Givernys House & Gardens Plus Versailles Palace Day Trip With Lunch From Paris

Discovering the enchanting interplay of art, history, and natural beauty, the Giverny and Versailles day trip from Paris offers a captivating journey for discerning travelers. From the serene gardens that inspired Monet’s iconic paintings to the grandeur of the Sun King’s palace, this exclusive experience immerses visitors in the very essence of French cultural heritage. With a delightful lunch amidst the tranquil setting of the Moulin de Fourges, the day promises a harmonious blend of culinary delights and architectural wonders. As the itinerary unfolds, one can’t help but wonder what other delights await in this captivating exploration of two iconic French destinations.

This experience made our list of the 25 Best Lunch Experiences In Paris.

Key Points

• This full-day tour from Paris includes visits to Giverny, the home and gardens of Claude Monet, and the Palace of Versailles with a guided tour.
• Visitors can explore Monet’s charming home, stunning flower gardens, and the serene atmosphere along the Epte River in Giverny.
• The tour includes a lunch at the Moulin De Fourges restaurant, offering Normandy-style cuisine and a peaceful ambiance along the River Epte.
• The guided tour of Versailles allows visitors to explore the State Apartments, Hall of Mirrors, and gain insights into the French monarchy and palace history.
• The tour also provides the opportunity to stroll through the expansive Versailles Gardens, including the option to witness the Musical Fountain show on weekends.

Tour Highlights

This full-day tour from Paris takes visitors to two of France’s most renowned destinations – Giverny and Versailles.

Travelers begin their day exploring Claude Monet’s charming home and stunning gardens in Giverny, capturing the picturesque scenes that inspired the impressionist master’s iconic paintings.

After an included lunch along the riverside, the tour continues to the extravagant Palace of Versailles, where a guided tour provides an in-depth look at the opulent royal residence and magnificent gardens.

On weekends, guests can also enjoy the captivating Musical Fountain show. The small-group setting ensures a personalized experience, and skip-the-line access guarantees efficient entry to both sites.

Visiting Giverny

Visitors begin their day exploring Claude Monet’s charming home and stunning gardens in Giverny, where the impressionist master’s iconic paintings were inspired by the picturesque scenes.

They’ll wander through the vibrant flower gardens, cross the famous Japanese bridge, and discover Monet’s light-filled studio.

The house itself offers a glimpse into the artist’s life, with its cozy living spaces and collection of Japanese prints that influenced his work.

Guests can stroll along the banks of the Epte River, taking in the serene atmosphere that captivated Monet for over 40 years.

This tranquil setting serves as the perfect prelude to the grandeur of Versailles.

Lunch at Moulin De Fourges

After exploring Giverny, guests enjoy a delightful lunch at the riverside Moulin de Fourges restaurant, where they savor local cuisine and refreshing drinks.

This picturesque setting along the River Epte provides a peaceful respite before the next stop on the tour. The menu features regional specialties like Normandy-style mussels, tender beef bourguignon, and decadent crème brûlée. Vegetarian and gluten-free options are also available.

Guests can pair their meal with a glass of crisp white wine or refreshing apple cider from the local vineyards. The attentive service and serene ambiance create the perfect midday break before continuing the journey to the Palace of Versailles.

Guided Tour of Versailles

Next, the guided tour of the Palace of Versailles immerses guests in the grandeur and opulence of this iconic French landmark. Accompanied by a knowledgeable guide, they’ll explore the lavish State Apartments, the stunning Hall of Mirrors, and other breathtaking rooms that showcase the palace’s remarkable architecture and rich history.

They’ll learn about the intricate details and the fascinating stories behind the palace’s magnificent design. This guided tour provides a comprehensive understanding of the palace’s cultural significance and the lavish lifestyle of the French monarchy.

With skip-the-line access, guests can make the most of their time at Versailles and truly enjoy its splendor.

Exploring Versailles Gardens

The tour then continues with an exploration of the expansive and meticulously landscaped Versailles Gardens, where guests can enjoy the grandeur and beauty of these iconic French gardens.

Spanning over 2,000 acres, the Versailles Gardens feature a stunning array of fountains, sculptures, and manicured tree-lined pathways. Visitors can stroll through the ornate French-style gardens, admiring the intricate designs and carefully curated landscapes.

On weekends, the experience is enhanced by the Musical Fountain show, where the fountains are choreographed to classical music, creating a mesmerizing display. The tour provides ample time for guests to wander the picturesque gardens, capturing the essence of this magnificent royal estate.

Musical Fountain Show

On weekends, the Versailles Gardens come alive with the captivating Musical Fountain show, where the ornate fountains are choreographed to the rhythms of classical music, creating a mesmerizing display for visitors.

As the water jets dance and sway in sync with the music, the audience is enchanted by the spectacle. The show features:

• Vibrant colors and dramatic light effects that heighten the experience.
• Historical significance as the fountains were designed during the reign of King Louis XIV.
• A sense of wonder and awe as the water and music seamlessly blend together.

This unique performance transforms the Versailles Gardens into a magical stage, leaving visitors with a truly unforgettable memory.

Meeting Point and Logistics

The tour meeting point is at the Paris TRIP Agency, located at 41 Avenue de la Bourdonnais in the 7th arrondissement, with the nearest metro station being Ecole Militaire on Line 8.

The tour starts promptly at 8:15 am, so it’s recommended to arrive a few minutes early.

The small-group tour will return to the original meeting point at the end of the day.

Unfortunately, the tour isn’t wheelchair accessible and isn’t recommended for those with walking disabilities.

Guests should keep in mind the cancellation policy – they can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, but no refund is available for cancellations made less than 24 hours before the tour.

Cancellation and Refund Policy

According to the tour details, guests can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. However, no refund is available for cancellations made less than 24 hours before the tour.

Plus, the tour requires a minimum number of travelers, and it may be canceled with a different date/experience or a full refund offered if this minimum isn’t met.

The cancellation policy offers a few important considerations:

1. Flexibility for last-minute plan changes with a full refund up to 24 hours in advance.
2. Importance of advance planning, as no refunds are given for late cancellations.
3. Commitment to running the tour only when a minimum number of travelers is met, ensuring a high-quality experience.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can Children Participate in the Tour?

Children can participate in the tour. The tour is suitable for all ages, though it may not be recommended for young children or those with mobility issues due to the extensive walking required.

Is There a Dress Code for the Visit?

There is no strict dress code for this tour, but visitors are recommended to dress comfortably and appropriately for a cultural sightseeing experience. Casual, weather-appropriate attire is suggested to ensure a pleasant and enjoyable visit.

Are There Any Dietary Restrictions for the Lunch?

The tour includes a lunch at the Moulin de Fourges restaurant, where they can accommodate certain dietary restrictions. Guests should notify the tour operator in advance of any special dietary needs, such as vegetarian, vegan, or gluten-free requirements.

Can We Take Photos Inside Versailles Palace?

Yes, visitors are generally allowed to take photos inside the Palace of Versailles, except in certain restricted areas. However, using flash photography and tripods may be prohibited to preserve the palace’s delicate interiors.

Is There a Storage Facility for Luggage During the Tour?

The tour does not provide a storage facility for luggage. Guests are advised to travel light and bring only essential items, as there is no designated space for storing larger bags or suitcases during the tour activities.

Recap

This captivating day trip from Paris offers a chance to take in the serene beauty of Monet’s Giverny and the opulence of Versailles.

Visitors can explore Monet’s iconic home and gardens, enjoy a delightful Normandy-style lunch, and embark on a guided tour of the magnificent Palace of Versailles and its breathtaking gardens.

It’s an unforgettable experience that combines the charm of the French countryside with the grandeur of French royal history.