Giverny Versailles Trianon Small Group by Minivan from Paris

Giverny Versailles Trianon Small Group by Minivan from Paris offers a full day of culture just outside the French capital. For around $345 per person, you’ll spend about 11.5 hours visiting two of France’s most iconic destinations — Claude Monet’s house and gardens in Giverny and the Versailles Palace complex. Led by a knowledgeable guide, this tour is perfect for those wanting an intimate experience with fewer crowds, especially since it’s limited to just 7 people.

Two features we really appreciate are the comfortable minivan transportation and the skip-the-line tickets at Versailles. These small touches save precious time and make the experience more relaxed. A third highlight is the live guided commentary from your guide, which enriches each step of the day with context and stories that bring the sites alive.

One possible drawback is the tight schedule — with a packed itinerary covering Giverny, Versailles, and multiple gardens, you’ll need to keep an eye on the clock. For travelers who prefer a more leisurely pace or want extra time at each site, this might feel a bit rushed.

This tour suits visitors who value expert guidance, want to see the highlights without the hassle of planning multiple tickets, and don’t mind a full day on the move. It’s particularly ideal if you’re traveling solo or as a small group seeking a more personal touch.

Key Points

• Small Group Experience: Limited to 7 people, ensuring a more personal and flexible experience.
• Comprehensive Itinerary: Visits to Monet’s house, Giverny gardens, Versailles Palace, and Trianon estates.
• Skip-the-Line Access: Fast entry to Versailles saves hours waiting in queues.
• Expert Guide: Live commentary brings history and art to life, making the experience richer.
• Comfort & Convenience: Modern minivan pickup from your Paris hotel, with bottled water included.
• Full-Day Tour: Around 11.5 hours of exploration, perfect for enjoying French art and history.

You can check availability for your dates here:

The Itinerary in Detail

Early Morning Pickup and Giverny

Starting at 8:00 AM, your day begins with a pickup from your Paris hotel. The journey to Giverny takes approximately 75 minutes, covering about 70 km. During this drive, your guide will set the scene with fascinating facts about Monet and the village, so pay attention — it’s a good chance to get your bearings before stepping into the artist’s world.

Visiting Monet’s House and Gardens

Arriving around 9:15 AM, you’ll get a guided tour of Monet’s house, including his studio, and the famous Norman flower gardens with the pond that inspired many of his paintings. Monet’s residence is a true treasure for art lovers; the way he cultivated his garden to reflect his aesthetic is still evident today.

We loved how the guide explained Monet’s approach to color, light, and nature, making the whole visit feel like stepping into one of his paintings. According to reviews, the guided visit is well-paced and provides insightful commentary, with travelers noting guides are both friendly and knowledgeable.

Free Time in Giverny

Following the guided tour, there’s about an hour of free time to explore Giverny independently. You can wander through the village, admire the charming flowered houses, browse art galleries, or visit the Impressionists Museum — a small but worthwhile detour if you’re a fan of Monet’s work.

Some travelers mentioned enjoying the laid-back atmosphere, and the chance to snap photos of the idyllic scenery. It’s a nice opportunity to soak in the setting Monet loved so much.

More Great Tours Nearby

Lunch Break

At around 12:00 PM, you’ll have an hour for lunch. The tour suggests local restaurants where you can sample regional dishes, and since there’s free time, you can choose a spot that appeals to you — whether it’s a cozy café or a more upscale bistro.

We appreciate that the tour doesn’t organize a group meal, giving you the flexibility to eat what and where you prefer — a considerate touch for varied tastes.

Journey to Versailles

Post-lunch, you’ll depart for Versailles, approximately 70 km away, which takes about an hour. During this drive, your guide will share stories about the history of Versailles and its former inhabitants, enriching your understanding before you arrive.

Discovering Versailles Palace and Gardens

Arriving around 2:00 PM, you’ll bypass the long lines with skip-the-line tickets to the Palace, making the experience smoother and allowing more time to enjoy the audio-guided tour. You’ll explore the state rooms, Hall of Mirrors, and learn about the palace’s architecture and the grandeur of French monarchy.

Next, you’ll visit the sprawling Gardens of Versailles, which span over 800 hectares. Your guide’s commentary will help you appreciate the fountains, sculptures, and meticulously maintained landscapes. Some visitors find the gardens breathtaking, especially in spring or summer, when everything is lush and blooming.

Exploring the Trianon and Hamlet de la Reine

In the late afternoon, you’ll tour the Grand and Small Trianon, smaller palaces within the estate that served as retreat spaces for Louis XIV and subsequent royals. The Hamlet de la Reine, a charming rural village, is also included, giving a glimpse into royal leisure activities.

The guided visits of these areas are around 30 minutes each, providing enough detail without feeling rushed. We found the Trianon estates to be quieter and more intimate, a nice contrast to the grandeur of the main palace.

Return to Paris

By 6:30 PM, your group begins the return journey, which can take between 40 minutes and an hour, depending on traffic. You’ll arrive back in Paris around 7:30 PM, with drop-off at your hotel, ready to recount a full day of art, history, and royal splendor.

Why This Tour Stands Out

Based on reviews, the guides are consistently praised for their knowledge and friendly attitude, making the day both educational and enjoyable. Travelers appreciate the small group size, which fosters a more relaxed environment, and the organized skip-the-line tickets at Versailles.

The balanced itinerary offers enough time at each site to appreciate their significance without feeling overly rushed. The comfort of a private minivan is another highlight, making the long drives more pleasant and allowing for flexibility in departure times if needed.

Some reviews mention the tour being “worthwhile,” especially noting the lively commentary and the quality of the sites visited. Several travelers emphasize the value for money, considering the tickets, guided tours, and transportation included.

Final Thoughts: Who Would Love This Tour?

This experience is ideal for art lovers eager to see Monet’s gardens and house without the hassle of planning separate trips. It also suits history buffs and royal enthusiasts who want to experience Versailles’ grandeur in a manageable, guided setting. The small group format is perfect for those who prefer a more intimate and flexible tour rather than large, crowded bus excursions.

If you’re short on time but want a comprehensive day that captures the essence of French artistic and royal heritage, this tour offers excellent value. It’s especially suited for travelers who enjoy guided commentary that deepens their understanding of the sites.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is transportation included in this tour?
Yes, the tour provides pickup from your hotel in Paris and transportation in a comfortable minivan.

How long is the drive from Paris to Giverny?
It takes approximately 75 minutes to reach Giverny from Paris.

Are tickets to Monet’s house and Versailles included?
Yes, both site tickets are included, along with skip-the-line access at Versailles.

Can I explore Giverny on my own after the guided tour?
Yes, you get free time in Giverny to wander, visit galleries, or relax in cafes.

Is there a meal included?
No, the tour includes an hour for lunch, giving you the freedom to choose your own restaurant.

What is the group size?
The group is limited to 7 participants for a more personalized experience.

Is this tour suitable for children?
It’s not recommended for children under 6 years old, mainly due to the long day and walking involved.

Are the sites accessible for wheelchair users?
No, the tour isn’t suitable for wheelchair users.

What should I wear?
Comfortable shoes and clothes are recommended, as there’s quite a bit of walking and standing.

Can I cancel the tour?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

To sum it up, this small-group day trip from Paris cleverly combines art, history, and royal splendor in a single, well-organized package. The moderate price covers transportation, entry tickets, and insightful guides, making it a strong choice for travelers who want to maximize their day with minimal hassle. The personal touch of a small group, combined with skip-the-line access and knowledgeable guides, ensures that your visit becomes not just a sightseeing run, but a meaningful experience. Whether you’re an art enthusiast, history lover, or simply eager to see some of France’s most famous landmarks, this tour offers a balanced, enjoyable, and informative day out.

You can check availability for your dates here: