How to Plan Your Giverny and Monet’s Garden Bike Tour in Paris

Paris is known for its world-renowned attractions such as the Eiffel Tower, the Louvre, and Notre Dame, but few visitors know about the enchanting countryside that lies just outside the city. One of the best ways to experience the picturesque French countryside is through the Giverny and Monet’s Garden Bike Tour. In this blog post, we will guide you through the process of planning your bike tour from start to finish.

Step 1: Book Your Tickets

The first step in planning your Giverny and Monet’s Garden Bike Tour is to book your tickets. You can easily book your tickets online through Viator’s website. The tour package includes a local guide, the use of a bicycle, a helmet, and round-trip transport. The price of the tour does not include lunch, so pack a picnic or bring some money to purchase a meal at one of the charming cafes in Giverny.

Step 2: Choose Your Departure Time

The tour departs from the Fat Tire Tours office at 24 rue Edgar Faure in Paris. You can choose between a morning or afternoon departure time, depending on your schedule. Once you arrive at the office, the tour guide will provide you with your bicycle and helmet, and give you a brief orientation on how to use them.

Step 3: Start Your Tour in Scenic Countryside

The bike ride to Giverny takes approximately 45 minutes and passes through the scenic wheat and sunflower fields of the French countryside. As you pedal through the beautiful town of Vernon, you will have the opportunity to see the charming cafes and museums that make Giverny such a popular destination for tourists.

Step 4: Tour Monet’s Home and Gardens

The main highlight of the tour is, of course, Monet’s home and gardens. The painter’s home and the gardens that inspired some of the most iconic works of the Impressionist period. The gardens were the inspiration for many of Monet’s most famous paintings, including his Water Lilies series. You’ll also see the footbridge ponds and water lilies that inspired Monet.

Step 5: Enjoy a Picnic Lunch by the Seine River

After touring the gardens, you’ll have the opportunity to relax and enjoy a picnic lunch by the Seine River. The tour includes a stop by the river, where you can sit back, relax, and enjoy the stunning views of the countryside.

Step 6: Pass by Monet’s Resting Place

On the way back to Paris, you’ll pass by Monet’s resting place at the cemetery where he is buried in a family vault.

Step 7: Wrap Up Your Tour

After a leisurely ride back, the tour concludes back at the Fat Tire Tours office in Paris.

Conclusion

The Giverny and Monet’s Garden Bike Tour is a must-see experience for anyone visiting Paris. With its charming streets, cafes, and museums, coupled with the stunning countryside views, you’re sure to have a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Make sure to book your tour in advance, choose the best departure time for your schedule, and bring a picnic lunch or money to purchase one. With its majestic landscapes, stunning gardens, and iconic paintings, the Giverny and Monet’s Garden Bike Tour is sure to be the highlight of your Parisian vacation.Book the tour here

Answers to the Most Frequently Asked Questions about Paris

Paris, the City of Lights, is one of the top tourist destinations in the world, attracting millions of visitors every year. With its iconic landmarks, museums, gardens, and galleries, Paris has something for everyone. However, visiting a new city can be overwhelming, especially if you’re not familiar with its customs and culture. In this article, we’ll answer some of the most frequently asked questions about Paris to help you plan your trip and make the most of your time in the city.

1. When is the best time to visit Paris?

Paris is beautiful year-round, but the best time to visit depends on your preferences. The peak season is from June to August when the weather is warm and sunny, but it can also be crowded and expensive. Spring (April to June) and fall (September to November) are ideal for mild weather and fewer crowds. If you’re on a budget, visiting Paris in winter (December to February) can be a great idea, as the airfare and hotel rates are lower, and you can enjoy the beautiful Christmas markets and lights.

2. How to get around Paris?

Paris has an excellent public transportation system, including the metro, bus, and RER trains. The metro is the most convenient and affordable way to get around the city, with 16 lines and over 300 stations. You can buy a single ticket or a carnet of ten tickets from any metro station or ticket machine. If you plan to use public transportation frequently, consider getting a Paris Visite pass or a Navigo pass, which offer unlimited travel on all public transport modes.

3. What are the must-visit landmarks in Paris?

Paris is famous for its landmarks, and some of the must-visit ones include:

Eiffel Tower

The iconic Eiffel Tower is the symbol of Paris and a must-visit attraction for every tourist. You can take the elevator or the stairs to the top and enjoy stunning views of the city.

Notre-Dame Cathedral

The Notre-Dame Cathedral, located on the Île de la Cité, is a masterpiece of Gothic architecture and a UNESCO World Heritage site. Although it has been damaged by the fire in 2019, it is still worth visiting for its history and beauty.

The Louvre Museum

The Louvre Museum is the world’s largest museum and home to over 35,000 paintings, sculptures, and artifacts. The museum is most famous for housing the Mona Lisa by Leonardo da Vinci.

The Seine River

The Seine River flows through Paris and is a picturesque spot for a romantic stroll or a boat ride. You can also explore the charming neighborhoods along the river, such as Saint-Germain-des-Prés and Île Saint-Louis.

4. What is the local currency in Paris?

The official currency in Paris is the Euro (EUR). You can exchange your currency at banks, exchange bureaus, or at the airport. Most shops, restaurants, and hotels in Paris accept credit cards like Visa and Mastercard, but it’s always good to carry some cash for small purchases and tips.

5. Is Paris safe for tourists?

Paris is a safe city for tourists, but like any other big city, it’s essential to take precautions and be aware of your surroundings. Avoid walking alone in secluded areas, especially at night, and keep an eye on your belongings, especially in crowded places like metro stations and tourist attractions. Pickpocketing is prevalent in Paris, so keep your wallet and phone in a secure place.

6. What is the local cuisine in Paris?

Paris is known for its delicious cuisine, and some of the must-try dishes include:

Baguette and Croissant

The iconic French baguette and croissant are staples in Parisian bakeries and cafes. They are perfect for a quick breakfast or a snack on the go.

Crepes

Crepes are thin, pancake-like pastries filled with sweet or savory ingredients. You can find them in street vendors, cafes, and crepe stands throughout the city.

Macarons

Macarons are delicate, colorful, and delicious French pastries made from almond flour, egg whites, and sugar. You can find them in patisseries and bakeries all over Paris.

Coq au Vin

Coq au Vin is a classic French dish made with chicken, red wine, mushrooms, and bacon. It’s hearty, flavorful, and perfect for a cozy dinner in a French bistro.

Conclusion

Paris is a stunning city with so much to offer, from its iconic landmarks to its delicious cuisine and vibrant culture. We hope this article answered some of your most pressing questions about Paris and helped you plan your trip. Remember to pack comfortable shoes, stay hydrated, and enjoy your time in the City of Lights.

How to Spend Your Time as a Tourist in Paris

Paris, also known as the city of love, is one of the world’s most beautiful tourist destinations. It is famous for its romantic atmosphere, food, fashion, and iconic landmarks like the Eiffel Tower, the Louvre Museum and the Champs-Élysées. Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a frequent traveler, Paris never fails to impress its visitors. In this guide, we will explore the top things to do in Paris as a tourist.

1. Visit the iconic landmarks

Paris is home to several remarkable landmarks that are worth visiting. First, visit the Eiffel Tower, the most iconic symbol of Paris. You can enjoy a panoramic view of Paris from the top of the tower. If possible, visit the tower both during the day and at night when it is illuminated with beautiful lights.Second, visit the magnificent Louvre Museum, the world’s largest art museum, and a historic monument. The museum houses some of the world’s greatest art collections that date back to prehistoric times.Third, take a walk on the Champs-Élysées, one of the most luxurious shopping avenues in the world. The avenue is lined with beautiful trees and is home to several high-end fashion stores, cafes, and theaters. Visiting these landmarks will give you an idea of the history, fashion, and culture of Paris.

2. Enjoy French food and wine

Paris is famous for its delicious French cuisine and wine. French cuisine is considered one of the world’s best cuisines, and food and wine are a huge part of the Parisian life. You can try some classic French dishes like escargots, foie gras, and bistro food at the city’s many cafes and restaurants.If you’re a wine lover, try visiting the Espace Champagne, an interactive wine museum, or take a wine tasting tour at one of the city’s vineyards.

3. Walk along the Seine River

The Seine River is an iconic symbol of Paris and offers breath-taking views of the city. You can take a riverboat tour or walk along the river banks while enjoying the beautiful views of the city.

4. Explore the Montmartre district

Explore the bohemian neighborhood of Montmartre, where artists such as Picasso and Van Gogh used to live. The neighborhood is home to the famous Basilique du Sacré-Cœur, a beautiful church with panoramic views of the city. You can also explore the narrow streets and discover charming cafes and restaurants.

5. Visit the Palace of Versailles

The Palace of Versailles is a stunning palace that was once the residence of the French monarchy. It is located just outside of Paris and is easily accessible by public transport. The palace is known for its beautiful gardens, stunning architecture, and historical significance.

6. Experience the Parisian nightlife

Paris is famous for its lively nightlife. There are several options for entertainment, from nightclubs to jazz bars, theaters, and live music venues. Paris is also famous for its cabaret shows and burlesque performances. The Moulin Rouge is one of the city’s most iconic venues and offers a fascinating glimpse into Parisian nightlife.

Conclusion

Paris is an incredible tourist destination, full of history, culture, and beauty. Whether you’re interested in architecture, art, history, food, or entertainment, Paris offers something for everyone. Use this guide as a starting point for planning your trip to Paris and making the most of your time in this beautiful city.