From Paris: McArthurGlen Center & Monet’s Givern House Visit

Planning a day trip that combines art, nature, and shopping sounds appealing, right? This tour from Paris promises just that: a visit to Monet’s Giverny and some retail therapy at the McArthurGlen outlet. While it’s not a tour we’ve personally taken, we’ve sifted through the details, reviews, and what you can realistically expect to help you decide if it’s worth your time—and money.

We really like the balance this trip offers—the chance to see Monet’s iconic gardens at your own pace and the convenience of round-trip transportation from central Paris. Plus, the shopping component at McArthurGlen adds a fun, leisurely aspect with discounts on designer brands. On the flip side, some reviews hint at organizational hiccups, and timing can be tight, so it’s worth considering if those are deal-breakers for you.

This experience is probably best suited for those wanting a cost-effective way to tick Giverny off their bucket list while squeezing in a bit of modern retail therapy. If you’re someone who values a well-organized day, or if you’re traveling with little patience for delays, this might be a bit tricky. However, if you’re flexible and looking for an affordable, semi-structured day combining culture and shopping, this could fit the bill.

Key Points

• Convenience & Comfort: Includes round-trip transportation in a luxury vehicle, which saves the hassle of public transit or car rental.
• Flexible Options: You can choose a shuttle-only ticket or add the Giverny visit, giving some control over your day.
• Time at Giverny: About three hours to explore Monet’s house and gardens, enough to enjoy the scenery but not for an in-depth tour.
• Shopping & Art: The McArthurGlen outlet features over 80 brands with discounts, plus exhibitions and local crafts.
• Review Highlights: Some travelers loved the views and value, but others experienced delays and organization issues.
• Price & Value: At $29, it’s a budget-friendly way to see Giverny and shop, but beware of potential time constraints.

You can check availability for your dates here:

The Itinerary: What You Can Expect

The day begins in Paris, typically just a short walk from the Eiffel Tower, where you’ll meet your guide or representative. From there, your journey is by luxury, air-conditioned bus, which is a plus when zipping out of the city. The first stop is the McArthurGlen Paris-Giverny, a relatively new outlet center that’s worth a quick visit if you’re into shopping or just want a scenic break.

If you opt for the “shuttle only” ticket, your day ends here, allowing you to explore the outlet at your leisure. For those who choose the full experience, your bus continues to Giverny, just about 15 minutes away. You’ll have roughly three hours to wander Monet’s famous house and gardens, which inspired many of his paintings. Here, you can stroll through the gardens, snap photos of the water lilies, and peek into Monet’s house.

What’s special about Giverny? It’s the site where Monet created his lush gardens and iconic water lily pond, the very scenes that made him a pioneer of Impressionism. The gardens have been kept in a way that makes you feel like you’re walking through a living painting. We loved the way the gardens are laid out, with different sections to explore, and the house decorated with Monet’s artwork.

Once your time at Giverny wraps up, the bus departs around 2 PM back to the outlet mall. Here, you’ll spend several hours shopping, with discounts of up to 30% on brands like Nike, Adidas, and others. The outlet is more than just a shopping stop—it features art exhibitions, sculptures, and local artisan crafts at the Maison des Métiers d’Art, making it a pleasant place to browse and relax.

Transportation & Timing

Traveling by luxury, air-conditioned bus makes the trip comfortable, especially for the long hours involved. The total duration clocks in around 10 to 11.5 hours, so it’s a full day, but the pacing is fairly relaxed unless delays happen.

A key point from reviews is that timing can be tight. One traveler noted, “we arrived after a two-hour drive, and then the bus broke down, leading to a wait of over two hours.” That’s a real risk, especially on older vehicles or during busy times. Also, some found that the short time at the outlet wasn’t enough to enjoy shopping or explore properly, though others found the hours sufficient for a quick browse.

The meeting point is in front of Café Le Champs de Mars, just a short walk from the Eiffel Tower, making it easy to find. Remember to arrive at least 15 minutes early to avoid stress.

The Experience at Giverny: What You’ll See & Feel

Once in Giverny, you’ll get to see Monet’s house, which has been preserved much as he left it, with charming rooms filled with his paintings, personal items, and a lovely garden view from the windows. The gardens are undoubtedly the star—full of vibrant flowers and the famous water lilies pond.

Travelers have mentioned that the gardens are truly stunning and worth the visit. Jenny from Austria said, “The garden was very beautiful, and we had plenty of time to enjoy it,” which is encouraging if you’re worried about feeling rushed.

However, some reviews mention issues with organization. For example, a traveler from Israel complained about a long wait and a very limited time at the outlet, which felt like a waste of their day. This highlights the importance of managing expectations and being prepared for potential delays.

Shopping & Cultural Highlights at McArthurGlen

The outlet shopping offers more than just bargains. You’ll find familiar brands with discounts, but also enjoy the art installations and sculptures dotted throughout the mall. The Maison des Métiers d’Art is a highlight, where local artisans showcase Normandy craftsmanship, making it a nice touch that adds local flavor to the experience.

Several travelers appreciated the ease of navigation and the ample time at the outlet, with one noting, “It was easy to find your way around and get back to the bus.” If shopping is your main goal, this part of the trip offers good value, especially considering the discounts and the chance to pick up something special.

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Cost & Value Analysis

At $29 per person, this tour is a fairly affordable option for a day trip from Paris. The price includes transportation, and if you choose the full tour, entrance to Monet’s gardens. Compared to other options, this is a budget-friendly way to see Giverny without the hassle of organizing transport yourself.

However, some reviews suggest that the short time at the outlet might limit the value for shoppers, and delays can cut into your Giverny experience. For art lovers and those seeking a scenic escape, the gardens alone can justify the trip. For shopaholics, the outlet offers decent discounts, but it’s not a full-day shopping expedition.

Final Thoughts: Is This Tour Right for You?

If you’re after a cost-efficient way to experience Monet’s gardens and enjoy some shopping, this trip offers a lot for the price. The comfort of a direct bus from central Paris** is a major plus, especially if you dislike navigating public transit or driving yourself. The gardens at Giverny are truly beautiful and capture the essence of Monet’s vision, making it a worthwhile visit.

That said, it’s not without its flaws. The possibility of delays and organizational issues could impact your day. If you’re someone who prefers a tightly scheduled, perfectly organized tour, or if you’re traveling during peak busy periods, you might want to consider other options.

In general, this experience suits travelers who are flexible, appreciate good value, and want a simple way to combine art, nature, and shopping without overextending their schedule. It’s a practical day out that delivers on the essentials, with enough charm to satisfy most art lovers.

FAQ

How long is the entire tour?
The total duration is approximately 10 to 11.5 hours, including travel time, sightseeing, and shopping.

What’s included in the price?
Your fare covers transportation by luxury bus, and if you select the full experience, it includes entry to Monet’s house and gardens with priority access.

Can I just do the shopping part?
Yes, the “shuttle only” option takes you directly to the McArthurGlen outlet, and your day ends there.

Is it suitable for families or children?
The tour isn’t specifically geared toward children, and it’s not suitable for wheelchair users. Be prepared for walking and the outdoor garden areas.

What should I bring?
Comfortable shoes, a hat, sunscreen, camera, and water are recommended. Dress according to the weather forecast.

Are there any hidden costs?
Food, drinks, and personal shopping expenses are not included, so budget accordingly.

What happens if there’s bad weather?
The tour is mostly outdoors in Giverny, so check the forecast and dress appropriately for rain or sun.

How is the guide or driver?
The driver speaks English, and reviews mention that they cope well with traffic. The guide’s knowledge isn’t specifically highlighted, so it’s more of a transport service than a guided tour.

This trip offers a practical, budget-minded way to enjoy some of Normandy’s beauty and the thrill of a shopping outlet—just keep your expectations in check regarding timing and organization. It’s a good pick if you’re flexible, love Monet, and want a straightforward day out from Paris.

You can check availability for your dates here: