dina4

We decided to stay longer in Paris and want to do Giverny as a day trip. I found out that round trip train tickets to Vernon are about 22 euro per person.
That would mean $100 for our family of 4 to just travel there!
Am I missing some alternative / less expensive method of either travel or of purchasing train tickets???
Please let me know.
Thank you!!

PalQ

Seems like a typical fare for a one hour journey in France. don't think you can get PREMs on such short a route. Could look into an all-zones Carte Orange that may cover you to last zone - they go pretty far out and then do supplement ticket from there - may be good if going to Versailles and other places outside central Paris. Don't think there is any alternative to train save renting a car.

Felly

I'm sort of surprised. I actually worked at the museum for a summer a couple of years ago, and went to Paris all the time. There are lots of different trains that go to Vernon. You can take the regional trains, that I think were slightly more expensive and went further into Normandy, or you can take trains that look like the RER that might be less expensive. I can't quite remember, but it's worth looking into seeing which kind of train it is and seeing if that makes a difference. It would be worth it especially since you might need to take a ten euro cab ride once you get to Vernon (it depends on how you time the train to the bus that takes you to Giverny; it might not come for a long while if you've just missed it).

PalQ

For four people it may be about as cheap to take a taxi from Vernon the three miles to giverny as to pay four bus fares. Taxis always waiting at Vernon station for the trek.

Christina

I guess it's perspective, but I don't consider that expensive at all. It's about a one hour trip, 11 euro each way. Even with the USD exchange rate, you cite a $25 RT fare per person, for a two-hour train ride. I don't think that's expensive myself.

I don't think there are any regular trains in France that charge less than 10 euro for an hour's trip.

Neopolitan

Well for much less you could rent a car for one day and drive. That's what we did with four of us. We picked it up early in the morning, beat the traffic leaving the city, and in addition to doing Giverny, we also stopped off to see the cliffs at Etretat, had lunch in Honfleur, and stopped off at Pont Audemer in the late afternoon before driving back to Paris in time for dinner.
A most memorable day!

btewalt

Should train tickets to Giverny be purchased in advance? I had planned on buying them the morning we go, but after reading this post, I'm wondering if that's a bad idea....we plan on going the Tuesday after Easter.

janisj

That doesn't sound expensive to me either. Can't think of a comparable train trip in the States that would cost much less. A rental car would be cheaper - just depends on if you want the hassle of driving out of/back in to Paris.

Intrepid1

A rental car would be cheaper???? I assume if absolutely no insurance is taken and you don't count the cost of petrol as well as the TIME spent getting the car, driving it there, returning it, etc. Sure, I'm sure it would be cheaper but by how much I'm not so sure.

Chasteel

For one person it is inexpensive, for four it is more expensive. The problem isn't the tickets, it's the four tickets.

dina4

Yes, I think that was well put.
The tickets are reasonable, but it's an expensive outing for a family of 4. Still worth it, though, in my book. Just wondering if I was missing something.

Thanks, everyone, for all your tips and advice.
Dina

cigalechanta

Maybe there are shared rides somewhere. Try googling.

dina4

Hi Mimi,
What do you mean "shared rides"?

djkbooks

We booked a visit to Giverney with Paris Visions some years ago. Though a bit pricier than getting there on your own, we found the train schedule whoppingly inconvenient (both direct and with a transfer), and you still have to get yourselves from the train station to Monet's home - via walking, bus, taxi...

With Paris Vision, we were picked up at our hotel, the group was small, and the tour companies have a separate entrance, so we were able to go ahead of all the huge tour buses and individuals. This meant we were able to take photos of the Japanese bridge and lily ponds without huge crowds. Best of all, there was NO line to get inside the home (others report the line was so long they gave up).

We had plenty of time to enjoy the American Museum just up the road, and a lovely leisurely lunch, before reboarding our mini-bus. Upon arrival back in Paris, our mini-bus dropped us at our dinner destination.

For sure, it was a bit costlier than "going on your own", but the extra was well worth the convenience, the private tour guide going and returning and while there, the magnificent photo ops, and the small size of our group.

If you do opt to go on your own, be sure to check out which days/times the tour groups go, and pick another day/time.

Please note that you cannot get to Giverny with a Carte Orange.

grantop

I agree, I would not bother renting a car. The price isn't bad at all - but I certainly understand that when you multiply x4 and consider you still have museum admissions and something to eat somewhere, it does add up. Hopefully though what it will add up to is a wonderful day trip for your family! Have fun & enjoy

cigalechanta

Forget my suggestion, I tried searching for you. The train is the way to go for least expensive.

dina4

Thanks, djk, for the tips. I was wondering about the Carte ORange. I"ll look into Paris Vision, but I"m worried it will be too pricey.

Grantop, I think you're right. I'm sure it will be add up to be a wonderful day.

Thanks!

Surfergirl

Is everyone an adult? Or will some members of the family get the cheaper fare?

dina4

Hi surfergirl,

The kids are 13 and 16.
Is that considered adult?

tower

Dina:
Go,o, go! A day at Giverny will be something no one in your group of four will ever forget...most satifying way to spend the day. Three months from then you will have long forgotten the expense....you will not be any poorer, but you will be exceedingly richer and will cherish the memories and the photos forevermore!
(Musical flourish, please!)

Stu T.