My husband and I will be in Paris in late May. I wanted to take a day trip to see Monet's gardens, but so many people say the gardens at Versailles are spectacular. So for all of the garden lovers which one do you like best?

Real world or fantasy?
I'd choose Giverny.

Versailles has formal French gardens, masterpieces of planning, perspective, and engineering, but formal walkways primarily, except for the woods you walk through to get to the Trianons and such.

Giverny in season is a thrill (though small and crowded often), riots of color, planted for the sheer joy and beauty of flowers. T

I don't like formal gardens, I don't like topiary, so that's why I prfer Giverny.

oops

there are walkways but compared to Versailles these are mere footpaths

I agree with Giverny...lots more flowers. Although it's very crowded at Giverny and there's really no places to sit and look at the flowers...crowds of people that keep moving past. But it is spectacular.

sorry, I meant to add

The sheer scope of Versailles, the vast size, makes it a memorable experience in its own way, not to mention the Chateau

Whichever you choose, I hope you will go to the other eventually

Thanks for the quick replies. Even though Versailles is on the "must see" list I have an affinity for Giverny. I have always loved Monet's art and the pictures look so stunning but welcoming as well.I understand that May and June are peak seasons so it must be destiny!

An after thought, ilovetulips.
There are lovers of modern art and those who love the impressionists.
No one is right or wrong, it is what appeals to you. This also is to dining and where to stay. Many do not agree on a place. We each see things with different eyes, attitude, and our own reality.
No ones attitude, review, or suggestion
matters more than yours.

Giverney is more 'natural' - Versailles is more 'cultured'. While I liked them both, Giverney hit home much more.

To further help get you in the mood, go to Barnes and Noble and look at Monets Table.
A cookbook and journal of Monet and his gardens at Giverny. The photos of the gardens, the tables of food and those dishes and flowers! fabulous !and the recipes are not bad either!
I want it just for the photos

When is the best month usually to see Giverny in all its glory?

Other possibilities for garden-lovers:

http://www.francetourism.com/practicalinfo/gardens.htm

Giverny late spring, early summer as I recall that fantastic drape of wisteria crowning that bridge.

The Japanese bridge over the water lilies at Giverny is an instant recognition experience that thrills. Is there any single element in the Versailles Gardens which has this effect or recognition value? Not for me.

Having been to both, Giverny is it, hands down. We have all seen Monet's pictures, at Giverny you can understand where he got his inspiration. Besides, Giverny photographs much better than Versailles.

Be at Giverny when it opens and you will miss most of the crowds.

I agree with Giverny. We went in late May and the gardens were spectacular. It is true Giverny is on a much smaller scale than Versailles but I prefer the informality of Giverny. And, if it is flowers you are looking for, Giverny is the place to go. The area surrounding Monet's house and gardens was charming as well. We went early and it did not get crowded until we had been there for two or three hours.

When I was at Versailles I was wishing that I had my binoculars with me! I couldn't believe all the birds that were in the forested areas. I know nothing about European birds (do they have migration seasons?) but we were there in the month of March and it was singing.

Late spring at Giverny wins hands down!

The gardens at Versailles are vast, well tended, and mostly very formal.

The garden at Giverny is informal, but carefully composed, very like a good painting.

I would suggest you see them both; I think most people enjoy both, and would not want to miss either.