Your Giverny & Versailles Private Tour begins in the utmost comfort, with a private pick-up directly from your hotel or apartment in Paris. From there, we set off together toward the enchanting village of Giverny, where art and nature exist in perfect harmony.
By the time Claude Monet chose to settle in Giverny, he was already recognized as the father of Impressionism though his success had not come easily. His revolutionary approach to painting, centered on capturing fleeting light and atmosphere, was long misunderstood and often criticized before gaining acceptance.
Seeking both inspiration and serenity, Monet transformed the Norman countryside into his own living studio. In Giverny, he found the ideal place to unite his passion for gardening with his love of plein-air painting. He carefully designed two distinct gardens, each expressive in its own way: the vibrant Clos Normand, bursting with color and movement, and the serene water garden, deeply influenced by Japanese aesthetics.
As you stroll through these remarkable spaces, you’ll experience the very subjects that inspired Monet’s most iconic works. Together, we will pause to admire the delicate balance of light, reflect on the harmony of forms, and immerse ourselves in a symphony of colors from soft floral tones to lush greenery, bringing his artistic vision vividly to life.
After exploring the gardens, we will step inside Monet’s home, where color takes center stage. From the moment you enter, you’ll be immersed in the bold hues he chose to decorate his interiors in the very palette that defined his paintings.
Accompanied by your private guide, each room comes alive through stories and anecdotes, allowing you to step into the daily life of Monet and his family. Admire the striking yellow dining room, with its matching furniture and his remarkable collection of Japanese prints, which deeply influenced his artistic vision. Then, soak in the atmosphere of the bright blue kitchen, where gleaming copper cookware contrasts beautifully with cobalt tiles, and imagine the meals prepared here for Monet and his guests.
The village of Giverny itself is equally enchanting and invites a leisurely stroll. You’ll discover the historic Auberge Baudy, once a lively meeting place for artists from France and the United States who came to visit Monet. Upon request and if time allows, your visit may also include the small medieval church and Monet’s final resting place, offering a quiet, reflective moment to conclude your time in the village.
After lunch, we will visit the magnificent Palace of Versailles built by and for the King of France in the late 17th century. For a half day, we will visit all the main highlights proposed in the castle and its gardens, such as the Palace of Versailles Hall of Mirrors. To get a full overview of what is proposed in our half day tour, please refer to : The Unmissable half day tour.
To finish the tour to Giverny & Versailles, your guide & her/his driver will take you back to your hotel.