiting Monet’s Garden in Giverny. It is highly worth the trip, but only if you’re able to follow my tips below.

This famous garden is located a quick train ride outside of Paris and is an absolute treat – especially in the springtime! But please keep in mind- Monet’s Garden can get very busy {especially in the spring and summer}. So I HIGHLY recommend you follow these tips to make the most of your experience!

1. Book Your Tickets in Advance :: Monet’s garden is a popular for a reason- especially in the spring and summer. To avoid long lines, book your tickets in advance online. Some days do sell out & the line on property to get tickets is quite long.
2. Catch the Earliest Train from Paris :: I know it might seem excessive, but trust me. Grab a treat from the local boulangerie and enjoy breakfast on the first train from Paris to Giverny. This allows you to arrive at the garden before most of the crowds.
3. Visit the Back Gardens First :: It’s going to feel counterintuitive, but trust me. Rush past the front gardens and the house {where everyone else starts} and go straight to the back gardens to see the large pond and bridge. It is so worth it to experience the iconic bridge with fewer people. Afterward, you can take your time exploring the home and front gardens.
4. Plan Your Return Journey :: Make note of the bus and train schedules for your return trip. The bus we intended to take was actually delayed, so you may want to plan on taking an earlier bus back than needed. If you do, you can grab a bite in the main town or grab snacks for the train ride back to Paris.

I adore Monet’s paintings and I also really appreciate a beautiful garden, but I will admit- this day trip might not be for everyone. Monet’s Garden is a good day trip from Paris for you if you enjoy beautiful gardens, are a fan of Monet’s work and enjoy seeing preserved historic homes. I’ve been twice now and would go back again in a few years. Having said that, my husband said it was a one-and-done experience for him. He’s glad he did it, but it does take away from a full day in Paris. And we both really adore long, aimless walks around Paris.

Have you been to Monet’s Garden?
Did you enjoy it & would you go again?
Do you have any tips?