From Paris: Monet Gardens & Giverny Bike Tour with Picnic Stop

Paris , France

From Paris: Monet Gardens & Giverny Bike Tour with Picnic Stop

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For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

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About this experience

To begin your Giverny and Monet's Garden Bike Tour you will travel from Paris to the quaint town of Vernon, located in Normandy. On the way, you will pass beautiful wheat and sunflower fields, far from the hustle and bustle of Paris.

We will make our first stop at the open-air market in Vernon. Here, you can enjoy an array of local specialties, such as cider, and organize your picnic basket for the perfect riverside lunch.

We will then pick up our bikes and enjoy an effortless cruise from Giverny to Monet's famed-estate. We'll stop along the Seine river for a picnic lunch next to a picturesque mill, all while appreciating in breathtaking views of the French countryside.

You will have plenty of time to explore Monet's gardens and home in Giverny, and then we will enjoy a leisurely ride back to Vernon before returning to Paris.
Round trip transportation to and from central Paris makes this day trip to these special gardens a breeze!

Available options

Monet's Garden Bike Tour

Bicycle: Enjoy roundtrip transportation to and from Paris as well as a bike tour through Giverny and Monet's Gardens!

What's included

Local guide

Use of bicycle (if you select bike tour option)

Use of helmet

Roundtrip transfer to and from Paris

Detailed itinerary

Stop 1

Meet here to connect with your guide and board the bus to Giverny.

Stop 2

Once in Vernon visit the charming farmers' market to buy picnic supplies. You'll then hop on your bike and pedal across the river to a beautiful park along the banks of the Seine for lunch. At lunch you can also sample the local's favorite drink: cidre.

Stop 3

It will then be time for your relaxing 5 kilometer (3 miles) ride down the bike path to the village of Giverny and the world-famous gardens of Claude Monet. Cruise past the Giverny church and its cemetery containing graves of local citizens dating back to the 17th century, British soldiers from World War II and even Monet himself buried within his family's vault. You will pass the Hotel Baudy, where Impressionists Manet and Renoir used to paint.

Shortly you will arrive at the highlight of the day - Monet's Garden

Spend about 1.5 hours enjoying Monet's gardens, his house and the famous water lily pond where some of his most famous works originated. Be sure to bring your camera and plenty of film! Additionally, the village of Giverny offers you the American Museum of Art (across the street from Monet's Gardens), numerous cafes and small streets begging to be explored.

Skip-the-line entry into the gardens

See the Hotel Baudy from the outside; can stop for a drink

What's not included

Gratuities

Hotel pick up and drop off

Food and drinks

Rain gear is available at a fee of 2EUR paid direct

Available languages

Guide guide

Reviews breakdown

Viator 4.7

417 reviews

5★

325

4★

3★

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1★

Tripadvisor 4.8

95 reviews

5★

4★

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1★

Important information

Public transportation options are available nearby

Specialized infant seats are available

Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness

There is no age minimum or maximum - this tour is suitable for everyone as long as you can ride a bike!

If a children's bike is required, you must advise at time of booking.

Meeting point

All tours depart from the Fat Tire Tours office at 24 rue Edgar Faure, 75015 Paris. The closest metro is the Dupleix station. Please arrive at least 15 minutes prior to the tour departure. *Meeting point and tour time will be altered during the Olympics. We will contact you directly with details.

About Paris

Paris, the capital of France, is a city steeped in history, art, and romance. Known for its iconic landmarks, world-class museums, and charming neighborhoods, Paris offers a unique blend of timeless elegance and modern vibrancy. From the Eiffel Tower to the Louvre, the city is a treasure trove of cultural and historical gems.

Top Attractions

Eiffel Tower

The Eiffel Tower is Paris's most iconic landmark and a symbol of France. Built in 1889 for the World's Fair, it offers breathtaking views of the city.

Architecture 2-3 hours €17.10-€26.80 (depending on the level)

Louvre Museum

The Louvre is the world's largest art museum and a historic monument in Paris. It houses thousands of works of art, including the Mona Lisa and the Venus de Milo.

Museum 3-4 hours €17 (full price), free for under 18s and EU residents under 26

Notre-Dame Cathedral

Notre-Dame is a masterpiece of French Gothic architecture and one of the most famous cathedrals in the world. It has been undergoing restoration since the 2019 fire.

Historical/Religious 1-2 hours Free (towers and crypts may have reopening fees in the future)

Montmartre

Montmartre is a historic and artistic district known for its bohemian past, charming streets, and the stunning Sacré-Cœur Basilica.

Cultural Half-day Free to explore (Sacré-Cœur dome visit €6)

Palace of Versailles

The Palace of Versailles is a grand royal château and garden located just outside of Paris. It was the principal royal residence of France from 1682 to 1790.

Historical Full day €18-€28 (depending on the pass)

Must-Try Local Dishes

Croissant

A buttery, flaky pastry made from laminated dough. Best enjoyed fresh from a local bakery.

Breakfast Contains gluten and dairy

Baguette

A long, thin loaf of French bread with a crispy crust and soft interior. Often served with cheese or ham.

Breakfast/Lunch Contains gluten

Steak Frites

A classic French dish consisting of steak and French fries, usually served with a side of salad and béarnaise sauce.

Lunch/Dinner Contains gluten (if served with fries) and meat

Crêpes

Thin pancakes that can be filled with a variety of sweet or savory ingredients, such as Nutella, cheese, or ham.

Snack/Dessert Can be made gluten-free and vegetarian/vegan options available

Popular Activities

Hot air balloon rides Rock climbing in Fontainebleau forest Kayaking on the Seine Picnicking in the Luxembourg Garden Boat tours on the Seine Spa day at a luxury hotel Visiting museums and galleries Attending a cabaret show

Best Time to Visit

June to August

Summer is the peak tourist season in Paris, with warm weather and long daylight hours. This is the best time to enjoy outdoor activities and festivals. However, it's also the busiest and most expensive time to visit.

15°C to 25°C (59°F to 77°F) 59°F to 77°F

Practical Information

Language

Official: French
Widely spoken: English, Spanish, Arabic, Portuguese
English: Moderately spoken

Currency

Euro (EUR)

Time Zone

GMT+1 (Central European Time, CET), GMT+2 (Central European Summer Time, CEST) during daylight saving time

Electricity

230VV, 50HzHz

Safety Information

Overall Safety Rating: Generally safe

Paris is generally safe for travelers, but pickpocketing and petty theft can be a problem in tourist areas. Be aware of your surroundings and take precautions to protect your belongings.

Important Precautions:

• Keep valuables secure and out of sight
• Be cautious of pickpockets in crowded areas and on public transport
• Use licensed taxis or ride-sharing services

Getting there

By air

Charles de Gaulle Airport • 25 km (15.5 miles) from city center
Orly Airport • 14 km (8.7 miles) from city center

By train

Gare du Nord, Gare de Lyon

By bus

Bercy Seine, Porte Maillot

Getting around

Public transport

The Paris Metro is one of the most efficient and extensive subway systems in the world, covering all major attractions and neighborhoods.

Taxis

Available • Apps: Uber, G7

Rentals

Car, Bike, Scooter

Neighborhoods

Le Marais Montmartre Latin Quarter Saint-Germain-des-Prés Champs-Élysées

Day trips

Versailles

17 km (10.5 miles) from Paris • Full day

The Palace of Versailles is a grand royal château and garden located just outside of Paris. It was the principal royal residence of France from 1682 to 1790 and is famous for its opulent interiors and vast gardens.

Giverny

75 km (47 miles) from Paris • Half day to full day

Giverny is a charming village known as the home of the famous impressionist painter Claude Monet. The village is home to Monet's House and Gardens, which inspired many of his most famous works.

Château de Fontainebleau

55 km (34 miles) from Paris • Full day

The Château de Fontainebleau is a grand royal château and park located just outside of Paris. It was a residence of the French monarchs from Louis VII to Napoleon III and is known for its beautiful architecture and vast forests.

Festivals

Fête de la Musique • June 21st (annual) Paris Fashion Week • February and September (annual) Nuit Blanche • First Saturday in October (annual)

Pro tips

Learn a few basic French phrases to enhance your experience and show respect for the local culture
Use public transport, walk, or bike to get around the city and avoid traffic and parking issues
Consider purchasing a Paris Museum Pass or a multi-day public transport pass to save money on attractions and transport
Explore the city's many neighborhoods and hidden gems, not just the major tourist attractions
Try local specialties and enjoy the dining experience slowly and leisurely