A Guide to the Private Day Trip from Paris to Giverny and Auvers sur Oise

If you’re a fan of Impressionist art or just love the idea of walking through the landscapes that inspired some of the most iconic paintings, this private tour offers a pretty compelling way to spend a day outside Paris. While we haven’t taken this exact trip ourselves, plenty of travelers have, and it sounds like a well-organized, meaningful experience that balances art, nature, and history.

What we really appreciate about this tour is its personalized approach—a private guide makes all the difference in tailoring the experience to your interests and pacing. Plus, the chance to visit Monet’s lush gardens early in the day means fewer crowds and the best light for photos. On the flip side, the price tag of over a thousand dollars per group can seem steep, especially considering it’s a full-day trip. Still, for art lovers or those seeking a deeper connection to these masters’ worlds, it might well be worth it.

This tour is best suited for travelers who want a focused, hassle-free experience without the stress of planning transport or navigating on their own. If you’re someone who values expert insights and a relaxed, intimate setting, it’s a strong choice. However, if you’re budget-conscious or prefer self-guided adventures, you might want to explore other options.

Key Points

Private and Personalized: You get a dedicated guide, making the experience more tailored and engaging.
Early Access to Monet’s Gardens: Visiting early helps avoid crowds and captures the gardens at their best.
In-Depth Visits: Explore Monet’s home and gardens, including the iconic Japanese Bridge, as well as Van Gogh’s final resting place.
Comfortable Transportation: Travel in an air-conditioned vehicle, making the journey relaxing.
Flexible Lunch Options: The guide suggests several dining spots in Giverny, giving you the chance to enjoy local cuisine.
Good for Art Enthusiasts: The tour’s focus on Monet and Van Gogh makes it ideal for fans or anyone interested in their landscapes and stories.

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Exploring the Day: What to Expect

Starting with a hotel pickup, the trip kicks off with a relaxing one-hour drive from Paris, in a luxurious vehicle that sets the tone for a comfortable day ahead. Once you arrive in Giverny, you’ll experience Monet’s house and gardens, which resonate deeply with art lovers.

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Monet’s House and Gardens

Monet’s home is a charming yellow house where the artist and his family once lived. Walking through the house, you’ll see rooms like the dining area, his original workshops, and the kitchen—places that give a glimpse of Monet’s daily life.

The gardens are where this visit truly shines. Monet’s flower beds burst with color, changing with the seasons, and include tulips, hyacinths, irises, and roses. You’re likely to find that the vibrant blooms reflect Monet’s own paintings, making it easy to imagine how they inspired his work.

The Water Garden is perhaps the most famous part, featuring Monet’s water lilies and the Japanese Bridge—a small, green arch that’s become an icon in art history. Visitors often comment on how surreal it feels to stand in front of the pond Monet captured so many times on canvas.

Lunch Break

After soaking in Monet’s gardens, the guide will suggest several nice spots for a leisurely lunch in Giverny. Whether you prefer a cozy bistro or a more casual café, this part of the trip offers a chance to enjoy local specialties and relax before heading to Auvers-sur-Oise.

Van Gogh’s Final Days in Auvers-sur-Oise

In the afternoon, you’ll head to Auvers-sur-Oise, the village where Van Gogh spent his last days. The landscape here, with its wheat fields and the church he painted, is quite evocative. You’ll also visit his room at Auberge Ravoux, where he died, and see his twin graves next to his brother’s.

This part of the tour gives you a poignant connection to Van Gogh’s life and work, set against a landscape that still looks much like it did in his paintings. Many reviews highlight how knowledgeable guides help bring Van Gogh’s story alive, making it more than just a passing glance at his final resting place.

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The Practicalities: What You Need to Know

Price and Value: At $1,041 for up to 8 people, this tour offers a lot of value in terms of convenience and guidance. It includes admission tickets, skip-the-line entry, and transportation, so you don’t have to worry about logistics. But it’s worth considering whether the cost aligns with your budget and interests, especially since it’s a full 9-hour experience.

Transport: Traveling in an air-conditioned vehicle is a nice touch, especially on warmer days. It ensures you stay comfortable and fresh during the drives, which are about an hour each way.

Tour Length: Nine hours is enough time to comfortably explore both sites without feeling rushed. Your guide will manage the timing, but expect a fairly packed day with plenty of walking and sightseeing.

Reviews & Guides: Several travelers praise the knowledgeable guides—specifically noting their helpfulness and passion. However, one unfortunate review mentions a guide no-show, highlighting that while high-quality guides are likely, there’s always a small risk with any tour provider.

Accessibility & Child-Friendliness: While the tour isn’t specifically marketed as family-friendly, it’s suitable for most adults comfortable with walking and standing. Infant seats are available on request, so if traveling with young children, it’s worth coordinating in advance.

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Final Thoughts

This private tour from Paris to Giverny and Auvers-sur-Oise offers a solid way to connect with the worlds of Monet and Van Gogh, without the stress of planning on your own. The early visits to Monet’s gardens combined with expert guides make for an engaging, personalized experience that many reviewers have enjoyed immensely.

If you’re an art enthusiast craving a deeper understanding of Monet’s gardens and Van Gogh’s last days, this trip delivers on that front. The price might seem high, but considering the private guidance, skip-the-line access, and overall comfort, it could be a worthwhile splurge for a special occasion or a dedicated art day.

On the other hand, if you’re looking for a more budget-friendly or flexible option, you might prefer exploring these sites independently or with a different arrangement. But for those who want the convenience of a guided private day, this tour is a promising choice.

Ready to Book?

From Paris: Private Day Trip to Giverny and Auvers sur Oise

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FAQ

Is this a full-day tour?
Yes, it lasts about 9 hours, including transportation, visits, and lunch suggestions, giving you plenty of time to enjoy both locations without rushing.

What’s included in the price?
The tour includes admission tickets, skip-the-line entry, a private guide, professional driver-guide, transportation, and hotel pickup and drop-off.

Can I customize the tour?
The tour is private, so you may have some flexibility with timing and focus, but specific customizations aren’t detailed in the info provided.

Is this tour suitable for children?
Children must be accompanied by an adult, and infant seats are available upon request. Overall, it’s best suited for those comfortable walking and standing during the visits.

What if I need to cancel?
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, offering some flexibility in case your plans change.

Is lunch included?
No, lunch is not included. The guide will suggest several places for you to enjoy a meal in Giverny.

What languages are available?
The tour is offered in English and French, with guides who can speak either language.

What if the guide doesn’t show up?
That’s an unusual situation, but one review from 2025 mentions a guide not showing up and the phone not being answered. It’s worth checking recent reviews or confirming your booking closer to your date.

This trip offers a crafted blend of art, nature, and history, perfect for visitors eager to step into the scenes that inspired Monet and Van Gogh. Just remember to weigh the cost against your interests and travel style, and you’ll likely find it to be a memorable, enriching day out of Paris.