There's no better way to experience the picturesque French countryside than on a bike. On this full day tour from Paris to the French villages of Vernon and Giverny, you will enjoy breathtaking views while visiting the sites where famous Impressionists, such as Monet, Manet, and Renoir, once created their masterpieces.
Your bike tour of the French countryside begins with a scenic ride to the beautiful town of Vernon, located on the banks of the Seine River. After arriving in Vernon, you will stop at a local farmer's market, where you can purchase food for a picnic lunch. Then it's time to hop on your bike for a scenic ride along the Seine River to a beautiful park, where you will break for a relaxing picnic lunch. To accompany your appetizing meal, try a traditional Vernon beverage, cidre.
Energized from your delicious picnic, hop on your bike for a 5-kilometer (3 mile) ride along a picturesque bike path to Giverny, which was the former residence of renowned painter Claude Monet. Your guide will take you past the Romanesque Giverny church and cemetery, where Monet and his relatives are buried, as well as many soldiers from World War II. From there you will continue on to the famous Hotel Baudy, where two prominent Impressionists, Manet and Renoir, commonly painted.
Finally, you will arrive at Monet's gardens. Tour these magnificent gardens, as well as the celebrated water lily pond and Monet's house, which will probably appear surprisingly familiar to you, since they were the inspiration for so many of Monet's paintings. Don't forget your camera because Monet's gardens and lily pond provide amazing scenery for a family photo.
Although you will probably never want to leave these beautiful gardens, you will finish up your Giverny bike tour with time to explore Giverny's narrow, quaint streets, lined with small shops and cafes. Join this leisurely ride through picturesque landscapes for a day that will leave a lasting impression on you.