Full Day Giverny Monet’s Gardens & Palace of Versailles

A full day exploring two of France’s most iconic sights—Claude Monet’s Gardens in Giverny and the opulent Palace of Versailles—offers an excellent way to connect with France’s artistic and royal past. For around $330 per person, this approximately 10-hour trip takes you from the hustle of Paris to the tranquility of Monet’s water lily pond and the grandeur of Versailles’ halls and gardens.

What we love about this tour are two specific details. First, the inclusion of entrance tickets and an audio commentary app means you can explore at your own pace without worrying about lines or missing key details. Second, the lunch at ‘Le bistrot du Moulin’ provides a delicious and relaxed break, adding local flavor to your day.

A potential drawback is the self-guided nature at both sites, which may not suit travelers who prefer guided tours with a docent explaining every detail. Also, Versailles can become very crowded, especially in peak season, which might make navigation challenging for some visitors.

This tour is perfect for travelers who value flexibility and want a comprehensive experience without the hassle of planning every detail themselves. If you’re keen to see Monet’s famous water garden and walk through the halls of Versailles without spending hours on logistics, this day trip hits the sweet spot.

Key Points

Convenient all-in-one day: Combines visits to Giverny and Versailles, saving you time and effort.
Self-guided exploration: Includes audio commentary in 10 languages, perfect for independent discovery.
All tickets included: No surprise costs at entry points, making budgeting easier.
Comfortable transportation: Air-conditioned vehicle ensures a relaxed journey.
Culinary touch: Includes lunch, allowing you to enjoy local flavors without searching for a meal.
Limited mobility considerations: Versailles might be challenging if you have mobility issues or prefer guided tours.

A Detailed Look at the Experience

Starting Point & Timing
The tour begins early at 8:15 am at a central meeting point in Paris, on the edge of the Seine’s Left Bank, with plenty of time to settle in. By leaving in the morning, you maximize your day—an important factor when visiting two major sites in one go. The group size, limited to 49 travelers, helps keep the experience intimate enough to ask questions, though it’s not a private tour.

Transportation & Comfort
Traveling in an air-conditioned vehicle means you won’t be battling Parisian traffic or squeezing onto crowded trains. We appreciated the comfort, especially after a long night or a busy morning sightseeing elsewhere. The modern bus or van makes the trip smooth, whether you’re coming from the hotel or a central spot.

Giverny & Monet’s Gardens
Once in Giverny, you’re given an entrance ticket to Monet’s house and gardens. This is a genuine highlight—walking through the rooms where Monet himself lived and painted, and standing by his water lily pond, feel remarkably intimate. We loved the way Monet’s personal spaces are preserved, giving a sense of connection to the artist.

Even in peak season, the gardens are a feast for the senses. The famous water lilies, Japanese bridge, and vibrant flower beds, closely resemble the backgrounds of Monet’s paintings. The self-guided approach means you can linger as long as you like, soaking in the tranquility or snapping photos.

Versailles Palace & Gardens
The highlight here is the Palace of Versailles, with its Hall of Mirrors, ornate royal apartments, and vast gardens. The Versailles passport ticket grants access to the grand interiors and outdoor grounds, so you can explore at your own pace.

While the crowds can be overwhelming, especially in summer, the self-guided format allows you to avoid feeling rushed. We found that the audio commentary app offered helpful insights into the history and architecture, enriching the experience without the pressure of a guide.

Note that strollers aren’t allowed, and visitors are encouraged to avoid high heels—important details if you’re planning your outfit. Also, photography without flash is permitted, so you can capture those awe-inspiring ceilings and grand halls.

Lunch & Local Flavors
Midday, the tour offers a chance to step into “Le bistrot du Moulin”, a charming spot where you can enjoy regional dishes. The included lunch is a nice touch, giving you a break from the busy sightseeing pace and supporting local eateries.

If you prefer, you could opt to bring your own snacks or explore the site’s cafes, but having a sit-down meal in a cozy bistro adds a welcome pause inside your busy day.

Accessibility & Considerations
While the experience is accessible to most travelers, mobility can be an issue at Versailles, which includes uneven surfaces and multiple levels. The tour is also not guided at the sites, so if you prefer detailed explanations from a guide, some might find this aspect limiting.

Authentic Insights from Past Travelers

One traveler, Diana G., called the experience an “Excellent experience,” praising the driver, guide, and especially the lunch. She mentioned that the timing was perfect, and despite both sites being crowded, she enjoyed her independence at each location. Her comment that “both locations were crowded but Versailles was over the top crowded” is a common sentiment, so planning for early arrival or off-peak times might improve your visit.

Another reviewer appreciated the flexibility of exploring Monet’s house and gardens on their own, which allowed a more personalized experience. The self-guided format seems to work well for those who like to take their time and avoid feeling rushed.

The Value of This Tour

At $330.53, this tour combines admission tickets, transportation, and lunch—all of which can add up if booked separately. The convenience of an all-inclusive package makes it appealing for travelers who want to skip the hassle of ticket queues, navigation, and meal planning.

While it isn’t a guided tour in the strict sense—meaning no detailed commentary during the site visits—it offers audio guides that provide substantial background and context. For many travelers, this balance of independence and guided structure offers excellent value.

Who Is This Tour Best For?

This trip suits independent-minded travelers who want the flexibility to explore at their own pace. It’s ideal if you value comfort and convenience, particularly with transportation included and tickets sorted in advance.

If you’re eager to experience Monet’s serene gardens and Versailles’ regal splendor without the stress of planning, this tour is a great fit. However, if you prefer guided, narrated tours with a dedicated docent explaining every detail, you might find this format a bit too self-directed.

Travelers with mobility issues should consider the site’s terrain and accessibility limitations, especially at Versailles.

FAQ

Does this tour include guided commentary at the sites?
No, the tour is self-guided at both Giverny and Versailles, but it includes an audio commentary app available in 10 languages to enhance your exploration.

What is included in the price of the tour?
Your ticket to Monet’s gardens, the Versailles passport, transportation in an air-conditioned vehicle, lunch, and access to the audio commentary app are included.

Are there any restrictions I should be aware of?
Yes, strollers are not allowed at Versailles, high heels are discouraged, and photography without flash is permitted. Also, the site may be difficult to navigate for those with mobility issues.

What if the weather is bad?
The experience is weather-dependent. If canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.

How long do I spend at each site?
The tour lasts about 10 hours overall. You can explore Monet’s gardens and Versailles at your own pace, but most travelers spend several hours at each location.

Is food or drinks included?
Lunch is included, but drinks or additional food are not covered. You’re free to bring snacks or purchase extras on-site.

Can I customize the tour?
Since the tour is self-guided with no guided narration at the sites, you can customize your visit to some extent by choosing how long to stay at each place.

To sum it up, this full-day Giverny and Versailles tour offers a well-balanced mix of independence and convenience, perfect for travelers who want to enjoy both Monet’s tranquil gardens and the grandeur of palace life without the hassle of full guided tours. With tickets, lunch, and audio guides included, it delivers good value and a flexible schedule, especially suited for those comfortable exploring on their own.