You’ve probably seen the paintings. Those hazy, ethereal water lilies and that iconic green Japanese bridge. If you are sitting in a cafe in Paris right now, or planning a 2026 trip, the urge to see the real thing is probably pretty strong. But before you just hop on a random train, you need to know exactly how far is Giverny from Paris—and more importantly, that the distance isn't just about miles.
It's about logistics.
Honestly, Giverny is close enough to be a breeze but far enough that a poorly planned morning can ruin the whole vibe. Let's break down the actual geography and the reality of getting there.
The Raw Numbers: How Far is Giverny from Paris?
If you look at a map, Giverny sits roughly 50 miles (80 kilometers) west of the Paris city center. It’s located in the Eure department of Normandy, tucked right along the border of the Île-de-France region.
In a vacuum, 50 miles sounds like a 45-minute drive. In French reality? It’s rarely that simple. Depending on whether you’re starting from the Marais or the edge of the 17th arrondissement, your "distance" is measured more in time than in kilometers.
Distance by Transport Mode
- By Car: It’s about 75 km to 80 km depending on your route. Usually an hour and fifteen minutes, but Paris traffic is a beast.
- By Train: You don't actually take a train to Giverny. You take it to Vernon, which is about 4 miles (6.5 km) away from Monet’s front door.
- By Bike: If you’re hardcore, it’s a long haul, but many people take the train to Vernon and bike the final 7 km stretch.
Why the Train Journey is Deceptive
Most people searching for how far Giverny is from Paris are planning to use the SNCF train system. Here is the catch: Giverny doesn't have its own train station.
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You have to head to Gare Saint-Lazare. This is the same station Monet himself used to frequent—he even painted it several times. You’re looking for the train toward Rouen or Le Havre. You’ll get off at the Vernon-Giverny station.
The train ride itself is usually about 45 to 55 minutes. Sounds great, right? But you aren't at the gardens yet. Once you step off the platform in Vernon, you still have that 6-7 kilometer gap to bridge. You can hop on the "shuttle bus" (the navette) which costs about €10 for a round trip, or you can take a 15-minute taxi. Some people walk, but it’s a solid hour-long trek along a path. If it’s July and 30°C out, you’ll probably regret walking.
Driving from Paris: The A13 vs. The Scenic Route
If you decide to drive, the distance remains the same, but the experience varies wildly. Most GPS apps will shove you onto the A13 highway.
It’s efficient. It’s fast. It’s also kinda boring.
If you have the time, the "Route des Crêtes" offers stunning views of the Seine Valley. It adds maybe 20 minutes to your trip, but it makes the 80 km journey feel like a proper French road trip rather than a commute. Just a heads up for 2026 travelers: toll prices on the A13 have crept up, so keep some change or a "contactless" card handy. Also, avoid the A14 shortcut unless you’re in a massive rush; the toll is famously expensive for such a short stretch of road.
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Timing is Everything
When asking how far is Giverny from Paris, you have to consider the "temporal distance."
If you leave at 9:00 AM on a Tuesday, you’re golden. If you try to leave at 5:00 PM on a Friday, Giverny might as well be on the moon. The traffic exiting Paris toward Normandy is legendary for being terrible.
Seasonal Realities
The gardens are not open year-round. For 2026, the Fondation Claude Monet is scheduled to be open from April 1st through November 1st. If you show up in December, the distance is irrelevant because the gates will be locked and the lilies will be dormant.
- Spring (May/June): The busiest. The wisteria is blooming. Expect the 50-mile journey to feel longer because of the crowds.
- Late Summer (August): It's hot. The train carriages can get stuffy.
- Autumn (September/October): My personal favorite. The dahlias are huge, the light is golden, and the crowds have thinned out.
What Most People Get Wrong
The biggest mistake? Thinking you can "wing it" with the shuttle bus.
The buses in Vernon are timed to meet the trains arriving from Paris. If you linger too long at a cafe in Vernon or spend ten minutes trying to find a restroom, you might miss the shuttle and be stuck waiting another hour.
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Also, people often underestimate the size of the village. Giverny is tiny. It has a population of about 500 people. Once you cover that 50-mile distance from the capital, you are in a truly rural environment. There isn't an Uber waiting on every corner. If you miss the last bus back to the Vernon station, you’re calling a local taxi and hoping they’re not busy.
Is the Distance Worth It?
Absolutely. Even though it's technically a "long" day trip once you factor in the 2-hour round trip travel time and the 3 hours you'll want to spend in the gardens and the Museum of Impressionism, it’s a total shift in atmosphere.
You leave the limestone and grey zinc roofs of Paris and, within an hour, you're surrounded by weeping willows and water gardens.
Actionable Steps for Your Trip
- Book train tickets early: Use the SNCF Connect app. Aim for a train that leaves Saint-Lazare before 9:00 AM to beat the tour buses.
- Buy Garden tickets online: Do not wait until you get to Giverny to buy your entry ticket. The line can be over an hour long in peak season.
- Check the 2026 calendar: Ensure you aren't traveling on a French bank holiday (like May 1st or May 8th) when train schedules might be reduced and crowds doubled.
- Pack light: There are no luggage lockers at the Vernon station or at Monet’s house. If you’re coming from the airport, drop your bags at a "City Locker" in Paris first.
- Explore Vernon: Don't just rush to Giverny. The Old Mill (Le Vieux Moulin) in Vernon is a 5-minute walk from the bridge and is one of the most photographed spots in the region for a reason.
Knowing how far Giverny is from Paris is the first step, but managing that distance with a bit of strategy is what actually makes the trip memorable.