Small-Group Day Trip to Giverny and Versailles from Paris

Enjoy a small group full day trip that includes guided tours the visit of the Palace of Versailles combined with the visit of the House & Gardens of Claude Monet in Giverny with pick up and drop off from Paris City center. Meeting point location is close to the Eiffel tower. First, we will meet you at the centrally located agency before the tour begins. You will then meet your guide and board your luxury air conditioned coach or minibus that will take you to Giverny Gardens followed by the Versailles Palace.

In the morning, arrive in Giverny to visit the stunning House and Gardens of Claude Monet, one of the most famous 19th century impressionist French Painter. Even though the term ‘impressionism’ already existed, one of Monet’s paintings – impression, sunrise – perfectly summarized the style and start of this painting movement. Upon arrival you will be taken by your guide to the entrance where your visit of the Gardens and House of Claude Monet will begin. There are several things to see on site:

Claude Monet’s House:
The painter arrives in Giverny in 1883 aged 43 years old. Thanks to the selling of a number of paintings to art merchant Durand-Ruel, he is able to acquire this house where he believes he will be able to ameliorate his work on light and color. During more than 40 years, Monet will transform, develop and enlarge the house. As you enter, you will first discover the reading room or ‘little blue sitting room’ followed by the artist’s first studio where he worked until 1899. You will then proceed to the first floor where the private apartments are located. These include Monet’s bedroom where objects and artwork from Monet’s time are exhibited. There are also reproductions of paintings made by his friends: Cézanne, Renoir, Signac or Caillebote. Then, move on to Alice’s bedroom – Claude Monet’s wife – and end the tour of the upper floor with the last room which was Blanche Monet’s bedroom. You will then return to the ground floor to visit the dining room and kitchen. Here, you will admire Monet’s famous collection of Japanese prints.

The ‘Clos Normand’ Garden:
Monet’s love for gardens came as he visited the gardens of friends as well as with the one he took care of in his previous house of Argenteuil. In Giverny, the artist will model his garden so as to better paint it. In front of the house, his creates the Clos Normand. He starts by removing a number of trees, to Alice’s great despair, then reorganizes the flower beds playing with the colors for his paintings. The flower garden is composed of daffodils, tulips, narcissus, iris, oriental poppies, peonies while the central path is lined with nasturtiums, fragrant roses, cherry and Japanese apricot trees.

The water garden:
By diverting a small river, Monet completely created this water garden. He will contemplate nature for hours especially fond of the reflections of the sky that occur on the water. Deeply inspired by ‘Japonism’ – influence of Japanese art on French Artists and writers – he creates a unique world. A Japanese bridge is built and oriental plants are introduced such as maple trees, Japanese peonies, white lilies, bamboos and Ginkgos Biloba. In 1897, Monet begins to paint the “Nymphéas” series inspired by the water lilies pond, achieving one of his most famous artwork reaching the limit of abstraction. Today, ten gardeners take care of Giverny gardens all year round.

You will enjoy a fabulous 3 course lunch at the “Moulin de Fourges” restaurant, a 200-year-old mill. The architecture of this listed site, dating back to the 18th century, draws its inspiration from the hamlet of Marie-Antoinette at Versailles. It offers a unique setting with its rural grounds and spacious terrace on the banks of the Epte.

 After lunch, depart for Versailles.

Château de Versailles is without a doubt one of the most unique Chateau visits of France. This 3 star rated Michelin travel guide historical site is considered to be the symbol of perfection when it comes to Classical Architecture. The largest known Palace in the world was, from the late 17th century until the French Revolution, a permanent construction site. The Chateau is also a symbol of the power of Royalty from Sun King Louis XIV to Louis XVI and Marie Antoinette. Today, the Chateau, as well as the whole domain are gradually regaining their original splendor thanks to immense restoration works.

Here, you will have skip the line access to fast-track entry, allowing you to jump the queue. At last it will be time to begin your tour of the Palace and hear about the History of the Palace & the many stories that have made Versailles Palace what it is. The audio-guided tour of the palace includes the State Apartments of the King and Queen, Royal Chapel and Hall of Mirrors, a richly decorated gallery which boasts 357 mirrors, french bay windows and crystal chandeliers. Outside, you will also have free time to visit and explore the French style Gardens designed by André Le Nôtre. The gardens of Versailles are considered to be the best example of French Style formal Gardens.

After the visit, return to your departure point in Paris and end of our services.