Getting to Giverny – Vernon : Getting back and forth to Giverney from Paris is not easy. If this is you first time in Paris, it will feel almost impossible. But I have done it and found out the pitfalls and problems for you. Here are some ideas to make it easy for you to enjoy where Monet painted his famous Waterlilies.
First, go to St.Lazare Train Station and get the ticket directly from TER. The website is okay to reference, but even the concierge at the hotel is stayed at on my layover was confused on how to use it. It is open 7Am to 9pm and the people are very friendly.
If you want to get tickets on the internet, go to SNCF Connect – Résultats d’itinéraires aller (sncf-connect.com). It’s easiest to pick on SNFC “Vernon” only and filtering with “direct”. Otherwise you will get a very complicated route and pay more than you have to.
Once in the town of Vernon, there are several ways to get to Giverny. There is the Shuttle, a taxi, or a “train” which goes on the road, or you can walk. Each has their good pints and bad. Here is what I have found.
If you take the Vernon-Giverny shuttle for 5 Euros, the easiest way, get ready to wait in a line. Even so, they time their shuttle schedule to th train so you don’t have to wait. They also seem to have the correct amount of buses for the people that are waiting to. The Shuttle does have a schedule which really helps with planning. The travel time is 15 to 20 minutes.
The walk from the station to Giverny is long, 5.1 km or 3.2. They say it could take up to a hour. The path is paved so on a nice day with time to spare, it could be an option. The estimated time of travel is 1 hour and 15 minutes.
There are taxis you can take to and from Giverny for 16 Euro for up to 4 people. This is good if you are trying to get back to Vernon to make your train and you miss the shuttle and the one won’t get you there on time. And if you have 4 people in your party, it’s actually cheaper to use the taxi instead of the shuttle. So this option could be more convenient and cheaper than the bus. Just remember it might be a while to get a cab when it is busy.
Once they drop you off, you have a short walk to the estate, but it can be very confusing. If you have time to spare, you can go the bust of Monet and enjoy the scenery. If you what to want to beat the crowds, follow the signs that say “Access to the Village”. Walk along the road until see the sign that says Sente Leroy.
If you have group tickets, take a left up Sente Leroy then take the first right. If you need tickets, take a left on Sente Leroy and continue until you see the main thoroughfare and take a right. If you got tickets online, which I highly suggest, turn left on Sente Leroy then the second right.
Getting to Giverny from Paris and back can be a challenge if you haven’t done it before. If you follow these suggestions, it will be much easier and your visit to Monet’s house will be even more enjoyable.