Versailles and Giverny Day Trip

Paris, France

See more than Paris and take a day trip to Monet's garden at Giverny and Louis XIV's palace of Versailles. The full-day tour combines the two most popular excursions from Paris in one trip. You'll explore France's royal history at the incomparably grand Versailles palace and see the gardens that inspired so many of Claude Monet's masterpieces at Giverny.

Monet lived at Giverny from 1883 to 1926, and it was here that he created such paintings as his famous "Nympheas" water lily sequence. Monet was the master of Impressionism, inspiring many visiting American Impressionist artists who walked through the gardens you'll visit on your Giverny tour. The Japanese bridge crossing the famous water-lily pond also featured in Monet's paintings.

Your tour continues to Versailles, on the way you will stop for lunch at the Moulin de Fourges, a picturesque mill on the banks of the Epte River. After lunch it's time for the glory and splendor of Versailles when you enter the gilded world of King Louis XIV. You'll visit the opulent Grand Apartments, the stunning chandelier-lit Hall of Mirrors and the Queen's Apartments. Along the way your expert guide brings the past alive with illuminating details of courtly life in the palace. While visiting Versailles you have free time to visit the formal gardens "a la Francaise".

Versailles Fountain Show Special Program:
April 3rd to October 31st (Saturdays & Sundays) and May 18th to June 29th (Tuesdays). For a selected time you have the option to see the magnificent fountain displays, which reveal the skill and artistry of 3 centuries of French garden design and engineering. The display is accompanied by music composed at the time of Louis XIV's court. Entrance fees are included in the cost of the tour.

USD $191.52

Traveler Reviews

Review by: NICOLAS PIERRE	April 2012
Fantastic day..weather included!

Review by: Sharlene L	April 2012
I thoroughly enjoyed this tour our guide Isabella was very informative and explained all aspects of the sites in great detail and was happy to answer our questions. Claude Monet garden was beautiful and Versailles is overwhelming. This was definately the highlight of the tours i went on as over all I didnt like the atmosphere in Paris and was very dissapointed in how the citizens of this country treated us

Review by: Ana	November 2011
My husband and I origianlly took this trip with the idea of Versailles, however, the experience of visitomg Giverny was overwhelming and unique. In addition, the provided lunch at the mill is breathtaking. Please do not miss the Giverny visit...

Review by: Spud	November 2011
We had a lovely day, and enjoyed this trip very much. Our bus driver did a fantastic job and we were supplied with 2 guides. 1 to assist the Spanish speaking people and one to assist the English speakers. Both were very accommadating and very informative. I would highly recomend this trip.

Review by: Bruce K	November 2011
Great trip. Guides were excellent.

Review by: Kathy	November 2011
Excellent from start to finish. We enjoyed every segment of the itinerary.

Review by: Lucia F	November 2011
We had a fantastic day!

Review by: Janice L	November 2011
Great trip. We left on time; guide was knowledgable. Very comfortable bus accomodations. Wonderful lunch; had done this 3 times prior; we were not disappointed.

Review by: Brendan C	November 2011
local guide informative and both places were interesting.

Review by: Eileen M	November 2011
I had a magical day to Giverny, lunch and Versailles. Our guides and the setting for lunch were fabulous. I recommended the company to a friend who wanted to do Giverny. We were both very happy with the tours.

Review by: Francis T	November 2011
The bus is an easy way to take in both of these sights. It was very comfortable and prompt. The tour guide was ok. She did have a lot of knowledge and was happy to share it but was somewhat scattered in her presentation. Giverny was wonderful, We were free to roam around and enjoy the gardens and the house as well as the lovely town. The restaurant where we were taken to lunch was beautiful but the food was MEDIOCRE at best. My daughter described it as bad wedding food. The service was also decidely ungracious-we were treated as just another tour bus coming through_br/_ Versailles was of course an amazing historical site and I am glad that i visited but it was so crowded (inside) that it was very difficult to see and enjoy anything. perhaps the afternoon is a bad time to go.

Review by: John Q	October 2011
An excellent day. Time allotted was just right. Knowledgeable guide. Lunch better than expected.

Review by: Margaret C	October 2011
What a wonderful day we had everything went like clockwork. The lunch at the Millhouse was a great bonus.

Review by: Jan B	October 2011
Early start to the day - our family of 5 split up with the guys going to Normandy and the girls doing this trip to Giverny and Versailles. We had two guides - a gentleman with good humour and a woman with many facts and stories - good combination. Giverny was our first stop for the day and we were given plenty of time to wander through the gardens and soak up the atmosphere of Monet's house. Very peaceful and we arrived before the crowds which was great because we were able to get some great photos of the lily ponds and surrounding gardens. Travelled somewhere else for lunch and that was lovely to sit by an old mill and see the countryside for which France is renown. Lunch was not rushed either so we were able to enjoy. Versailles was amazing - we got cricks in our necks constantly looking at the amazing art on the ceilings of nearly every room we entered. commentary by tour guide was excellent and we learnt a little more about the art and politics involved in certain paintings we had previously viewed at the Louvre in Paris. Versailles was not rushed but definitely you could spend all day at this one place just studying the works of art and architecture. This is definitely an art lover's tour, but those who enjoy history would also benefit from this day away from Paris. Highly recommended - possibly a little too much for young children but teens would get a lot out of it.

Review by: Rob	October 2011
Giverny, Monet's house and gardens, were wonderful as was lunch in a quaint country setting. Versailles was crowded but spectacular nonetheless. Highly recommend this tour.

Review by: jos	October 2011
The trip was wonderful! The guide gave great explanations and information about both Giverny and Versailles but still gave us enough time to wander on our own exploring both areas. The lunch was superb and I couldn't have asked for a better way to see these sights.

Review by: Lena	October 2011
The tour guide was very resourceful and wonderful and we had a great time. I highly recommend this tour and Viator.

Review by: Louis P R	October 2011
excellent tour guide. both destinations outstanding

Review by: MICHAEL M	October 2011
Great trip! A little short on time at Versailles but very satisfied with everything overall. Lunch at an old mill after Giverny was a highlight.

Review by: Matt	October 2011
The guide was wonderful. It was a very cold morning, so it was hard to appreciate Giverny. It was good to get out of Paris and see the French countryside. The food at the lunch was fair, but a great location.

Review by: fabioassis	October 2011
Giverny: great if you really love Monet and/or gardens. Beautiful but boring. Lunch: great place, average food. I expected more. Versailles: incredible. Loved it. Unfortunately the place is overcrowded. Also, we didn't had enough time to visit the gardens. I wish we could have spent at least 1 hour walking around it. So, I recommend skipping Giverny. Spend one whole day in Versailles.

Review by: Suzanne B	October 2011
Enter your review here. Our group had 1/2 hour in the garden at Versailles, 1/2 hour in the palace, then 1/2 hour in the garden again and to return to the bus. With time to get to palace from garden and bus from garden, the time in the garden was reduced. From that aspect the organization was not good. I do appreciate the limitations placed by such large crowds at the venue. It would have suited us better to go to Versailles in the morning and Monet's garden in the afternoon but that was influenced by the heat in the afternoon. The lunch venue was a most attractive setting and the meal enjoyable.

Review by: Linda	October 2011
This tour was well worth the price. It was a delightful day and very relaxed. The guide was well informed and all three venues were enjoyable. The setting for lunch was exceptional.

Review by: anab	October 2011
Worst tour I've hired in my life. Visiting Giverny was well, and it included lunch. But, our guides at Versailles did not have the the entrance tickets ready, and they made ​​us wait in the sun and the heat for 30 minutes. I do not recommend this tour unless you have a full day to enjoy and admire what Versailles offers..

Review by: DOROTHY R	September 2011
WE LOVED THE DAY WE SPENT WITH YOU TO gIVERNEY AND vERSAILLES. iT WAS THE MOST RELAXING DAY WE SPENT ON UR TRIP. wE LOVED THAT gIVERNEY WAS STILL IN BLOOM IN sEPT. AND THAT WE HAD PLENTY OF TIME FOR THE gARDENS, THE HOUSE aND THE gIFT SHOP. lUNCH WAS ENJOYABLE AND WE ALSO WALKED THE PICTUERESQE LANDSCAPE. vERSAILLES WAS AS EXPECTED, VERY OSTENTATIOUS BUT BEAUTIFUL. i FOUND THE GUIDED TALK COVERING EVERY PICTURE AND STATUE VERY BORING. bUT OVERALL, A MARVELOUS DAY. FROM dOROTHY

Review by: D J O	September 2011
We were really looking forward to this trip, but sadly, I became very ill during the night before and required medical treatment the next morning. My husband began ringing the tour company from 7.30 am to inform them that we would be unable to take the tour. When he finally got through to speak to someone,she did not respond to what my husband had to say and instead transferred him to a recorded message which was in French. My husband then attempted to ring the company several more times, without success. We were very disappointed that we could not do the tour, but even more so, when we could not advise the tour company that we could not attend. This company needs to make it easier for clients to contact them during unexpected and exceptional circumstances.

Review by: Susan H	September 2011
The morning in Givney was my favourite part of the day. The gardens are very peaceful and picturesque. Lunch was very nice and at a beautiful spot. The afternoon in Versailles was very crowded. I wonder if the option of doing a self guided audio tour would be a better option. Overall though an enjoyable day.

Review by: Lana	September 2011
An excellent trip with a great and informative guide. Monet's garden was beautiful and well worth the visit and a decent time allowed for the tour of the house and gardens. A great lunch was provided in a beautiful setting followed by a great visit to Versailles. Highly recommended.

Review by: Roseanne	September 2011
The tour guides were great. They all really knew their history and made it fun and interesting. The restaurant where we had lunch just totally made the day fantastic. It was very quaint and the meal was one of the best.

Review by: Dennis N B	September 2011
Great sites. A good bus ride with a very good host/interpreter. The visit to the gardens of Monet is impressive and the large palace is worth the trip.

Review by: Bernadette D	September 2011
This was a wonderful way to spend a day in the French countryside. Our guide Elisabeth was so knowledgeable about the history you almost felt you had gone back in time. Our bus driver was also very friendly. If you only have time for 1 trip this gives you two totally different experiences of French history. Lunch at the old water mill was a peaceful interlude to prepare you for the crowds at Versailles! I'm glad we did not have to join the queue to enter the palace._br/_ Bernadette_br/_ Esperance_br/_ Western Australia

Review by: Linda K	September 2011
Loved the trip to Giverny and lunch at the Watermill restaurant. Wish we had more time there. Versailles was a little disappointing due to the crowd. Our guide was wonderful. She actually had to argue our way in line. Not letting another tour group take our time slot. Perhaps reversing the trip getting to Versailles first thing in the morning to avoid the crowd. The gardens at Versailles were worth it.

Review by: Trice	September 2011
The day was fantastic. In spite of the rain the tour was wonderful as was the guide

Review by: annemaree	September 2011
this was unbelieveable! Magnificant ! This is a must!From start to finish,worth the money.it is mind blowing.Also_br/_ lunch was very special at the little countryside_br/_ restaurant.

Review by: Ken G	September 2011
The tour was OK, but the number of people at each site was overwhelming and detracted from the experience. The Palace of Versailles also failed to provide adequate toilet facilities.

Review by: Gillian V, United States of America	July 2010
Everything was as expected. Great tour guides, lovely bus. Delicious lunch, all on top of seeing two fabulous tourist spots. Glad we took this tour.

Review by: David H, United States of America	July 2010
A wonderful experience! The tour guide was very knowledgeable and accommodating. Getting to Giverny early was key positive as it got crowded quickly. Understand beforehand that both these tour locations are very crowded attractions especially Versailles , so prepare yourself accordingly. Take note that nothing at either of these sites are written in English. The Viator tour guides are very capable and will certainly inform you of all the important highlights, but a little study on your own time before hand would go a long way in making this trip all that much more enjoyable. Also understand that time in France is closer to time in Italy vice the USUKGermany. When they say the bus will depart at 0800, its more like a general suggestion or a hoped for departure time. Just relax, remember youre on vacation, they will get you there and it will be a most excellent time to remember.

Review by: Robert P, Australia	July 2010
Along day but well worth it.

Review by: Patty V, United States of America	July 2010
Our Guide was wonderful and the lunch was amazing!

Review by: Anonymous, Australia	July 2010
Bus excellent. Guide terrific. Garden was gloriuos because all flowers out. Versaiiles very good. Musical fountains not working so disappointing

Review by: Sonovia K, United States of America	June 2010
This tour was very good. The tour guide was excellent and extremely knowledgeable about Versailles and Giverny. He also gave additional information about the city of Paris that I had not heard on previous tours. Versaille was very crowded on this Sunday tour but it was be to expected during the height of the tourism season. I highly recommend this tour.

Review by: margaret m k, Australia	June 2010
Wonderful! Our guide was the best we encountered on our travels. Lunch stop at Fourte was perfect setting..Tour may seem expensive but I say well worth the hassle free day to visit two amazing places.

Review by: Donald P, Australia	June 2010
enjoyed everything about it absolutelywonderful beautiful gardens

Review by: Keith H, United States of America	June 2010
The visit to the gardens at Giverny were excellent with lots of time to enjoy them and walk around. Then the excellent lunch served at the watermill restaurant with "family style" seating allowed to get a chance to meet our travelling companions and enjoy a good meal together. Also, time was allowed to walk along the riverside and enjoy

Review by: dalal s, United States of America	June 2010
Knowledgable guides and a delicious lunch at the most charming restaurant.

Review by: Helen P, United States of America	June 2010
Well worth the trip. Giverny was beautiful. To see were Monet painted, his gardens, the lily pond and his house was amazing. His property is beautiful along with the town. The restaruant we stopped for lunch at was superb, food excellent and setting beautiful. Versaille is worth seeing. Our tour guide did and excellent job and made the trip even more enjoyable than going to these places on our own. The knowledge she shared with us about both locations was above and beyond what you could get on a audio tour. She made the experience worth every penny.

Review by: Maria K, United States of America	June 2010
This tour was great. Our tour guide was very helpful and told us tons of things about Paris on the bus ride "extra." The lunch place was very pretty. Timing at Giverny was perfect but we could have stayed at Versailles another hour or so. Great day!

Review by: Lisa S, United States of America	June 2010
Giverny and Versailles is a must do trip!! I did this same trip 9 years ago and I enjoyed it just as much! Go in May or June when Monet's garden is at its best. Versailles is spectacular. The inside tour is lengthy and I wish we would have had more time to walk the gardens which are extensive and beautiful.

Review by: Graham I, Australia	June 2010
An excellent and complex trip compactly fitted into one full day. Well presented and excellent commentary.

Review by: SUSAN R, United States of America	June 2010
very good tour but our guide did not keep group together well, needed identifing marker or umbrella to know where she was. Giverny was very crowded even in the rain.