Private Trip Giverny Versailles Trianon from Paris

A Detailed Look at the Private Giverny and Versailles Day Trip from Paris

Imagine stepping into the world of Claude Monet, wandering through his lush Norman gardens and marveling at the iconic water lilies he painted so many times. Or walking through the opulent halls of the Palace of Versailles, with its shimmering Hall of Mirrors and sprawling gardens. All of this, plus visits to the Big and Small Trianon, can be yours on this private day tour from Paris for 2-7 people, priced at $626 per person and lasting about 11.5 hours.

What makes this tour stand out? First, the personalized attention from your dedicated guide—Olga or Valentin, from reviews—who brings historical details to life without overwhelming you. Second, the luxury transfer in a Mercedes E220 or minivan ensures comfort whether you’re traveling in a small or larger group.

One thing to consider? With a full itinerary packed into a single day, you’ll need to be ready for a long day on the move. Yet, if you’re eager to see both Monet’s artistic retreat and Versailles’ royal splendor without the hassle of planning, this tour offers superb value. It’s especially suited for travelers who appreciate expert guidance and want a smooth, intimate experience rather than a large-group bus tour.

Key Points

• Private luxury transport ensures comfort and flexibility.
• Expert guides enhance your experience with engaging stories and tailored visits.
• All entrance fees and skip-the-line tickets keep things moving smoothly.
• Flexible free time in Giverny and Versailles lets you explore at your own pace.
• In-depth visits include Monet’s house, Versailles Palace, Trianon estates, and gardens.
• Ideal for small groups seeking personalized, detailed insights into French art and royalty.

You can check availability for your dates here:

An In-Depth Look at the Tour Experience

This private day trip is designed to blend art, history, and royal grandeur into a seamless experience. Starting early with a hotel pickup, you’ll be whisked away from Paris in a Mercedes that suits your group size—either a sleek E220 for 2-3 people, or a spacious minivan for up to 7. The journey to Giverny in the Ile-de-France region takes around 70 km and roughly 1 hour and 15 minutes. The guide provides engaging commentary about France’s artistic and historical landscape, setting the scene for what’s to come.

Giverny: Monet’s Garden and Home

You’ll arrive at about 9:15 a.m. at Claude Monet’s former house and gardens. Monet’s property is often described as a living painting—think water lilies, vibrant flowers, and tranquil ponds. The guided tour of Monet’s studio and gardens lasts about 1.5 hours, during which you’ll learn how Monet’s surroundings directly influenced his masterworks. The gardens are especially captivating in the spring and summer, but even in other seasons, the charm remains.

Reviewers like Stacy from the US highlight how personalized and informative the guide was: “Our guide, Ilya, was so kind, giving us stories and details but not overwhelming us.” You’ll get a chance to walk through the gardens, see the iconic water lily pond, and imagine Monet’s creative process. Many visitors recommend visiting the Museum of Impressionism Giverny for a modest yet impressive collection.

Free Time & Lunch in Giverny

After the guided visit, you’ll have an hour of free time for wandering the village. You can stroll flowered streets, visit art galleries, or relax at a café. Some reviews suggest this part of the trip is perfect for soaking in the village’s charm at your own pace. For those interested, the Monet museum is worth a visit if time permits.

The lunch break lasts about 75 minutes, giving you ample opportunity to enjoy local cuisine. The tour includes a shared meal in Giverny, with options to savor regional specialties—perfect for recharging before the afternoon’s royal adventure.

Journey to Versailles

Back in the Mercedes, you’ll leave Giverny around 1 p.m. for the 70 km drive to Versailles, which takes about an hour. Your guide shares fascinating tidbits about the history of the Palace and the royal inhabitants, setting the historical context for your visit.

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Versailles Palace & Gardens

Arriving around 2 p.m., you’ll skip the lines with pre-paid tickets—an enormous time saver. The Palace of Versailles is a symbol of French grandeur, and your audio guide complements the live insights, allowing you to pause at each room and absorb the opulence. The Hall of Mirrors is breathtaking, with sunlight reflecting off the ornate chandeliers and artworks.

Your guide offers a flexible approach here, encouraging you to explore at your own pace. Visitors often comment on how the audio guide enhances understanding, but many also love having a knowledgeable guide present for fascinating stories and lesser-known facts.

The Trianon Estates & Hamlet de la Reine

Next, you’ll visit the Big Trianon, a neoclassical masterpiece that was once a private retreat for French royalty. The guide’s storytelling transforms these elegant spaces into vivid stories from the past. Then, you’ll explore the Small Trianon and the Hamlet de la Reine—a charming, rustic village built for Marie Antoinette. Many reviewers appreciate the pastoral beauty of this area, a stark contrast to the grandeur of the main palace.

Versailles Gardens & Free Time

By late afternoon, you’ll walk through the immaculately manicured gardens, renowned for their symmetry, fountains, and sculptures. This part of the tour lasts about 1.5 hours and provides some of the most picturesque moments.

The gardens are a favorite for photos, and the guide points out hidden corners and interesting features. You’ll have some free time to savor the scenery or take a few last pictures before heading back to Paris around 6:30 p.m..

Returning to Paris

The drive back usually takes 40 minutes to an hour, depending on traffic. You’ll arrive at your hotel around 7:30 p.m., ending a day packed with art, history, and royal splendor.

Why This Tour Works for Travelers

This private tour offers a balanced mix of guided insight and free exploration, ideal for those who want depth without feeling rushed. The luxury transportation makes the long day manageable, and the skip-the-line tickets save precious time. The small group size ensures personalized attention, making it easier to ask questions and explore the details that interest you most.

It’s perfect for art lovers eager to see Monet’s gardens without the hassle of organizing separate trips, or history enthusiasts wanting a thorough look at Versailles’ royal estates. The consistent praise for knowledgeable guides and good value for money makes this a reliable choice.

The Sum Up

If you value personalized service, want to visit two of France’s most iconic sights in one day, and appreciate expert storytelling along the way, this private trip deserves your consideration. It offers a detailed, comfortable, and well-organized way to experience Monet’s inspiration and Versailles’ regal history.

Travelers who prefer a small-group experience with flexible free time, combined with the convenience of hotel pick-up and drop-off, will find this tour particularly appealing. While it’s a full day, the luxury transport and guided insights make it a worthwhile investment for those eager to deepen their appreciation of French art and royal heritage.

FAQ

Is transportation comfortable?
Yes, the tour uses a Mercedes E220 for smaller groups or a Mercedes minivan for larger groups, both emphasizing comfort and smooth rides.

What is included in the price?
All entrance fees, skip-the-line tickets, audio guides, bottled water, and hotel pickup and drop-off are included, making it an all-in-one package.

Can I customize the free time?
While the itinerary has allocated free time for Giverny and Versailles, guides are flexible and can suggest additional options if you want more time at specific spots.

Is this tour suitable for children?
It’s not recommended for children under 6, mainly because of the long day and extensive walking involved.

How long is the drive between sites?
The trip from Paris to Giverny takes about 1 hour and 15 minutes; Giverny to Versailles takes about 1 hour; and back to Paris is roughly 40 minutes to an hour.

Is the tour guided throughout, or just at specific sites?
Your guide provides live commentary during travel and at key sites, with audio guides available for self-paced exploration inside Versailles and Monet’s house.

What should I bring?
Comfortable shoes and outdoor clothing are recommended, as there’s considerable walking and outdoor sightseeing.

Are meals included?
Lunch in Giverny is included in the tour, giving you a chance to enjoy regional cuisine without extra planning.

How long does the entire tour last?
About 11.5 hours, starting with hotel pickup early in the morning and returning in the evening.

This tour offers a thoughtful, well-organized way to experience two of France’s most celebrated icons, perfect for travelers who want to avoid the stress of planning and enjoy a deeply enriching day.

You can check availability for your dates here: