Amboise to Giverney to CDG
Aug 4th, 2004, 10:19 AM
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Amboise to Giverney to CDG
If I delay Giverney to the end of my planned trip, there should be more in bloom in early May. According to via michelin it is 160 miles from Amboise to Vernon. Would this be doable: leisurely morning departure from Amboise in the Loire Valley (maybe one last quick peak at a small chateau), then driving to Vernon, and touring Giverney. I would either have to leave everything in the car trunk while at the gardens, or spend the night in Vernon. I have not yet booked my air out of CDG, but assume it would be early. In that case I assume it would be better to drive (after seeing the gardens) the additional hour to the airport and stay at the Courtyard Marriott. I'm wondering if I would be disappointed at being at Giverney in the midst of the day and tour buses. Also, if the planned driving is too ambitious.
Aug 5th, 2004, 10:25 AM
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We have actually followed this same plan mant times. It is very doable. The toll road from Amboise to Paris takes less than two hours (early in the morning and Sunday travel really make the journey fast). After you exit the toll plaza, continue following the signs to Paris. There is a turn off for Rouen - follow the signs to Rouen and you will skip circling around the outskirts of Paris. Sorry I do not have the highway numbers in from of me; however, while driving in France it is much easier to follow destination signs than route markers. Just past Mantes, the motorway becomes a tollroad; Vernon is the next exit; it really is easier to pay the small toll and exit onto the main road into Vernon. Vernon has an amazing chateau called Bizy that is open for tours. Continue through Vernon and follow the signs to Giverny. You can park in front of Monet's house in a parking lot or at one of the other public (free) lots. Even if there is a long line to enter, people tend to spread out once they are in the gardens. If an area is crowded, it will clear out (even the Japanese Bridge). After touring the house and gardens, walk or drive to the church in Giverny and see the Monet family grave.
Return to Vernon and look for signs to (I'll fill in later) and head toward this town; the highway intersects with a main motorway into Paris (the destination is Pontoise). This road also leads to Auver Sur Oise where Van Gogh spent his last days (if you have two hours or so this makes a great stop). There is an exit (very well marked) for CDG airport. Follow this road and you miss almost all of the heavy traffic around Paris. There is a service station two exits or so where you can refuel your rental car.
If you are interested in the exact route, I will diagram it for you. I am sitting at work without access to that info. right now.
Return to Vernon and look for signs to (I'll fill in later) and head toward this town; the highway intersects with a main motorway into Paris (the destination is Pontoise). This road also leads to Auver Sur Oise where Van Gogh spent his last days (if you have two hours or so this makes a great stop). There is an exit (very well marked) for CDG airport. Follow this road and you miss almost all of the heavy traffic around Paris. There is a service station two exits or so where you can refuel your rental car.
If you are interested in the exact route, I will diagram it for you. I am sitting at work without access to that info. right now.
