Private day tour to Giverny Gardens and Rouen from Paris

A Well-Balanced Day in Normandy: Monet’s Gardens and Rouen

If you’re looking for a thoughtfully curated day trip that combines art, history, and scenic beauty, this private tour from Paris hits the mark. For around $813 per person, you’ll spend about 10 hours exploring two iconic Normandy destinations: Claude Monet’s House and Gardens in Giverny and the medieval city of Rouen. The tour promises the comfort of hotel pickup and drop-off, private transportation, and the flexibility to explore at your own pace.

What we particularly like about this experience is how it blends artistic inspiration with historic storytelling. Visiting Monet’s lush gardens, where the master painter found endless inspiration, feels like stepping into his paintings. Then, wandering through Rouen’s narrow, cobbled streets reveals centuries of history, from Joan of Arc’s tragic end to the city’s stunning Gothic cathedral. The drive itself offers a lovely chance to gaze at the rolling French countryside, away from the hustle and bustle of Paris.

One thing to keep in mind is that entrance fees for Monet’s House and Gardens are at your own expense, roughly €9.50, so it’s worth budgeting accordingly. Also, because it’s a private tour, the experience is tailored to your group, making for a more relaxed day than a large bus tour. This tour is ideal for travelers who appreciate art and history, want the convenience of door-to-door service, and prefer exploring without the constraints of a large group.

Key Points

• Personalized Experience: Private transport and dedicated guides mean a flexible, intimate day.
• Cultural Highlights: Visit Monet’s gardens, Rouen’s cathedral, Joan of Arc site, and more.
• Scenic Drive: Enjoy beautiful views of the Normandy countryside.
• Flexible Itinerary: Customize your visit with free time at Monet’s house and options for sightseeing.
• Cost & Value: While on the higher side, the private service offers comfort and exclusivity.
• Historical & Artistic Balance: Perfect for art lovers and history buffs alike.

An In-Depth Look at the Normandy Day Tour

Starting the Day: Comfort and Convenience

This tour kicks off at 8:00 am with hotel pickup, eliminating the hassle of navigating public transit or finding your way to a busy group meeting point. From there, a private driver guides you through the scenic French countryside, giving you a taste of rural Normandy en route to Giverny. The drive will take roughly an hour, giving you plenty of time to settle in and prepare for the day ahead.

Having your own transportation means you’re free to choose how long to linger at each stop — a big plus if you’re particularly captivated by Monet’s gardens or want extra time wandering Rouen’s streets. It’s also a quieter alternative to crowded group tours, making for a more relaxed, personalized experience.

Monet’s House and Gardens in Giverny

The first major stop is the Fondation Claude Monet, where you’ll spend about three hours exploring the gardens and house that inspired many of the painter’s most famous works. While entrance fees are not included (roughly €9.50), the gardens are open for wandering at your own pace. Expect to see the famous water lily pond and Japanese bridge, both immortalized in Monet’s paintings.

We loved the way the gardens are laid out, with carefully maintained flower beds, meandering paths, and the iconic water features. It’s a place where you can truly feel the atmosphere that sparked Monet’s creativity. The house itself, where Monet lived and worked until his passing, offers glimpses of his studio and personal space, adding a layer of intimacy to your visit.

A nice touch is the nearby Eglise Sainte-Radegonde de Giverny, a Roman church dating back to the 11th century. It’s free to enter and houses Monet’s tomb along with his family’s — a quiet spot that adds depth to the artist’s story.

Transition to Rouen: From Art to History

After spending ample time in Giverny, the tour continues to Rouen, roughly an hour’s drive away. Rouen is a city where every corner tells a story, from its medieval streets to its towering Gothic cathedral. The guided part of the tour includes several highlights, such as the Cathedrale Notre-Dame de Rouen, famously painted by Monet himself, and the Place du Vieux-Marché, where Joan of Arc was burned at the stake.

The cathedral is not only an architectural masterpiece, but it also serves as a reminder of the city’s tumultuous past. Inside, you’ll find a tomb containing Richard the Lionheart’s heart, adding yet another layer of history to this ancient site. Expect about an hour here to appreciate its stained glass and soaring architecture.

Exploring Rouen’s Historic Sights

The tour also includes a visit to the Gros-Horloge, a medieval astronomical clock dating back to 1389. Its intricate mechanisms are among the oldest in France and provide a fascinating glimpse into medieval craftsmanship. Then, there’s Aitre Saint-Maclou, a hauntingly beautiful 16th-century ossuary and cemetery, one of the few remaining of its kind in Europe.

The final stop is the Place Jeanne d’Arc, where Joan of Arc was famously burned at the stake in 1431. Standing in this historic spot, you can imagine the drama that once unfolded here, making it a powerful conclusion to your day of exploration.

The Drive of the Day

Throughout the day, the drive provides more than just transportation. You’ll enjoy views of rolling fields, quaint villages, and the patchwork of Normandy’s landscape. The comfort of private transport means you can relax, take photos, or even nap if you’re feeling jet-lagged.

Pricing, Value, and Practicalities

At $813.33 per person, this tour is not cheap. However, the value lies in the personalized service, comfort, and the ability to tailor your visit. Group discounts might be available if you’re traveling with friends or family, making the experience more economical.

Keep in mind that entrance fees are separate, and you should budget approximately €9.50 for Monet’s house, plus any additional costs if you choose to visit other sites like the Impressionist Museum. Food and drinks are also not included, so plan for a packed lunch or stop in Rouen for something on the go.

The tour operates in all weather conditions, so dress appropriately — a raincoat if it’s damp, comfortable shoes for walking, and layers for variable temperatures. The private nature of the tour means it’s suitable for most travelers, including those with strollers if requested in advance.

Who Will Like This Tour?

This experience is best suited for travelers who appreciate art, history, and authentic small-town charm. It’s ideal if you want the convenience of door-to-door service combined with enough free time to explore key sites at your own pace. If you’re traveling with family, art-loving friends, or history enthusiasts, this personalized tour offers a perfect blend of guided insights and independent discovery.

Final Thoughts

This private Giverny and Rouen day trip from Paris offers a well-rounded taste of Normandy’s artistic and historic appeal. With comfortable transportation, personalized attention, and a flexible schedule, it’s a solid choice for those seeking a more intimate experience beyond the standard bus tour. While the cost reflects the private service, the convenience and depth of exploration can make it worthwhile.

For travelers eager to see Monet’s gardens vividly brought to life and walk Rouen’s storied streets, this tour provides a practical, comfortable, and enriching way to spend a day outside Paris. It’s especially suitable for those who value cultural authenticity and tailored experiences over large crowds and rushed visits.

FAQs

How long is the drive from Paris to Giverny and Rouen?
The drive to Giverny takes about an hour, and the trip from Giverny to Rouen also takes roughly an hour, making for a manageable day without feeling overly rushed.

Are entrance fees included in the tour price?
No, entrance fees for Monet’s House and Gardens are approximately €9.50 and are paid at your own expense. Other sites like Rouen Cathedral and the clock are free to enter.

Can I customize the itinerary?
Since it’s a private tour, you have some flexibility to spend more or less time at certain stops, depending on your interests and pace.

Is this tour suitable for children or strollers?
A stroller can be available if requested during booking, and most travelers can participate, making it suitable for families with young children.

What should I wear?
Dress appropriately for all weather conditions, especially comfortable walking shoes, since you’ll be strolling through gardens and historic streets.

Are hotel pickups available?
Yes, hotel pickup and drop-off are included, adding convenience especially if you’re staying centrally in Paris.

What is the cancellation policy?
You can cancel free of charge up to 24 hours in advance, receiving a full refund, which offers peace of mind if your plans change.

Who is the tour provider?
The experience is offered by Private Trip, with contact info available for any specific questions or special requests.

Whether you’re an art lover eager to walk Monet’s gardens or a history buff drawn to Rouen’s medieval tales, this private day tour offers an insightful and comfortable way to enjoy Normandy’s highlights beyond Paris.