Giverny Travel Tips and tricks

Giverny and Vernon

Tips and tricks

En Francais : Trucs et astuces les bons plans

THE BEST TIME TO COME TO MONET'S GARDEN
Monet's garden is incredibly beautiful from April to October. Flowers varieties are blooming one after another so that the garden changes gradually with the seasons while keeping its colors and brightness.

The peak period in number of visitors is May-June, and then Summer. Automn is very pleasant. In Summer you will enjoy the beauty of all annual flowers and of the famous Nympheas. In September and October the garden is a feast of giant flowers of splendid colors.

MORE BEAUTIFUL GARDENS AT GIVERNY, FREE OF CHARGE

The musée des impressionnismes Giverny has a beautiful flower labelled "Jardin remarquable". It is freely accessible during the opening hours of the museum.

The former hotel Baudy is now a coffee shop and restaurant with a lovely old fashioned garden at the back. Access is free and for customers only. You will see an artist's studio of teh turn of the century and a park with tall trees and roses on the hillside.

PICNIC AT GIVERNY

A large picnic area is located next to the bridge over the Seine in Vernon, behind the stadium, along the cycling path. It is a peaceful place in a natural setting. Easy parking at the stadium. .

At Giverny, there are no picnic tables, but you can have a 'luncheon on the grass' along the river Epte, for instance next to the old train station. It is a cool shadowy place.

A bakery is located next to the church of Giverny. There are two more boulangeries in Vernonnet, not far from the picnic area.

BUYING BOOKS

In France the books are at the same price no matter where ever you buy them, due to the "single book price law". It may be convenient for you to buy them in the museums of Giverny, (books in English and in French) in Vernon's bookstores (mainly in French) or on this website if you want to have them delivered at your home and not carry them all along your trip ! Check our selection of Monet and Giverny related books!

FREE VISIT IN VERNON'S MUSEUM

The entrance to Musée A.G. Poulain in Vernon is free for every body the first Sunday of the month. Two rooms are dedicated to Impressionists and Nabi painters (works by Claude Monet, Blanche Hoschedé Monet, Bonnard...) . Large collection of animal art.

IF YOU ARE PLANNING TO COME ON A WEEK-END
Spend the Friday's night in Vernon or arrive early on Saturday and go to the farmers' market in Vernon. It takes place on three squares in the town center of the town. You will find all sorts of fruits and vegetables, cheeses, delicacies, fresh eggs, flowers, honey, and clothes. From 8:00 am to 1:00 pm. Clothes up to 5 pm.

CELEBRATION OF NATIONAL DAY ON JULY 14

Like everywhere in France, fireworks and popular open-air dance are organised on July 13 at night.
In Vernon the fireworks take place over the Seine river at 11 pm. Good views from the bridge or from the opposite bank.

In Les Andelys, fireworks on the medieval castle Chateau-Gaillard. Waiting for the night to fall with the castle and the Seine valley at your feet is a magical moment.

In Pressagny-l'Orgueilleux, fireworks in Chateau de la Madeleine, and then dance in the park of the castle. Very convenient with children, they can run in the dark, there aren't any cars.

For those who really love fireworks : the next evening (July 14) in Notre-Dame de l'Isle. On the banks of the River Seine. Small fee.

No fireworks in Giverny but a torchlight procession for school children in the afternoon.