We are going to be visiting Monet's gardens next week and would like to spend all day in that area. We like art, historic houses, walks, anything unique to the specific area. Many people who post on this forum visited museum and gardens in Giverny. I would like some help from those who know about other activities. Also is it possible to get around without renting a car?

Hi, you have a great idea there and I'll be interested myself in reading the suggestions you receive. I can help only in a limited way. <BR>I have not done it, but I understand there is a cruise on the Seine from Paris to Giverny and back again. <BR>This website should have some information: <BR>http://giverny.org/cruises/camille/ <BR>index.htm <BR>http://giverny.org/giverny/index.htm is the same basic website, with other info on Giverny <BR> <BR>If you go to Giverny on your own, try to avoid the days that Paris Vision and Cityrama run their tours, or at least go very early in the day before the buses arrive. If you can't avoid the bus tour days, arrive very early and first follow the signs in the garden to the water lily pond (Bassin aux Nympheas). While the crowds are going through the house, you will see the pond and bridge with more tranquility. You can go through the house and gift shop before you leave. <BR>Not far from Monet's house and garden is the Musee Americain at 99 rue Claude Monet. <BR>It is open from April to October, closed on Monday. The collection includes works by American impressionists. <BR>Taxis can be hired from the Vernon train station, and can be called for pickups from Giverny for trips back to Vernon. <BR> <BR>

A couple of years ago, we took the train to Vernon and hiked across the bridge, then along a deserted rail track which is now a bike and walking trail, and then through the woods coming down to Giverny from the hill above. It was a delightful walk, maybe and hour and a half. We then took the bus back to Vernon from Giverny. If you do it, get the walking map from the tourist office in Vernon. We werenīt sure where to turn off into the woods, and when we asked a local farmer, he couldnīt figure out what we wanted no matter how many times I said Giverny (yes, Iīm sure my pronunciation was pretty good). Finally, when I said Jardin Monet, he lit up, "Ah, Oui, Monet. Giverny!!" and pointed us off in the right direction.

These two suggestions are good ones, especially Elaine's about going to the pond first. The house is charming, but I feel it is the lowest priority, yet it's always where the crowds head-- so take advantage! She also suggests going in the morning, which is important for another reason: there are far fewer trains leaving for Vernon after 12, and being done in time for the last one back squeezes your visit. <BR> <BR>Transportation should be easy to come by-- at Vernon in June there were taxis and minivans waiting at the station looking for fares. I didn't know there was a walking tour and map, but it sounds great. I noticed (from the bus!) some shops and galleries on a side road north of the main road out to the house-- should be easy to find if you're on foot.

And, when visiting the Monet's gardens there is a man with a large megaphone instructing people not to picnic. Please, obey the man so the grass does not become trampled.