A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Giverny vs. Cairngorms National Park for Families, Couples, Food, and Backpackers

Should you visit Giverny or Cairngorms National Park?

Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?

Should I visit Giverny or Cairngorms National Park? This is a common question asked by many travelers. By figuring out which city has activities that align with your interests along with knowing which is more affordable, you'll understand where you can get more bang for your buck. So, let's dive into the details and the data, which all comes from actual travelers.

Giverny

Giverny is a serene, inspiring, and picturesque town. This is a charming small with plenty of activities, too. It's considered by many to be an absolutely beautiful destination, too. It's also popular because of the food and museums.

Cairngorms National Park

Cairngorms National Park is a tranquil, remote, and beautiful national park. The beauty of this spot is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. Visitors also love the food and hiking.

Giverny and Cairngorms National Park: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Very walkable
  • Impressive beauty
  • Home to the Home and Gardens of Claude Monet
Things to Consider
  • Less family-friendly
Pros
  • Good for hiking
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Impressive beauty


Is there more to do in Giverny or Cairngorms National Park?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Giverny. Although Giverny and Cairngorms National Park are both popular with visitors, Giverny has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Giverny is more popular for its museums, small town charm, and impressive beauty, while Cairngorms National Park is known for its hiking. Giverny is more touristy than Cairngorms National Park and is known for being the home and inspiration for Claude Monet. It is also home to The Home and Gardens of Claude Monet. Cairngorms National Park is popular for its impressive hikes, scenic natural beauty, and nice mountains.

How is Giverny different from Cairngorms National Park?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Cairngorms National Park and Giverny. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Giverny or Cairngorms National Park?

Giverny
Cairngorms National Park

Giverny is a very popular place for its museums and history. However, Cairngorms National Park does not have museums and landmarks.

Many visitors head to Giverny specifically to visit some of its top-rated museums and other sights. The town is most notable as the home of Claude Monet between 1883 and 1926. Highlights of a visit include visiting Jardin d'Eau (The Water Garden), The Normandy Garden, and Monet's House.

Cairngorms National Park does not have museums and landmarks.


Is the Food Better in Giverny or Cairngorms National Park? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Giverny
Cairngorms National Park

Picking the best cuisine and restaurants between Giverny and Cairngorms National Park can be difficult as they are each good in their own way.

Giverny has a delicious restaurant scene that relies on local flavors. There are cozy cafes and charming restaurants in the town. If you visit as part of a tour, a restaurant stop may be included.

There are many up and coming restaurants in the Cairngorms National Park area. There are a variety of cafes, pubs, and restaurants in the area that offer hearty dishes to fill a hungry hiker.

Is Giverny or Cairngorms National Park Better for Hiking?

Giverny
Cairngorms National Park

Cairngorms National Park is great for hiking. However, Giverny is not a hiking destination.

Many visitors go to Cairngorms National Park for the hiking trails. There are hikes for every skill level. You'll find waterfalls, open glens, mountains, and beautiful lakes. Some of the best hikes include the Falls of Bruar, Morrone, and the Seven Bridges Trail.

Giverny is not a hiking destination.

Is Giverny or Cairngorms National Park Better for Families?

Giverny
Cairngorms National Park

Cairngorms National Park is great for its kid-friendly activities. However, Giverny is not a good destination for its family-friendly activities.

Because of its large number of kid-friendly activities, Cairngorms National Park is very family-friendly. The outdoor wilderness, natural lakes, and fun activities make for a great family holiday. Head to the beach at Loch Morlich or go for a pony trek. You can also take a ride on the Strathspey Steam Railway or if the kids are craving a bit more excitement head to Landmark Forest Adventure Park.

Giverny is not the most family-friendly destination. The gardens are stunning and the house is impressive, but it's best to prepare younger kids with some activities beforehand. Even the most art-minded children will appreciate a hands-on activity that helps bring the experience to life.


Is Giverny or Cairngorms National Park Better for Couples?

Giverny
Cairngorms National Park

With fun activities for couples, both Giverny and Cairngorms National Park make for a great place to visit.

Giverny is a great town if you're traveling as a couple. The setting seeped in romance and the gardens bring art to life. On occasion you may even see a young couple get engaged during their visit.

Cairngorms National Park is a very popular place to visit for couples. The hiking, natural beauty, and stunning setting make for a wonderful couples getaway. Nature enthusiasts will appreciate the serene setting and it's not uncommon for some couples to get engaged in this beautiful park.

Is Giverny or Cairngorms National Park Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Giverny
Cairngorms National Park

For backpackers, both Giverny and Cairngorms National Park are good places to visit.

Plenty of budget travelers visit Giverny. Many people, backpackers included, visit the town as a day trip from Paris. It's possible to visit by train and shuttle bus.

Cairngorms National Park is popular with backpackers and budget travelers. Transportation without a car is basically impossible, but camping is a great way to experience the park to its fullest without breaking the bank.

Is Giverny or Cairngorms National Park Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Giverny
Cairngorms National Park

Giverny is very good for times when you don't have a car. However, Cairngorms National Park is lacking in good options for its public transit.

Giverny has some public transit options. You can reach Giverny by train from Paris. You'll leave from the Gare Saint-Lazare train station in Paris and arrive in the town of Vernon. The trip is about 45 minutes. From there you can take a bus or taxi on to Giverny.

Public transit is generally limited in Cairngorms National Park. To fully explore the park, you really need to have your own vehicle, but there are local buses and trains that travel to the park.


Is Giverny or Cairngorms National Park a more walkable city?

Giverny
Cairngorms National Park

Giverny is very good for its ease of walking around. However, Cairngorms National Park is not a walkable destination.

Giverny is a somewhat walkable town. Many people choose to walk between the town of Vernon and Giverny, both of which are worth visiting. They're separated by about 6 kilometers (3.5 miles).

Cairngorms National Park is not a walkable destination.

For even more information, also check out Is Giverny Worth Visiting? and Is Cairngorms National Park Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Cairngorms National Park or Giverny?

How long in Giverny or Cairngorms National Park?

In either Giverny or Cairngorms National Park, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. Most visitors tend to spend more time in Cairngorms National Park than Giverny because of the overall number of sights and activities. Usually, 1-2 days is a good amount of time for Giverny, and 3-5 days is enough time in Cairngorms National Park.

Families should spend more time in Cairngorms National Park than Giverny. Because of the many family-friendly attractions and fun things to do for kids in Cairngorms National Park, it's a great place to visit with the whole family.

Couples should spend more time in Giverny than Cairngorms National Park. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in Giverny that are great for a weekend getaway or a longer couple's trip.

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Giverny than Cairngorms National Park if your budget allows for it. With a larger number of budget-friendly sights, good nightlife, and active things to do, anyone traveling on a budget would have a good time in Giverny.


  • How many days in Giverny or Cairngorms National Park? Ideal Length of Stay
    Giverny 1-2 
    Cairngorms National Park 3-5

One day in Giverny or Cairngorms National Park?

With museums and food around the peaceful town of Giverny, there's plenty to do. If you enjoy all that's offered here, then one day is just the right amount of time to spend here. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

In Cairngorms National Park, you'll find food. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. This national park offers something for everyone. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

A weekend in Giverny or Cairngorms National Park?

With food and museums around the picturesque destination of Giverny, there's plenty to do. If you have a weekend, this town makes for a great vacation.A weekend is usually enough time to experience most activities. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

In Cairngorms National Park, you'll find food. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. Since there is so much to do in the area, a weekend is probably not enough for all of it.


Five days in Giverny or Cairngorms National Park?

You'll find museums and food around the serene town of Giverny. This town offers a variety of activities to choose from. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

Cairngorms National Park is a great place to explore. It is common to spend five days here. Hikers are also drawn to this area. Five days is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Cairngorms National Park has to offer. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

A week in Giverny or Cairngorms National Park?

Giverny is a great place to explore. One week is usually plenty of time to spend here with extra days to spare. With this much time, visitors often visit nearby destinations or take day trips. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Cairngorms National Park. Many people enjoy the food when visiting Cairngorms National Park. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.


For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Coach Bus Tours in France, The Best Adventure Tours to France, The Best 10-Day Tours from Edinburgh, and The Best 2-Week Tours from London.


Which place is cheaper, Cairngorms National Park or Giverny?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.

The average daily cost (per person) in Giverny is €125, while the average daily cost in Cairngorms National Park is €139. These costs include accommodation (assuming double occupancy, so the traveler is sharing the room), food, transportation, and entertainment. While every person is different, these costs are an average of past travelers in each destination. What follows is a categorical breakdown of travel costs for Giverny and Cairngorms National Park in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Giverny 60
    Cairngorms National Park 65
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Giverny 120
    Cairngorms National Park 130
Compare Hotels in Giverny and Cairngorms National Park

Looking for a hotel in Giverny or Cairngorms National Park? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options and compare which is best for your budget and travel style.

Hotels in Giverny


Hotels in Cairngorms National Park


Kayak helps you find the best prices for hotels, flights, and rental cars for destinations around the world. Compare prices for multiple destinations when planning your next trip.


Our Analysis
We've analyzed the average and typical hotel prices based on guest reviews, star ratings, and hotel amenities here: Cairngorms National Park Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Giverny 48
    Cairngorms National Park 62

Is it cheaper to fly into Giverny or Cairngorms National Park?

Prices for flights to both Cairngorms National Park and Giverny change regularly based on dates and travel demand. We suggest you find the best prices for your next trip on Kayak, because you can compare the cost of flights across multiple airlines for your prefered dates.





Food
  • Food Meals for one day
    Giverny 35
    Cairngorms National Park 35

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Giverny 26
    Cairngorms National Park 31

Tours and Activities in Giverny

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Giverny.

  • Bike tour from Vernon to Giverny with local guide: $37
  • Giverny Monet House and Gardens Skip the line Walking tour: $60
  • Giverny Private Guided Walking Tour: $294
  • Monet's House & Gardens Private Guided Walking Tour: $278
  • Monet's House & Gardens Private Guided Walking Tour: $256
  • Monet's House and Gardens Guided Tour: $62
  • Monet’s House and Gardens Skip-the-Line Tour: $59
  • Guided Tour of Monet's Gardens/small group: $63
  • Guided tour Monet's house and gardens/small group: $64
  • Trip from Paris to Monet's house in Giverny Skip the Line: $96

Tours and Activities in Cairngorms National Park

For Cairngorms National Park, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:

  • Cairn Gorm Mountain Adventure Private Hike: $168
  • Private Guided Mountain Walking Experience in the Cairngorms: $177
  • Private Guided Ridge Scrambling Experience in the Cairngorms: $202
  • Private Guided Rock Climbing Experience in the Cairngorms: $202
  • Private Guided Winter Mountain Walking Experience in the Cairngorms: $202
  • Private Guided Winter Mountaineering Experience in the Cairngorms: $222
  • Private Walking Tour to Ben Macdui Scotland: $114

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Giverny 6.64
    Cairngorms National Park 9.83


When comparing the travel costs between Giverny and Cairngorms National Park, we can see that Cairngorms National Park is more expensive. However, the two cities are actually relatively comparable in price, as the difference is somewhat minimal. Generally, this means that you could travel with generally the same travel style and level of luxury in each place. Since both cities are in Europe, it's no surprise that their costs are relatively close, as many destinations here have somewhat similar travel prices overall.

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Giverny Expensive? and Is Cairngorms National Park Expensive?.



When is the best time to visit Giverny or Cairngorms National Park?

Both destinations experience a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. And since both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.

Should I visit Giverny or Cairngorms National Park in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Giverny and Cairngorms National Park. The small town charm and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Giverny this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Cairngorms National Park for the hiking and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Giverny is a little warmer than Cairngorms National Park. Typically, the summer temperatures in Giverny in July average around 20°C (68°F), and Cairngorms National Park averages at about 14°C (58°F).

In Giverny, it's very sunny this time of the year. Giverny usually receives more sunshine than Cairngorms National Park during summer. Giverny gets 241 hours of sunny skies, while Cairngorms National Park receives 147 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Giverny usually receives around the same amount of rain as Cairngorms National Park. Giverny gets 58 mm (2.3 in) of rain, while Cairngorms National Park receives 55 mm (2.2 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Giverny 20°C (68°F) 
    Cairngorms National Park 14°C (58°F)

Should I visit Giverny or Cairngorms National Park in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Giverny as well as Cairngorms National Park. Many travelers come to Giverny for the small town atmosphere and the natural beauty of the area. Additionally, many visitors come to Cairngorms National Park in the autumn for the hiking trails and the natural beauty of the area.

In October, Giverny is generally a little warmer than Cairngorms National Park. Daily temperatures in Giverny average around 13°C (56°F), and Cairngorms National Park fluctuates around 9°C (49°F).

In the autumn, Giverny often gets more sunshine than Cairngorms National Park. Giverny gets 127 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Cairngorms National Park receives 84 hours of full sun.

Giverny usually gets around the same amount of rain in October as Cairngorms National Park. Giverny gets 55 mm (2.2 in) of rain, while Cairngorms National Park receives 56 mm (2.2 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Giverny 13°C (56°F) 
    Cairngorms National Park 9°C (49°F)

Should I visit Giverny or Cairngorms National Park in the Winter?

Both Cairngorms National Park and Giverny are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Giverny in the winter for the museums and the cuisine. Also, most visitors come to Cairngorms National Park for the cuisine during these months.

Cairngorms National Park can be very cold during winter. Giverny can get quite cold in the winter. Giverny is a little warmer than Cairngorms National Park in the winter. The daily temperature in Giverny averages around 5°C (40°F) in January, and Cairngorms National Park fluctuates around 3°C (38°F).

Giverny usually receives more sunshine than Cairngorms National Park during winter. Giverny gets 62 hours of sunny skies, while Cairngorms National Park receives 42 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Giverny usually receives around the same amount of rain as Cairngorms National Park. Giverny gets 55 mm (2.2 in) of rain, while Cairngorms National Park receives 53 mm (2.1 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Giverny 5°C (40°F) 
    Cairngorms National Park 3°C (38°F)

Should I visit Giverny or Cairngorms National Park in the Spring?

Both Cairngorms National Park and Giverny during the spring are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Giverny for the small town charm and the natural beauty during these months. Also, the spring months attract visitors to Cairngorms National Park because of the natural beauty.

In the spring, Giverny is much warmer than Cairngorms National Park. Typically, the spring temperatures in Giverny in April average around 11°C (52°F), and Cairngorms National Park averages at about 7°C (44°F).

In the spring, Giverny often gets more sunshine than Cairngorms National Park. Giverny gets 172 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Cairngorms National Park receives 136 hours of full sun.

Giverny usually gets more rain in April than Cairngorms National Park. Giverny gets 50 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Cairngorms National Park receives 36 mm (1.4 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Giverny 11°C (52°F) 
    Cairngorms National Park 7°C (44°F)

Typical Weather for Cairngorms National Park and Giverny

Giverny Cairngorms National Park
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 5°C (40°F) 55 mm (2.2 in) 3°C (38°F) 53 mm (2.1 in)
Feb 6°C (42°F) 45 mm (1.8 in) 3°C (38°F) 39 mm (1.5 in)
Mar 8°C (47°F) 52 mm (2.1 in) 5°C (41°F) 46 mm (1.8 in)
Apr 11°C (52°F) 50 mm (1.9 in) 7°C (44°F) 36 mm (1.4 in)
May 15°C (59°F) 62 mm (2.4 in) 10°C (50°F) 46 mm (1.8 in)
Jun 18°C (64°F) 53 mm (2.1 in) 13°C (55°F) 49 mm (1.9 in)
Jul 20°C (68°F) 58 mm (2.3 in) 14°C (58°F) 55 mm (2.2 in)
Aug 20°C (67°F) 46 mm (1.8 in) 14°C (57°F) 71 mm (2.8 in)
Sep 17°C (63°F) 53 mm (2.1 in) 12°C (54°F) 58 mm (2.3 in)
Oct 13°C (56°F) 55 mm (2.2 in) 9°C (49°F) 56 mm (2.2 in)
Nov 8°C (47°F) 57 mm (2.2 in) 5°C (42°F) 62 mm (2.4 in)
Dec 5°C (42°F) 55 mm (2.2 in) 4°C (39°F) 52 mm (2 in)


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