From Paris: Private Day Trip to Giverny and Auvers sur Oise

This private day trip takes you from Paris to two of France’s most enchanting art-related villages—Giverny, home to Claude Monet, and Auvers-sur-Oise, the final resting place of Vincent van Gogh. For around $1,041 for a group up to eight, you’ll spend about nine hours exploring gardens that inspired masterpieces, walking through the streets where these artists lived, and learning about their lives from a knowledgeable guide.

What we love about this experience is the chance to see Monet’s vibrant water gardens early in the day, when the crowds are smaller, and the intimate visit to Van Gogh’s room at Auberge Ravoux, where he spent his last days. It’s a deeply personal connection to the artists and their work. Plus, the private nature of the tour means you’re not rushing with strangers or stuck in a large group—your guide can tailor the experience to your interests.

One potential consideration is the cost—at over a thousand dollars, it’s an investment. But for art lovers or those wanting a more personalized, in-depth visit, the value of guided insights, skip-the-line access, and comfortable transportation makes it worthwhile. It’s best suited for those who appreciate the nuances of Impressionism and Post-Impressionism, and who want a seamless, hassle-free day without worrying about navigation or timing.

This tour is perfect if you’re seeking a deeply cultural, visually stunning, and comfortably paced day. It’s especially suitable for travelers who value expert guidance, authentic experiences, and seeing the homes and gardens that inspired two of the world’s most famous painters.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Key Points

Exclusive access: Skip the lines and go straight into Monet’s house and gardens for a more relaxed experience.
Intimate group: This is a private tour, so the experience is tailored to your interests and pace.
Expert guide: Your knowledgeable driver-guide will share insights into Monet’s and Van Gogh’s lives and work.
Beautiful scenery: Expect to see Monet’s water lilies, Japanese bridge, and Van Gogh’s favorite wheat fields and church.
Flexible lunch options: The guide will suggest several charming places in Giverny for a memorable meal.
Full-day experience: With about nine hours, you’ll visit two iconic art towns without feeling rushed.

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The Itinerary Breakdown: What Makes Each Stop Special

Giverny: Monet’s Garden of Inspiration

Our day begins with a comfortable luxury transfer from Paris, giving you a chance to enjoy the scenery en route. Once in Giverny, arriving early means beating the crowds—an advantage when viewing Claude Monet’s private residence and the famous gardens.

Monet’s House is a vibrant yellow affair, filled with personal touches that reveal his life beyond the canvas—think a cozy kitchen, his first workshop, and a dining room that feels warmly lived-in. The flower garden is a riot of colors, changing with the seasons. You might see tulips, hyacinths, irises, and roses—each bed carefully arranged to reflect Monet’s love for colorful, natural landscapes.

The highlight is the Water Garden, where Monet spent his later years. You’ll see the iconic Japanese bridge—a tiny, green-painted structure that became one of his most reproduced images. From here, your guide will share stories of Monet’s fascination with light and reflections, helping you understand why these gardens were so vital to his work.

Giverny: The Art of Visiting

Your guide will suggest various options for lunch in Giverny—everything from rustic bistros to charming cafes—so you can enjoy local cuisine and soak in the village atmosphere. The relaxed pace means you won’t feel rushed before heading to your next destination.

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Auvers-sur-Oise: Van Gogh’s Final Days

In the afternoon, it’s a scenic drive to Auvers-sur-Oise, where Van Gogh spent his last months. Here, you’ll see the wheat fields and church that he famously painted, along with the room at Auberge Ravoux—the inn where Van Gogh stayed during his final days. Visiting his room is a powerful moment, offering a tangible link to his intense, troubled life.

Van Gogh’s twin graves—next to his brother Theo’s—are poignant, emphasizing the deep bond between the brothers and Van Gogh’s tragic story. Your guide will explain Van Gogh’s connection to the landscape and how it influenced his bold, emotional paintings.

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What Makes This Tour Stand Out

The combination of Monet and Van Gogh is a draw for many art enthusiasts, but what elevates this experience is the personalized guided commentary and priority access.

Authenticity is key here—visiting Monet’s home gives a real sense of his daily life and environment, which many art tours miss. Similarly, being in Van Gogh’s final hometown offers a rare glimpse into his final days, adding depth to his story.

The private group setting ensures intimacy, allowing your guide to customize the experience, answer questions, and share insights that large tours can’t accommodate. The luxury transportation makes the day smooth and comfortable, especially after a long morning walking through gardens and fields.

Reviews highlight the guides’ knowledge and friendly demeanor as major positives—one reviewer mentioned how helpful and knowledgeable Ange was, making the trip memorable. Another raved about the “super personable guide,” showing the value of a private, guided experience.

The Practicalities: What You Need to Know

Transportation is by air-conditioned vehicle, picking you up directly from your Paris hotel—no need to navigate public transport or worry about parking. The skip-the-line tickets mean you spend more time exploring and less time waiting, crucial at popular sites like Monet’s Gardens.

The tour lasts around 9 hours, which is enough to visit both locations comfortably without feeling rushed. Comfortable shoes are recommended since there is walking involved, especially around gardens and village streets.

The price reflects the private, guided nature of the experience, including all tickets, transportation, and hotel pickup/drop-off. While it’s an investment, many reviews suggest the personalized service and memorable experiences justify the cost.

Note that lunch is not included, but your guide will recommend good local spots, making it easy to enjoy authentic Norman cuisine.

Children must be accompanied by adults, and unaccompanied minors are not permitted. Infant seats are available if requested—just let the provider know in advance.

Who Will Love This Tour?

This experience is ideal for art lovers, especially those passionate about Monet and Van Gogh. It’s perfect if you prefer guided experiences over self-led visits, valuing expert insights and skipping lines. The private setting suits travelers seeking a more intimate, relaxed day without the chaos of large groups.

It’s well-suited for those who want to see the gardens that inspired masterpieces and learn about the artists’ personal stories. If you’re traveling with someone who appreciates beautiful scenery and art history, this tour offers a meaningful, visually stunning day.

The Sum Up

For anyone keen to connect more deeply with the worlds of Monet and Van Gogh, this private day trip from Paris offers a balanced mix of beautiful scenery, expert guidance, and intimate access. It’s a well-paced experience that allows you to savor the gardens, explore the artists’ homes, and understand their creative worlds without the distractions of large crowds or complicated logistics.

The tour’s flexibility, knowledgeable guides, and the chance to walk through Monet’s gardens and Van Gogh’s final days make it a high-value choice for art enthusiasts. While it is pricier than self-guided options, the comfort, personal attention, and skip-the-line access amplify the experience’s quality.

If you’re looking for a meaningful, beautifully curated day that combines nature, history, and art in a more relaxed setting, this trip is worth considering. It’s the kind of day that leaves you with lasting memories of two of the greatest painters and the landscapes that inspired them.

FAQ

Is this tour suitable for children?
Children must be accompanied by an adult; unaccompanied minors are not allowed. The tour is more suitable for older children or teenagers interested in art and gardens.

What should I bring?
Comfortable shoes are essential since there’s walking involved around gardens and village streets. You might also want a hat, sunscreen, and water, especially in warmer months.

How early do we arrive at Monet’s Gardens?
You arrive early, which helps avoid the crowds and gives you a more peaceful experience of Monet’s water lilies and Japanese bridge.

What if I have dietary restrictions?
Please advise at the time of booking so the tour provider can suggest appropriate lunch options in Giverny.

Is transportation included?
Yes, transportation by air-conditioned vehicle is included, with hotel pickup and drop-off in Paris.

How long does the whole trip last?
The tour lasts approximately 9 hours, giving ample time to visit both Giverny and Auvers-sur-Oise comfortably.

Can I customize the experience?
Since this is a private tour, the guide can tailor certain aspects, such as pacing or specific interests, within the scheduled itinerary.

What if the weather is bad?
Gardens and outdoor sites are weather-dependent. Check the forecast and dress appropriately—your guide can advise on how best to proceed.

Are tickets included?
Yes, all admission tickets are included along with skip-the-line access, saving you time and hassle.

What’s the cancellation policy?
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, providing a good degree of flexibility.

This detailed, balanced review hopefully helps you decide whether this private day trip to Giverny and Auvers-sur-Oise is the right fit for your Paris visit. It offers a blend of art, nature, and personal connection—an experience that can deepen your appreciation for these legendary painters and their landscapes.