Giverny & Versailles Private Day Tour with Lunch from Paris

A Day of Art, History, and French Charm: Giverny & Versailles Private Tour with Lunch

Imagine stepping into a Monet painting—lush gardens, a shimmering water lily pond, and the iconic Japanese Bridge—all in Giverny. Then, just a short drive away, walk through the halls of royalty at Versailles, marveling at the grandeur of French monarchy. This private day tour from Paris offers a seamless way to experience both highlights in about 7 hours, with hotel pickup, entrance fees, and guided visits included.

What we love most about this experience is how it balances personalized attention with carefully curated stops. Our guides, like Clemence and Honori, aren’t just narrators—they’re passionate storytellers who bring these sites alive with interesting facts and stories. Plus, the lunch at Moulin de Fourges adds a cozy, authentic touch to the day.

A possible drawback? The itinerary is quite packed, so if you’re prone to feeling rushed or prefer a slower pace, this might not be ideal. Also, during peak seasons, the crowds at Versailles can be significant, so early or late visits might be more comfortable.

This tour suits travelers eager to see iconic sites without the hassle of planning transport and tickets themselves. If you enjoy art, history, or just want a taste of royal and artistic France all in one day, you’ll find this trip offers both depth and convenience.

Key Points

Comprehensive experience: Includes guided visits, lunch, and entrance fees.
Expert guides: Knowledgeable, engaging, and attentive to your group’s interests.
Time-efficient: Cover Giverny and Versailles in a single day without long waits.
Comfortable transport: Air-conditioned minivan with hotel pickup and drop-off.
Authentic touches: Delicious traditional French lunch and personal exploration time.
Crowd management: Good options for avoiding the busiest times at Versailles.

In-Depth Look at the Tour Experience

The Convenience of a Private Guided Tour

Starting your day with hotel pickup in central Paris means you can leave behind the stress of navigating public transport or figuring out tickets. The air-conditioned minivan ensures a comfortable ride through the scenic French countryside. With a private group of up to 8 people, you get a more personalized experience, making it easier to ask questions and take in the sights at your own pace.

Many reviews praise the smooth organization—one reviewer particularly appreciated the guide’s ability to adjust the sequence, flipping the order from Giverny to Versailles without fuss. This flexibility can make your day less rushed and more tailored to your preferences.

Giverny: Monet’s Artistic Sanctuary

Your first stop is Giverny, where Claude Monet’s former home and gardens are a must-see. The entire village exudes the charm of the Normandy countryside, but it’s Monet’s gardens that truly steal the show. With your guide, you’ll explore how Monet’s inspired the world with his Water Garden, famous for its Japanese Bridge and water lilies—a true visual feast.

A highlight of this stop is the guided walk through the gardens, where you’ll learn about Monet’s love for nature and how it influenced his paintings. The admission tickets are included, so no waiting in line, which is a real plus during busy seasons. You’ll get about 30 minutes of guided tour plus free time to wander Monet’s house at your own pace, absorbing the atmosphere of the artist’s workspace—an experience that many find both inspiring and peaceful.

Monet’s House and Personal Space

The free exploration of Monet’s house allows you to see where the master created some of his most famous works. It’s fascinating to see his personal collections and studios, and the reviews emphasize how knowledgeable guides enhance this visit with intriguing anecdotes. One reviewer noted, “Our guide Clemence was excellent. She was extremely knowledgeable and pleasant to spend the day with.” This personal touch turns what might be just a “tour” into a memorable experience.

Lunch at Moulin de Fourges

After soaking in the art and gardens, it’s time for a delicious, authentic French lunch at the Charming Moulin de Fourges or a similar countryside restaurant. This is a real highlight—a relaxed 1 hour 30 minutes to enjoy classic French cuisine in a cozy setting. Many reviews mention how surprisingly good the food is, exceeding expectations for a mid-day meal—perhaps because of the careful selection of restaurant stops.

Transition to Versailles: A Palace of Grandeur

Post-lunch, the tour continues with a scenic drive to Versailles, where the Royal Apartments await. The guided tour of the Palace’s highlights, including the Hall of Mirrors and Royal Apartments, is designed to bring history to life. Your guide will share stories about Louis XIV and the palace’s role in French history, making the visit engaging rather than just a sightseeing walk.

You’ll spend approximately 45 minutes inside, which is enough to see the main highlights but not feel overwhelmed. The reviews reflect this, noting the guide’s ability to make the history engaging and to highlight iconic characters that lived in the palace.

Strolling through Versailles Gardens

After exploring the interior, you’re free to wander the magnificent gardens at your own pace for about 45 minutes. If timing allows, you might catch the Musical Fountains or Gardens, which are highly recommended for an extra dose of atmosphere. The gardens are expansive, and many reviews praise the opportunity to soak in their beauty without feeling hurried.

End of the Day and Return to Paris

With the day’s sightseeing complete, your driver will take you back to your hotel, leaving you with plenty of memories—and plenty of photos. The reviews mention how punctual and attentive the guides are, making the day flow smoothly from start to finish.

Why This Tour Offers Great Value

At a cost of $2,882.44 per person, this tour might seem steep—until you consider what’s included. Skip-the-line access to both Giverny and Versailles, guided tours, lunch, and hotel pickup and drop-off all add significant convenience and value. Not having to queue or plan your transport makes it especially appealing for visitors wanting a hassle-free experience.

Reviewers repeatedly emphasize the quality of the guides, who are passionate and eager to share their knowledge. The delicious lunch and the chance to explore at your own pace during free time add to the sense that this is more than just a sightseeing trip—they get a sense of authentic France.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

This experience suits travelers who want to maximize their time and appreciate guided insight into both Monet’s artistic world and the grandeur of Versailles. It’s well-suited for those who value comfort and prefer organized, all-inclusive trips over navigating transportation and ticket lines alone. Art lovers, history buffs, or those simply wanting a beautiful day in the French countryside will find much to enjoy here.

FAQ

Is hotel pickup included?
Yes, the tour provides hotel pickup from central Paris, making the start of your day stress-free.

How long do we spend at each site?
You’ll have about 30 minutes at Giverny Gardens, 30 minutes exploring Monet’s house, 1 hour 30 minutes for lunch, 45 minutes inside Versailles, and 45 minutes in the gardens.

Are entrance fees included?
Yes, all entrance tickets for Giverny and Versailles are included, which helps avoid long lines and waiting times.

Can I customize the order of visits?
While the standard itinerary is fixed, reviews mention guides who are flexible and willing to adapt the sequence if possible.

What’s the meal like?
The included lunch is a three-course meal at a charming countryside restaurant, often praised for its quality and atmosphere, adding a genuine French touch.

Is this tour suitable for children or those with limited mobility?
It requires moderate physical activity—walking through gardens and palaces—so travelers with mobility issues should consider their comfort level.

What is the group size?
This is a private tour for up to 8 people, ensuring a more intimate experience.

Final Thoughts

This tour offers a thoughtful, well-organized way to see two of France’s most iconic cultural sites in one day. You’ll love the personalized guidance, the opportunity to see Monet’s gardens close-up, and the luxury of skip-the-line tickets. The lunch in the countryside adds a tasty, authentic flavor to the day, and the interior visits at Versailles provide a glimpse into France’s royal past.

While the price might seem high, the combination of convenience, expert guide service, and included tickets makes this a strong value for travelers who want to avoid the hassle of planning and long waits. It’s perfect for art enthusiasts, history lovers, or those who want to combine a peaceful artist’s retreat with royal splendor—all in one memorable day.

If you’re after a smooth, enriching, and beautifully curated experience that offers more than just sightseeing, this tour is worth considering. Just remember, it’s a full day, so pack comfortable shoes and a good camera—you’re in for a rewarding journey through some of France’s most beloved sights.