From Paris: McArthurGlen Center & Monet's Givern House Visit

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From Paris: McArthurGlen Center & Monet’s Giverny House Visit

Traveling to Giverny from Paris on a day trip offers a blend of art, nature, and shopping that appeals to a variety of travelers. This tour, organized by ParisCityVision, provides an opportunity to see Monet’s house and gardens, the birthplace of Impressionism, while also enjoying a visit to the newly opened McArthurGlen Paris-Giverny outlet for some serious retail therapy. Its combination of culture and leisure makes it a compelling choice for those who want a taste of both worlds without the hassle of planning.

What makes this experience particularly appealing is the luxury transportation—comfortable, air-conditioned buses that whisk you from Paris’s center to Normandy—and the flexibility of exploring Monet’s gardens at your own pace. Plus, the shopping segment offers discounts of up to 30%, along with exhibitions and craftsmanship displays that elevate the day beyond just another sightseeing trip.

However, it’s worth noting that the tour duration of around 10-11.5 hours means a long day on your feet, especially if you plan to visit Giverny in depth. It’s ideal for those who enjoy a mix of culture, nature, and retail, but may be less suited for travelers with mobility issues or limited time.

This tour would best suit art lovers eager to see Monet’s iconic gardens, avid shoppers looking for deals, or anyone wanting a scenic day outside Paris with minimal hassle. Now, let’s explore what this experience really entails.

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Key Points

Visit Monet’s House & Gardens: Admire the spot that inspired countless masterpieces, with a flexible schedule to explore at your pace.
Luxury Transport: Travel comfortably from Paris with air-conditioned buses, saving you from Parisian traffic.
Shopping & Culture: Enjoy discounts at over 80 brands, plus exhibitions and local craftsmanship at McArthurGlen.
Flexible Options: Choose between a shuttle-only trip or a full-day with Giverny included.
Duration & Convenience: A full day, with timing options, perfect for those wanting a comprehensive experience.
Authentic Experience: Insights from reviews highlight the stunning views and well-organized logistics.

Looking for more options in Giverny? We've reviewed plenty of other experiences.

A Detailed Look at the Tour Experience

Starting Point and Transportation

The adventure begins in Paris, just a stone’s throw from the Eiffel Tower, at a convenient meeting point at 45 Avenue de la Bourdonnais. You’ll want to arrive about 15 minutes early to check in and settle in. The guide, speaking fluent English, will help you hop onto a luxury, air-conditioned bus, which makes the long day more comfortable.

Travel times are generally around 15 minutes to Giverny, meaning you’re not wasting hours in transit—leaving more time to enjoy the sights. Multiple departure times ensure flexibility, especially if you’re tight on schedule or want to pick the earliest or latest options.

McArthurGlen Paris-Giverny: The Shopping Break

If you select the full experience, your first stop is the McArthurGlen Paris-Giverny outlet. This new shopping destination features over 80 top brands offering discounts of up to 30% year-round. The shopping area isn’t just about grabbing deals; it’s also an experience, with various exhibitions, sculptures, and artwork displayed throughout the center, adding a cultural touch to retail therapy.

Visitors have noted that the Maison des Métiers d’Art showcases local Normandy artisans, offering a chance to appreciate craftsmanship and authentic heritage. Several reviews mention that the shopping time has been well-paced, providing enough opportunity to browse and pick up souvenirs or designer items without feeling rushed.

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Journey to Monet’s Giverny

From McArthurGlen, the bus heads to the charming village of Giverny, just about 15 minutes away. Here, the centerpiece is Claude Monet’s house and gardens—a place that inspired many of his most famous paintings. Once there, you’re free to explore at your own pace for approximately three hours.

The Monet Foundation and the gardens are often praised for their lush landscapes, vibrant flowerbeds, and the iconic water lily pond. Visitors in reviews describe the gardens as “stunning” and “a true painter’s paradise,” with many noting how much the scene still resembles Monet’s artwork. Some mention that the gardens are smaller than they might appear in photos but are nonetheless charming and photogenic.

There's plenty more to explore in Giverny

What to Expect at Monet’s House & Gardens

A highlight for many is walking through Monet’s house, which is preserved much as it was in his time, with period-appropriate furniture and personal touches. The gardens, divided into the flower beds, the Japanese bridge, and the water lily pond, are each worth exploring. You can spend your time taking photos, soaking in the scenery, or simply enjoying the tranquility.

Based on reviews, some travelers appreciated that the tour allows self-paced exploration, giving them the freedom to linger or move quickly through the gardens. Several mention that arriving early or late helps avoid the crowds, which can get quite busy during peak hours.

Returning to Paris and Shopping

At around 2 PM, the bus departs Giverny for the McArthurGlen Shopping Center. Here, you’ll find several more hours for shopping, with many brands offering year-round discounts. Reviewers highlight that the shopping experience is made enjoyable by the well-organized layout and the variety of brands, from luxury labels to more accessible options.

Beyond shopping, the center hosts art exhibitions and sculptures, providing a visual feast beyond the retail outlets. You might also want to check out the craftsmanship demonstrations at the Maison des Métiers d’Art, which showcase Normandy’s artistic traditions.

End of the Tour and Practical Details

The tour wraps up back at the initial meeting point in Paris, making it a convenient full-day experience. The entire trip spans roughly 10 to 11.5 hours, so bring your comfortable shoes, hat, camera, and water. Since the tour doesn’t include hotel pick-up or drop-off, you’ll need to get to the meeting point yourself.

Food and drinks are not included, but there are plenty of options at the shopping center and around Giverny for a quick bite or a sit-down meal.

Why This Tour Works for Travelers

This experience is especially valuable for art lovers, who want to see Monet’s gardens without the hassle of navigating public transportation or booking separate tickets. The luxury bus ensures your comfort during the long day, and the free time at Giverny allows for personal discovery—some reviewers even mention spending extra time wandering rather than rushing through.

Shoppers will appreciate the year-round discounts and the opportunity to browse in a thoughtfully curated space filled with local craftsmanship and art. The combination of culture, natural beauty, and retail makes it suitable for a wide range of interests.

That said, keep in mind that the full day can be tiring, especially if you’re not used to long walks or standing for extended periods. Also, the tour isn’t designed for those with mobility issues, as walking around Monet’s gardens can involve uneven paths.

The Sum Up

This tour offers a well-rounded day blending art, nature, and shopping. It’s ideal for travelers who want a taste of Monet’s world, combined with the chance to pick up unique souvenirs at a discounted outlet. The comfortable transportation and flexible schedule make it a stress-free way to see Giverny without excessive planning.

While the day is long, the views and experiences—especially walking through Monet’s gardens—are memorable. The added bonus of exploring Normandy’s craftsmanship and art exhibitions at McArthurGlen elevates this trip beyond a standard sightseeing excursion.

Overall, it’s a value-packed option for those seeking a leisurely, culturally enriching day outside of Paris, with plenty of opportunities for photos, shopping, and quiet reflection.

FAQ

Is transportation provided from Paris?
Yes, the tour includes round-trip transportation by luxury, air-conditioned vehicle from Paris’s meeting point.

Can I just do the shopping part of the tour?
Yes, the “shuttle only” option is available, which ends at McArthurGlen Paris-Giverny, with no visit to Giverny itself.

How long do I spend at Monet’s gardens?
You’ll have approximately three hours to explore at your own pace, which is usually enough to see the house, gardens, and take photos.

Is the tour suitable for people with mobility issues?
No, it’s not suitable for wheelchair users or those with limited mobility, as walking around Monet’s gardens involves uneven terrain.

Are there any meals included?
No, food and drinks are not included, but there are plenty of options at the shopping center and in Giverny.

What should I bring?
Comfortable shoes, a hat, camera, sunscreen, and water are recommended for the day. Remember, smoking is not allowed during the tour.

This full-day trip offers an appealing balance of art, natural beauty, and retail therapy, making it a versatile choice for a variety of travelers. Whether you’re an impressionist enthusiast or simply seeking a beautiful escape from Paris, this tour can deliver a memorable day.