From Paris: Monet Gardens & Giverny Bike Tour With Picnic Stop

Discover the enchanting world of Claude Monet’s gardens on this full-day bike tour from Paris. Pedal through the picturesque landscapes of Normandy, explore Monet’s iconic home and gardens in Giverny, and indulge in a delightful picnic lunch by the River Seine. With a knowledgeable local guide providing insights, this tour promises a personalized and memorable journey into the heart of French art and culture. But what makes this experience truly unique?

Key Points

• Explore Monet’s iconic gardens and home in Giverny on a full-day bike tour from Paris, including roundtrip transport and a picnic lunch.
• Enjoy a scenic bike ride through the picturesque Normandy countryside, stopping at the local farmers’ market in Vernon.
• Visit the Fondation Claude Monet, where you can learn about the artist’s life and work for 1.5 hours.
• Discover the charming streets, cafes, and museums of Giverny, as well as Monet’s burial site in the village cemetery.
• The tour accommodates a maximum group size of 20 and is suitable for moderate fitness levels, with free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance.

Tour Overview

The Monet Gardens & Giverny Bike Tour with Picnic Stop is a full-day adventure that allows visitors to explore the charming French countryside surrounding Paris.

Taking place in the village of Giverny, the tour includes round-trip transport from Paris, a scenic bike ride, and a visit to Monet’s home and gardens.

Priced from $126.90 per person, the tour lasts the full day, starting at 9:00 AM.

The meeting point is near the Dupleix metro station.

With a maximum group size of 20, the tour is suitable for moderate fitness levels and all ages able to ride a bike.

Itinerary Highlights

Roundtrip transport from Paris is included, allowing visitors to start their journey right from the city.

The tour features a scenic bike ride through Normandy’s picturesque wheat and sunflower fields.

In the charming town of Vernon, travelers can shop for picnic supplies at the local farmers’ market before enjoying a leisurely lunch by the River Seine.

The highlight is the visit to Giverny, where Claude Monet’s iconic home and gardens await.

Explore the water lilies, footbridge, and the artist’s burial site.

Discover Giverny’s charming streets, cafes, and museums before returning to Paris.

Key Sites

Monet’s iconic gardens and ponds in Giverny feature the famous water lilies and a charming footbridge that inspired the artist’s most celebrated works.

Key sites in the tour include:

• Monet’s burial site in the village cemetery, where visitors can pay their respects to the renowned Impressionist painter.
• The historic Hotel Baudy, a former haunt of Monet and other famous painters who came to Giverny for its picturesque landscapes.
• Giverny’s charming streets, cafes, and museums that provide a glimpse into the local culture and Monet’s artistic legacy.
• The Fondation Claude Monet, which includes the artist’s home and gardens and allows visitors to fully enjoy his creative world.

Tour Inclusions

This Monet Gardens & Giverny Bike Tour includes a local guide to lead the way, providing insights and historical context throughout the journey.

The tour also provides a bicycle and helmet for each participant. Roundtrip transport to and from Paris is included, ensuring a seamless experience. Gratuities are covered, and rain gear is available for a small additional fee.

Admission to the Fondation Claude Monet is included, allowing visitors to spend 1.5 hours exploring Monet’s iconic home and gardens.

The tour accommodates a maximum of 20 travelers and is suitable for all ages capable of riding a bike.

Group Size and Fitness Level

The Monet Gardens & Giverny Bike Tour accommodates a maximum of 20 travelers, ensuring an intimate and personalized experience.

This moderate-level tour is suitable for all ages who can ride a bike. The tour’s requirements include:

• Moderate physical fitness to handle the cycling
• Ability to navigate paved paths and country roads
• Comfort riding a bike for extended periods
• Adaptability to varying weather conditions

Infant seats are available, making the tour accessible for families.

Whether you’re an avid cyclist or a casual explorer, this tour provides an immersive way to experience Monet’s enchanting gardens and the charming town of Giverny.

Accessibility and Cancellation Policy

Although the Monet Gardens & Giverny Bike Tour isn’t wheelchair accessible, it offers infant seats to accommodate families.

The tour has a moderate fitness level, suitable for all ages who can ride a bike. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the experience starts, providing flexibility for travelers.

With a maximum group size of 20 participants, the tour ensures a personalized and intimate experience.

While some travelers found the biking challenging, especially in poor weather, the tour’s well-organized itinerary and knowledgeable guides received positive feedback from the vast majority of past participants.

Traveler Reviews

With a near-perfect overall rating of 4.7 out of 5 based on 468 reviews, the Monet Gardens & Giverny Bike Tour has clearly resonated with the vast majority of past participants.

Positive feedback highlights the tour’s beautiful scenery, knowledgeable guides, enjoyable picnic, and overall organization.

However, some found the biking challenging, especially in poor weather.

Key suggestions for improvement include:

• Better planning to allow more time in Giverny
• Providing more information on the biking difficulty
• Ensuring smooth execution even in inclement conditions
• Incorporating more feedback to continually enhance the experience

Getting to the Meeting Point

Travelers can easily reach the meeting point for the Monet Gardens & Giverny Bike Tour at 24 Rue Edgar Faure, 75015 Paris, France, located near the Dupleix metro station.

The Dupleix station is on Metro Line 6, making it convenient for riders to arrive at the starting point. From there, it’s a short walk to the meeting location.

With roundtrip transport included in the tour package, participants don’t need to worry about driving or parking.

The tour’s central meeting point ensures a seamless start to the Monet Gardens & Giverny adventure.

Frequently Asked Questions

How Experienced Do I Need to Be to Take This Tour?

The tour is suitable for all ages who can ride a bike, though moderate physical fitness is required. Biking experience is not essential, but those less confident may find parts of the route challenging, especially in poor weather conditions.

Can I Bring My Own Bike or Do I Have to Use the Provided One?

The tour provides bicycles and helmets, but participants can bring their own bikes if they prefer. The guide recommends using the provided equipment, as it’s suited for the tour’s terrain and distance.

What Types of Food Are Typically Included in the Picnic Lunch?

The picnic lunch typically includes a selection of local French fare like baguettes, cheese, charcuterie, fresh produce, and perhaps a dessert item. Specific menu items may vary, but the focus is on providing a tasty, authentic picnic experience.

Is There a Dress Code or Recommended Attire for the Tour?

There is no formal dress code, but comfortable, weather-appropriate clothing and sturdy walking or biking shoes are recommended. Dressing in layers is advisable, as the weather can be variable during the tour.

Can I Extend My Stay in Giverny to Explore on My Own After the Tour?

Yes, you can extend your stay in Giverny after the tour ends. The tour includes 1.5 hours at Monet’s gardens, but you’re free to explore the charming town and sites on your own for as long as you’d like.

The Sum Up

The "From Paris: Monet Gardens & Giverny Bike Tour With Picnic Stop" offers an enchanting experience through Normandy’s picturesque landscapes. Guests can enjoy Monet’s artistic legacy, explore his iconic home and gardens, and enjoy a delightful picnic lunch by the River Seine. With a local guide, personalized attention, and rave traveler reviews, this tour promises a memorable journey through French art and culture.