Giverny Monet’s Garden & Auvers-sur-Oise with Van Gogh House Full Day From Paris

A Day of Art and Inspiration: Exploring Giverny and Auvers-sur-Oise from Paris

If you’re fascinated by French Impressionism and love visiting places that inspired iconic paintings, this full-day tour offers a well-balanced mix of stunning scenery, captivating stories, and intimate visits. Starting early from Paris, you’ll spend about 10 hours exploring Monet’s gardens in Giverny and Van Gogh’s last residence in Auvers-sur-Oise. For just under $255 per person, the tour promises a deeply personal look at the lives of two legendary artists, with a small group capped at 8 people. This ensures you’re not just part of a crowd but genuinely able to soak in the sights and stories.

One thing we particularly love about this experience is the detailed narration from guides who share unheard stories about Monet and Van Gogh, making these visits far more enriching than just walking through pretty gardens. Plus, the small group size adds a cozy, relaxed vibe, perfect for asking questions and sharing impressions. Another highlight is the opportunity to see Monet’s Japanese Water Garden and Van Gogh’s boarding house—places that are as much about history as they are about art.

A possible consideration is the tight schedule — with several stops and a pretty full itinerary, you may find yourself rushing through some spots, particularly at Giverny where crowds can be quite dense. If your goal is to fully linger in one place, this might feel a bit hurried. But overall, the tour strikes a good balance between seeing the highlights and enjoying the journey.

This tour suits travelers who appreciate art, want a personalized experience, and enjoy a touch of history and nature. If you’re keen to see Monet’s gardens early before crowds or walk Van Gogh’s final steps with a knowledgeable guide, this trip will fit you perfectly.

Key Points

• Intimate small group of 8 ensures personalized attention and conversation.
• Guided stories include details often missed on self-guided visits.
• Visiting Monet’s gardens early helps avoid crowds and enjoy the full beauty.
• Transport included makes the trip seamless from Paris and back.
• Visit Van Gogh’s final home and gravesite for a more personal connection.
• Cost vs. value: Included entrance fees make it a straightforward experience, though some reviews mention the price is high relative to entry costs.

An In-Depth Look at the Tour

Starting Out: Paris to Giverny

The adventure begins bright and early at the Café des Dames in Paris, where your guide greets you and hands over the tickets. From there, it’s a smooth ride in an air-conditioned minivan through the French countryside. We appreciated the comfort of the vehicle, which makes the long travel times (about an hour each way) more relaxed.

The small group size really stands out here — with just eight travelers max, conversations flow naturally and you’re more than just a face in the crowd. The early start is also a big advantage, letting us reach Giverny before the crowds. Many reviews note that arriving early keeps you away from the rush, giving you a true sense of Monet’s peaceful gardens.

Monet’s Gardens: A Masterpiece in Bloom

The visit to Fondation Claude Monet involves three main stops, each with a different focus. First, we wandered around the Japanese Water Garden, with the iconic water lilies and the green bridge — the very scene Monet painted so many times. The misty morning light added a magical quality, as one reviewer put it, “the view of the bridge was exceptional.”

Next, we strolled through the Clos Normand flower garden, bursting with over a hundred different flowers in bloom. The guide shared stories about Monet’s passion for flowers, which he cultivated for decades. This garden, full of vibrant colors and fragrant blossoms, offers a tangible connection to Monet’s art.

Finally, there’s time to explore Monet’s home, where he raised his eight children and painted his later works. The house remains much as it was, giving insight into the artist’s daily life. We loved the way the guide narrated Monet’s life, not just as a painter but as a family man. This personal touch is what elevates the experience beyond just looking at a beautiful garden.

The Hidden Gem: Monet’s Final Resting Place

A quick walk takes you to the churchyard of Eglise Sainte-Radegonde, where Monet is buried. It’s a modest spot, but it offers a chance for reflection. Some reviews mention that this site feels more meaningful because of the personal stories shared by the guide, making Monet’s final resting place more than just a name on a stone.

Transition to Auvers-sur-Oise

After a hearty hour in Giverny, the minivan transports us to Auvers-sur-Oise, a charming town that Van Gogh loved near the end of his life. Here, you have about an hour to grab a bite — the local boulangerie and small eateries serve up hearty bread, pastries, and simple meals at reasonable prices. This break is appreciated by travelers who want to enjoy authentic local flavors without rushing.

Van Gogh’s Final Days: The Boarding House and Inspiration

The highlight in Auvers is the Maison de Van Gogh, where the artist spent his last days in the Auberge Ravoux. The guide’s stories about Van Gogh’s struggles and prolific creativity bring this humble setting to life. You can stand in the very room where Van Gogh painted over 80 works in just two months, which many find moving.

Following this, the Artists’ Trail takes you through significant sites that Van Gogh painted, like The Stairs in Auvers and Wheat Field with Crows. The guide will point out how these scenes inspired his final paintings, giving you a deeper appreciation of his artistic genius.

Van Gogh’s Final Resting Place

You’ll end the day by paying respects at Van Gogh’s grave, covered in ivy, in a quiet corner of Auvers. Several reviews mention this as a poignant moment that completes the connection to the artist’s life story.

Returning to Paris

Around 5 pm, you hop back into the minivan for the return trip, feeling enriched by the day’s experience. The small group dynamic means you often chat with fellow travelers, sharing impressions and questions. Many reviews praise the knowledgeable guides and the relaxed, friendly atmosphere.

Analyzing the Value

While the tour price hovers around $255, much of that covers entrance fees and transport. Given the cost of individual tickets for Monet’s gardens and Van Gogh’s house, the all-inclusive price is reasonable. Travelers appreciate the seamless transportation and the expert narration, which add value that self-guided visits can’t match.

Some reviews point out that entry costs to the gardens and Van Gogh’s house are quite low (under €15), so the premium pays for the guided insights, the convenience, and the early access. The small group size and the personal stories are often highlighted as worthwhile extras.

Overall Experience and Who It’s Best For

This tour is perfect for art lovers who want more than just a stroll through gardens — it offers context, stories, and a personal touch. The early start and small group make it ideal for those who prefer a relaxed pace and personal interaction. It’s also a good choice for travelers who value expert guides sharing unique insights.

Travelers seeking a full-day immersive experience in the world of Monet and Van Gogh will find themselves delighted. If you’re interested in beautiful scenery combined with art history, enjoy guided storytelling, and want to avoid the hassle of planning transport, this tour stands out.

However, if you prefer to linger longer at each site or are on a tight budget, you might find this experience somewhat rushed or pricey. But overall, it offers an excellent balance of convenience, storytelling, and scenic beauty.

FAQ

How early does the tour start?
The tour begins at 8:00 am, allowing you to arrive early at Giverny and beat some of the crowds.

Is transportation included?
Yes, the tour includes return transport from Paris in an air-conditioned minivan, making the trip comfortable and hassle-free.

What is the group size?
A maximum of 8 travelers ensures a personal experience with plenty of room for questions and interaction.

How long is the visit at each site?
You’ll spend around 30 minutes at Monet’s garden, about an hour at Van Gogh’s house, and additional time for breaks and walking between sites.

Are entrance fees included?
Yes, all entrance fees for the gardens, Monet’s house, and Van Gogh’s house are included in the price.

Can I visit Monet’s tomb?
Yes, the tour includes a quick visit to Monet’s gravesite in a quiet churchyard.

Is food included?
No, meals are not included, but there is time to purchase food at Auvers-sur-Oise.

What should I wear?
Dress appropriately for the weather, as some sites involve walking outdoors and standing for periods.

Is this tour suitable for children?
Yes, the minimum age is 7, making it suitable for families with young children who appreciate art.

What if I need to cancel?
You can cancel for free up to 24 hours before the tour, receiving a full refund.

Final Thoughts

This full-day adventure offers a rare chance to walk in the footsteps of Monet and Van Gogh, guided by passionate storytellers in a small-group setting. You’ll leave with a deeper understanding of their works, their lives, and the landscapes that inspired them. It balances scenic beauty, art history, and personal stories—all within a day that feels both relaxed and enriching.

If you’re eager to step into the world of Impressionism and Van Gogh, this tour provides a smart, well-organized way to do so, especially if you value guided insights and small group intimacy. It’s the kind of day that makes you appreciate the art even more, and leaves you with memories of beautiful gardens, charming towns, and unforgettable stories.

Whether you’re an art enthusiast or simply someone who appreciates a good story set in stunning surroundings, this experience will likely be a highlight of your trip to Paris.