During our recent road trip through France, one of the absolute highlights was returning to Monet’s Garden in Giverny. Tucked away in the charming Normandy countryside, Giverny is an idyllic stop for travellers looking to blend culture, beauty, and a bit of art history. For us, visiting Monet’s Garden by campervan was the perfect way to take in the scenery at our own pace. While we’d visited once before, years ago in early April, our May visit completely stole our hearts — thanks in large part to the wisteria, which was in full, glorious bloom.
A Magical May Road Trip to Giverny: visiting Monet’s Garden by campervan
Why Monet’s Garden is a Must-Visit in Spring
Claude Monet, the father of Impressionism, designed his gardens with an artist’s eye – and it shows. Though beautiful throughout the seasons, May brings something truly magical to Giverny. The wisteria-covered bridges, the blooming arches, and the bright poppies and alliums lining the paths make you feel like you’ve stepped right into one of his paintings. It’s a haven for garden lovers, artists, and anyone who finds joy in nature’s beauty.
If you’re visiting Monet’s Garden by campervan, spring offers the added bonus of mild temperatures and fewer crowds than summer – though do still expect a steady buzz of visitors, especially on weekends.
Parking and Access for Motorhomes in Giverny
If you’re planning a Monet’s Garden Giverny motorhome travel experience, you’ll be glad to know that parking is straightforward. For anyone visiting Monet’s Garden by campervan, there is ample free motorhome parking available within walking distance of the garden entrance. The parking is flat and easy to navigate, making it suitable for campervans and larger motorhomes alike. Whilst we didnt, many people spend the night and sleep over in this grassy, closed off car park.
Where to Park Your Campervan in Giverny
If you’re visiting Monet’s Garden by campervan, one of the best places to park is the spacious, free car park just a short stroll from the gardens. It’s easy to access and motorhome-friendly, even on busy weekends. You can find it listed as Parking pour la randonnée.
📍 Address: 41 Chem. du Roy, 27620 Giverny, France
🔢 Plus Code: 3GFH+9X Giverny, France
📍 Google Maps Location: View here
From here, it’s around a 10-minute scenic walk to Monet’s Garden, with flower-filled lanes and charming village views along the way. Arriving early is your best bet for a stress-free experience, especially during weekends in spring when the area is most popular.
We parked up early on a Friday morning and strolled along a peaceful, scenic path lined with flowering hedgerows and blooming gardens, soaking in the atmosphere even before stepping through the gates. We hadn’t booked tickets in advance — they had sold out online and there were warnings this would be one of their busiest days — but we had no trouble getting in by queuing at the entrance just before it opened. If you’re flexible and arrive early, this is a great tip to remember when visiting Monet’s Garden by campervan during a busy weekend.
Exploring the Gardens: From Wisteria to Water Lilies
There are two main garden areas to explore in Giverny. First, the Clos Normand, a formal flower garden that bursts with rows of bold colour, towering metal arches, and artfully chaotic planting. In front of Monet’s iconic pink house with green shutters, this garden was designed with colour harmony in mind — and it shows.
The second area is the Japanese Water Garden, home to the iconic green footbridge and the water lily pond featured in so many of Monet’s masterpieces. May is a spectacular time to witness the wisteria in full bloom, cascading like lavender curtains over the bridge. The light, the reflections on the water, and the carefully planned planting make this space feel serene and painterly.
Whether you’re a keen gardener, a casual nature-lover, or simply someone who enjoys a walk among flowers, visiting Monet’s Garden by campervan gives you the luxury of time to linger and enjoy both gardens without needing to rush off to the next stop.
Shopping Seeds and Souvenirs from Monet’s Studio
Monet’s old art studio has been transformed into a wonderfully curated gift shop, filled with art prints, books, and floral keepsakes. For those of us dreaming of recreating some of Giverny’s beauty at home, the selection of flower seed packets inspired by Monet’s planting schemes is a must.
We picked up a few packs featuring soft pastels and bold colour combinations – perfect for sowing a little piece of Giverny in our own garden. After you exit the garden, there’s a second gift shop where we found seed-embedded postcards. We loved the idea so much we bought a handful to send to family, sharing both a story and a flower bloom in one.
These thoughtful, lightweight souvenirs are ideal for anyone visiting Monet’s Garden by campervan, since they’re compact, travel-friendly, and far more meaningful than a fridge magnet.
A Scenic Walk to Monet’s Grave and Local Delights
Don’t leave Giverny without a stroll to the local churchyard, where Claude Monet is buried alongside his family. The walk is just a few minutes from the garden and winds through the picturesque village, where every cottage seems to have its own immaculate flower bed, trellis, or rose-covered arch.
We stopped for a drink in one of the small village restaurants — there are several with terraces perfect for a post-garden break. This whole area feels like it’s been lifted from a storybook. The gentle pace of life here is part of what makes Monet’s Garden Giverny motorhome travel so relaxing and memorable.
Tips for Visiting Monet’s Garden by Campervan
- Arrive early: Even on busy weekends, arriving first thing can help you get in without advance tickets.
- Free motorhome parking: Head to the designated area near the entrance; it’s signposted and very accessible.
- Bring a packed lunch or enjoy a local restaurant: There are plenty of lovely picnic spots just outside the gardens.
- Buy your souvenirs after you exit: That way, you’re not carrying anything during your visit and can take your time browsing.
- Don’t forget the side streets: They’re filled with blooming surprises and little photo-worthy corners.
Planning on visiting Monet’s Garden by campervan? Consider pairing it with other nearby Normandy stops like Rouen or Vernon, both full of historic charm.
Final Thoughts: Floral Inspiration for Home Gardens
For us, visiting Monet’s Garden by campervan allowed the perfect blend of flexibility, peace, and inspiration. With our little rolling home nearby, we could take our time exploring, soak in every floral layer, and leave brimming with ideas for our own garden.
If you’re planning a motorhome trip through France, make sure Giverny is on your itinerary. Visiting Monet’s Garden by campervan is one of the simplest ways to reach this iconic location. This enchanting garden is more than just a tourist spot – it’s a living, blooming tribute to the power of creativity and nature.
Planning a longer road trip? If you’re heading south after visiting Monet’s Garden by campervan, don’t miss our guide to a budget campervan site near Barcelona — perfect for affordable, scenic van life in Spain.
