Giverny in the Rain?
 

I can't help myself. Have got to go to Giverny even though I only have 3 and a half days in Paris. In previous posts I was advised to take a tour to Giverney to save time. But the only morning tour I can find is a company called paris.trip. Cityrama and Parisvision have afternoon tours. Anyone familiar with paris.trip or know of another company with morning tour?

It's very easy to go on your own by train. And, that way you can wait for a sunny day.

Since your time is limited, I think you're wise in taking a tour.<BR>Check out France Tourisme:<BR>http://www.francetourisme.com<BR>They go every morning except Monday (8:30-1:30). <BR>The bus trip is 45 euro.<BR>We opted for the minivan which was 60 euro. We thought it was worth the additional 15. For one, they pick you up at your hotel.<BR>Sure, you can take the train, but we felt it was too much of hassle, what with getting up early, taking the metro (with 2 or 3 connections) to catch an 8:15 train to Vernon and then getting a bus or cab to Giverny.<BR>We were very happy we took the minivan instead!

I have to say, the train was a hassle,plus getting taxi connections once there, and while I normally don't like groups, Howard is probably right and had we known, probably would have taken the minivan too.<BR><BR>Giverny is wonderful--even in the rain (which I can vouch for, 'cause it was raining a bit when I was there). Especially for Monet lovers!

One other good thing about the minivan is that it's not a big group. There were only five of us in the minivan!

Hi Fran:<BR><BR>Go! Go! Go! Rain or no rain. Giverney is wonderful!! I second the idea of a tour in a small minivan. <BR>Happy travelling, Chet

Thanks, everyone. I have reserved the minivan tour with France Tourisme to Giverny. I have wanted to go ever since I saw a Monet exhibit which came to Phoenix several years ago. Can't wait!

Fran, glad you took my advice. I hope you get the same driver we did. I believe his name was Sebastian, a young man who was born in the US. His father was a French journalist working here at the time.<BR>Our visit at Giverny was one of the high points of our two-week trip to Paris.<BR>I hope that you'll also have time for the d'Orsay and Marmottan museums.

The vibrant colors and smells of the Monet gardens at Giverny when drenched by the rain are asolutely heavenly! I took a minivan trip there, then returned another day to spend a night in the little hotel, then drove myself up the river to Auver-sur-oise for some incredible walking through the town where Van Gogh lived and painted during his last days.Also really worth a trip! For more info: http://www.auvers-sur-oise.com