Semi-Private Full Day Trip to Versailles and Giverny from Paris
Discover Marie-Antoinette's Private Domaine and Monet's gardens and house on an intimate tour
Crowds, long lines, and tricky logistics can make visiting the Palace of Versailles and Monet’s gardens overwhelming. Our semi-private day trip solves these challenges with skip-the-line access, roundtrip transport, and a knowledgeable guide to ensure a stress-free experience. Discover the grandeur of Versailles and the beauty of Giverny’s gardens in an intimate and effortless way.
- Semi-Private Full Day Trip to Versailles and Giverny from Paris
- Drive to Giverny
- Monet’s Gardens
- Free time in Giverny
- Marie-Antoinette's Domaine
- French Gardens
- Palace of Versailles
- Return to Paris
Step into the grandeur of Versailles and the serene beauty of Monet’s gardens on this unforgettable day trip from Paris. With skip-the-line access to the Palace and a semi-private group of no more than 8 people, you’ll enjoy an intimate experience led by a knowledgeable guide
Your journey begins at 12 Avenue des Ternes, near the Arc de Triomphe. From there, you'll head to the iconic Palace of Versailles, where you can explore its opulent interiors and gardens without the hassle of long lines. Next, travel to the picturesque village of Giverny to see Monet’s charming home and the lush gardens that inspired his masterpieces. With roundtrip transport included, this seamless tour concludes back in Paris, leaving you with incredible memories of France’s artistic and royal heritage.
Semi-Private Full Day Trip to Versailles and Giverny from Paris
Your 9-hours tour includes:
Knowledgeable English-speaking guide
Semi-private group with a maximum of 8 people
Skip-the-line tickets to the Palace of Versailles
Guided tour of Versailles’ interiors and gardens
Visit to Monet’s house and famous gardens in Giverny
Roundtrip transport
Explore the gardens of Giverny on your own
Start your journey from central Paris
Your adventure begins at 12 Avenue des Ternes, in the 17th arrondissement and just steps away from the iconic Arc de Triomphe. Here, you’ll meet your expert guide and a small group of no more than 8 people, ensuring a personalized experience. From this prime spot, you'll travel in comfort aboard a luxury, air-conditioned minibus straight during 45 minutes to the magnificent Palace of Versailles. Skip the lines and dive straight into the royal history as your guide shares fascinating stories about the palace’s grandeur, setting the stage for an unforgettable day of history and culture.
Explore Monet’s home and gardens in Giverny
Your first stop is the painter’s house in Giverny. This charming house was home to Claude Monet, one of the most influential artists in history, for over 40 years. Monet, born in 1840 and living until 1926, is widely recognized as one of the founders of Impressionism, a revolutionary movement that changed the course of art history.
Inside the gardens, your expert guide will share fascinating stories about Monet’s life and the paintings inspired by this very place. You’ll have 90 minutes of free time to wander the vibrant rooms of Monet’s brightly colored home, where you can see his personal living spaces and his artistic studio, where he brought thousands of his famous works to life. Admire an impressive collection of Japanese block prints and works from Monet’s friends, such as Renoir and Pissarro, displayed on the walls.
Outside, the true magic of Monet’s legacy comes to life in the gardens. Stroll through the Clos Normand Garden filled with an explosion of flowers, then step into the serene Japanese water garden, where the famous water lilies float on the tranquil pond, evoking the beauty Monet captured in his iconic Nymphea series.
As a special treat, your tour includes a stop at the quaint Sainte Radegonde church, where Monet worshipped, and you’ll visit his final resting place in the peaceful churchyard. After paying your respects, continue your journey with a 30-minute drive through the lush countryside to Versailles, where a majestic and gilded adventure awaits in the world-renowned palace and gardens.
Palace of Versailles
After lunch, your guide will take you to Marie-Antoinette's Private Domaine, where you’ll hear her fascinating life story. You’ll then have free time to stroll among the charming, thatched roof buildings and farmyard, home to adorable ducks, sheep, and donkeys.
Next, you’ll tour the famous French Gardens and marvel at the perfectly trimmed topiaries. As you walk through the gardens, your guide will share intriguing details about the French Revolution and the tragic fate of Marie-Antoinette.
Last but not least, step into the world of French royalty with a skip-the-line visit to the grand Palace of Versailles. This UNESCO World Heritage site is a true masterpiece of French architecture and a symbol of absolute monarchy. Once the residence of King Louis XIV, known as the Sun King, Versailles stands as a testament to his power, wealth, and vision. As you pass through its ornate gates, you’ll be transported into a world of luxury, with gilded rooms, intricate tapestries, and mesmerizing chandeliers.
The highlight of your visit is the Hall of Mirrors, where history was made as the Treaty of Versailles was signed, ending World War I. This room, with its mirrors reflecting the beauty of the gardens, is one of the most famous in the world. Outside, the expansive gardens, designed by André Le Nôtre, stretch over 800 hectares, featuring fountains, sculptures, and perfectly manicured paths that embody the artistry and precision of time. Every corner of Versailles tells a story of grandeur, power, and the opulent lives led by French royalty, offering an immersive experience that connects you to centuries of history and culture.
Return to Paris
After a day filled with history, art, and beauty, relax on the return trip to Paris. Reflect on your journey through the grandeur of Versailles and the serenity of Giverny, enriched by your guide’s expert insights. The tour concludes at the original meeting point near Arc de Triomphe in Paris, leaving you with memories of a day well spent, having experienced two of France’s most treasured landmarks in an intimate, hassle-free setting.
What you get with this tour
Frequently Asked Questions
Where to meet?
Meet your guide at 12 Avenue des Ternes. After your tour you will be dropped off at the same location.
What to bring?
Bring a comfortable pair of shoes and wear weather-appropriate clothing. Don’t forget your camera to capture the beauty of these iconic locations!
Is this tour run by The Tour Guy?
This tour is operated by one of our trusted and vetted partners in Paris.
How much walking is involved?
This tour involves a moderate amount of walking, especially through the expansive gardens of Versailles and Monet’s property. Comfortable walking shoes are essential, and you’ll have time to rest along the way.
Is this tour accessible for people with mobility issues?
While this tour is suitable for most, please note that some areas, especially in the gardens at both Versailles and Giverny, may have uneven surfaces or require walking on gravel paths. There are some areas that can be challenging for those with mobility issues. We recommend checking with us beforehand for any special needs or assistance.
Can I bring my kids with me?
Yes, this tour is ideal for children aged 7 years or older. Please choose accordingly during the booking.
Is lunch included in the tour?
Lunch is not included in the tour price, but in Versailles, you’ll have a 1-hour lunch break at a trendy French creperie near the Palace. They offer a wide variety of delicious options to suit all types of diets, and everything on their menu is very reasonably priced, ranging from 5€ to 15€.
Is the fountains show included in the tour?
No, the fountain show is not included in the tour. However, we invite you to visit the Versailles Palace website for more information about the show's schedule and availability.