English Guided Tours of Monet's Garden

by Local Licensed Guides-Lecturers

Follow in Monet's footsteps with your private guide

Every day from April 1st, 2024 to November 1st, 2024 we are at your disposal to guide you in Claude Monet's wonderful gardens at Giverny and to unveil for you the charm of his home.

Flat rate 2024 for 1 to 25 persons : 220 euros

Duration: from 1hr15 to 1hr45  
Our meeting point is the entrance to the gardens.
By appointment only, time at your convenience.
Tickets are not included. They can be purchased on line. Sale starts in February 2024.

For more information on guided tours please check the FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions)

Giverny Claude Monet's Bridge, Photo Ariane Cauderlier

The Visit

During our visit of Fondation Monet at Giverny, you will realize why these places inspired the master of Impressionism. You will see the famous Japanese bridge and stroll around the water lily pond to observe the ever changing reflections on the water surface.
Then you will get back to the Clos normand (norman enclosure), the gorgeous flower garden blooming from spring to fall. You will learn how Monet himself designed it by applying his skills for painting to gardening.

The house looks exactly as it did in Monet's times, with the studio-sitting-room, Monet's and Alice's bedrooms, the yellow dining-room with its surprising collection of Japanese woodblocks and the kitchen decorated with blue tiles.

Your guide will tell you about the way Monet transformed it to his own style. Thanks to many details about Monet's family life in this very place you will take a leap backwards to the 19th Century.

Guided Visitors Information

All the appointments are at the entrance to the gardens which is located in a lane (sente Leroy) at the bottom of the gardens near the road D5 (chemin du Roy).

Previous payment of the tour by bank transfer or through paypal. Free cancellation up to 8 days before the tour. Full payment required for a cancellation closer to the date,except for cases of fore majeure.

Monet's Gardens are wheelchair accessible, but the house has many steps.

The tour takes place in any weather. Take an umbrella, a bottle of water and wear warm clothes if necessary (it may be chilly on the waterside), and comfy shoes.

Ariane Cauderlier is a free-lance professional guide-lecturer. She is licensed for English, German and French.

A former journalist, Ariane became a guide because of her passion for Claude Monet. She specializes in Giverny where she comes daily, living nearby. She likes to share her enthusiasm for Monet's gardens!

If you are a keen gardener, tell her and she will tailor your tour to match your interest. 

Ariane still loves writing and taking pictures. Follow her on her blogs: Giverny News in French, Giverny Impression in English.

Ariane is the author of several books including "Giverny en Photos" (bilingual English and French)  and the Magic of Giverny (in English) published by OREP.

Keen on developping Monet's and Giverny's image, Ariane founded the Association GiVerNet. She is the editor of several websites devoted to Monet, especially giverny.org and intermonet.com.

" I was blown away by the masterpiece created here by Monet. Our guide, Ariane could not have been more charming. She floats through the garden imparting knowledge as she goes. It's obvious she loves this place and finds interest there each day, you can't help but to be drawn in.
We've done many private tours whilst we've been in Paris and I wouldn't recommend some of them, however I highly recommend a private tour with Ariane in this case. We would not have learnt so much or enjoyed the day as much without her."   IPS. Sydney, Australia

"Dear Mme Cauderlier, On behalf of our group we wish to thank you most cordially for your excellent guided tour of the gardens last Friday morning. We all enjoyed your commentary and your company very much and we had a truly wonderful time in the gardens."  Ellen W. GB

"Bonjour Ms. Cauderlier, We had the pleasure of one of your guided tours. I just wanted to thank you for a wonderful experience. It was one of the highlights of our trip to France. I will recommend it to any of our friends who are traveling to Paris."  Peggy and Patrick C. USA

"Bonjour Ariane, thank you for making our visit to Monet's Garden so memorable. Visiting the garden with you gave us a good insight into the Artist and explained why he designed and planted his garden to provide the different scenes and atmospheres. The tour was highly informative, and your enthusiasm for Monet was obvious. A lovely way to spend my birthday." Adrian, Jenny C, Max, Jennie B.. USA

"Dear Ariane, Being with you to guide us through Monet's garden and his life was a highlight of our trip to Paris. You are a captivating storyteller and your knowledge and love of trees and flowers, especially Monet's garden, are highly contagious. We feel lucky to have met you and spent such priviledged time with you!" Thomas and Suzy K. USA

"Dear Ariane, the highlight of our trip to France was our tour of Monet's garden with you as our guide. Thank you for your willingness to share your extensive knowledge about Monet, his family, and his life. Your excellent tour increased my appreciation of his paint box of flowers and the wonder he created there.
I appreciate that you readily accommodated my slow pace as we explored the breathtaking garden. Fortunately I found one of your books at the museum of Impressionism and treasure your beautiful pictures and artistic text. My husband agrees that having you as our tour guide was a most worthwhile, enjoyable experience." Cindy H. USA

Patricia Rynski d'Argence is a free-lance professional guide-lecturer. She is licensed for English, German and French.

From Giverny to Honfleur, Patricia knows the Seine valley inside out.

In addition to her job as a guide, Patricia is a keen painter. She lives close to Giverny, an inexhaustible source of inspiration!

Patricia gives watercolor lessons and talks about the Impressionists.

"Patricia, We had such a nice time with you ! many thanks for your interesting comments during our trip on the river Seine" Mrs McL. Los Angeles, CA 

"Bei vielen Leuten, verschiedene Interessen und diverse Führungen -sei es Kirchen, Kunst, Lebensgewohnheiten, Natur, usw - ist es nicht selbstverständlich, dass alle aufmerksam dabei sind : Patrizia ist es doch gelungen ! Wir haben dadurch wunderschöne Eindrücke gewonnen !" Jürgen und Rosemarie K. Hamburg Allemagne

FAQ about Guided Tours with Ariane or Patricia

How will we recognize one another?

Our meeting place is the Entrance of Fondation Monet. Kindly tell the guard that you have an appointment with Ariane/Patricia. Your guide will come towards you at her arrival.

Where is the Entrance of Fondation Monet located?

The Entrance of Fondation Monet is situated in a lane called Sente Leroy. This lane slopes up on the left side of the garden when you are on the road D5 (Chemin du Roy).

Walking from the parking lots next to the round-about, follow signs entrée Groupe / entrée coupe-file.

Warning : you can't be dropped at the Group Entrance. Stopping with a vehicle is forbidden.

How will the tour go?

We'll start by the water garden, where Monet painted his famous Nympheas. We'll walk around the pond and stop by the Japanese bridge. Then we'll come back to the flower garden that we'll cross gently to end the tour in front of Monet's house. Along the tour we'll stop often for commentaries or simply to admire.

How long does the tour last?

On average an hour and fifteen minutes to one hour and forty-five minutes depending on crowds.

Is Monet's house included in the guided tour?

As the rooms are small, it is not allowed to guide inside Monet's house. Your guide will talk about it in front of the facade, and it will be the end of your tour with her. Then you will go on your own to see the inside.

Is the guided tour appropriate for gentle walkers ?

Yes, the rhythm is slow and it is possible to sit down from time to time.

Is the guided tour adapted to children?

In case of a family tour, the commentary takes into account the age of the children. Their pleasure at the tour will be even greater if it has been prepared (books or videos, paintings...). Recommended age : from 6 on. Children are under the responsibility of their parents who will see to it that they keep calm during the tour and respect the premises and the other visitors. (no stepping on the flower beds or lawns, no running, etc).

Can I stay in the garden after the tour?

Yes, if you like. But it is not allowed to exit and re-enter later the same day, for instance to go for some lunch. In this case you would have to pay for your admission again.

Can I have a picnic in the gardens?

No, picnics are not allowed : it's a museum. There are lots of nice picnic places in the surroundings, some of them with tables and benches along the river Seine. Giverny has also several restaurants for a fast meal, a traditional menu or a gourmet treat.

Copyright / image right

In accordance with copyright law, it is forbidden to record the lecture. This is why you are kindly requested not to use any kind of video recorder during the tour. Please also refrain from taking a picture of your guide without her permission.

Are bathrooms available during the tour ?

The toilets of Fondation Monet are located next to the exit, therefore they won't be on our way during the tour. Free public toilets are located at the bottom of parking lot Le Verger.

What happens if it rains the day of the tour?

The tour still takes place, unless it could be dangerous (severe orange or red weather warning by Meteo France). Monet's gardens are very enjoyable to stroll around when it is drizzling, the light is beautiful and it is less crowded. You will need waterproof clothes and an umbrella per person.

Should the tour be cancelled because of dangerous weather, we would try to re-schedule it. If it is not possible, it will be refunded.

And if I'm late?

Please call your guide as soon as you realize you are running late. Maybe we'll be able to postpone the tour later the same day.

To travel from Paris, count two hours at least to get out of the city and drive the 50 miles to Giverny. From the exit 16 on the highway A13, it is still 20 minutes to Giverny. It is wise to have plenty of time, you will appreciate not to be in a hurry and having time for a rest before the tour. If you get to Giverny real early, you can explore the lovely village of Giverny, the museum of impressionisms and its garden, and the church and cemetery with Monet's grave.

In high season, your guide will probably give several tours a day. Without any news from you, your guide is not supposed to wait for your for more than 30 minutes. In this case, the full amount of the tour will be charged.

In which language is the guided tour?

In English unless you request a French or German or Spanish guided tour. The tour is not bilingual.

What is the cost of the tour?

A privately guided tour for your party from 1 to 25 people costs 220 euros in total.

Admission tickets are not included. You can buy them online.

Do you accept credit cards ?

Credit cards are not accepted. It is recomanded to pay your tour in advance by transfer or by paypal if you don't want t ocarry cash.

What is your cancellation policy?

Up to 8 days before the tour, cancellation is free of charge. Your deposit will be refunded except for banking fees.
 In case of late cancellation or a no-show, the full amount is charged.
If your guide is sick and can't find a substitute colleague and can't postpone the tour, the deposit will be refunded. Please provide a cell phone number where to call you in case of necessity.

Can I come with my dog?

Dogs are not allowed at Fondation Claude Monet except for guide-dogs.

Giverny Claude Monet's Home, Photo Ariane Cauderlier