A Travel Price Comparison for France Giverny vs. Chamonix-Mont-Blanc for Couples, Food, Families, and Backpackers

Should you visit Giverny or Chamonix-Mont-Blanc?

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

Should I visit Giverny or Chamonix-Mont-Blanc? 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. Visitors also love the food and museums.

Chamonix-Mont-Blanc

Chamonix-Mont-Blanc is a epic, majestic, and world-class mountain town. Many visitors also come because of it's amazing beauty. Visitors also love the hiking, skiing, and nightlife.

Giverny and Chamonix-Mont-Blanc: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Impressive beauty
  • Home to the Home and Gardens of Claude Monet
Things to Consider
  • Less family-friendly
  • Public transit not as usable
Pros
  • Popular for skiing
  • Active nightlife
  • Nice resorts
  • Good for hiking
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Good public transit
  • Impressive beauty
  • Home to Mont Blanc


Is there more to do in Giverny or Chamonix-Mont-Blanc?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Chamonix-Mont-Blanc than Giverny, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Chamonix-Mont-Blanc is better known for its skiing, food, nightlife, resorts, and hiking, while Giverny is more popular for its museums and small town charm. Giverny is well known for being the home and inspiration for Claude Monet. Chamonix-Mont-Blanc is well known for its world famous skiing, stunning natural beauty, and access to Mont Blanc. Also, Chamonix-Mont-Blanc is famous for Mont Blanc.

Mont Blanc
Mont Blanc

How is Giverny different from Chamonix-Mont-Blanc?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Is Giverny or Chamonix-Mont-Blanc Better for Skiing?

Giverny
Chamonix-Mont-Blanc

Chamonix-Mont-Blanc is an amazing mountain town to visit for skiing. However, Giverny is not a skiing destination.

If you're an avid snow skiier, Chamonix-Mont-Blanc should be on your list. It is one of the most famous and best ski areas in the world. There are 5 ski resorts in the area (Grands Montets, Les Houches, Le Tour/Balme, La Flegere and Le Brevent) and many options for expert skiers. You can take the Aiguille du Midi cable car from the middle of town to the top of the 3840 meter peak.

Giverny is not a skiing destination.


Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Giverny or Chamonix-Mont-Blanc?

Giverny
Chamonix-Mont-Blanc

Giverny is an excellent place to visit for its museums and history. However, Chamonix-Mont-Blanc does not have museums and landmarks.

Visitors can fill many days exploring the museums and attractions around Giverny. 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.

Chamonix-Mont-Blanc does not have museums and landmarks.

Is the Food Better in Giverny or Chamonix-Mont-Blanc? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Giverny
Chamonix-Mont-Blanc

Chamonix-Mont-Blanc is great for its local flavors and cuisine. Also, Giverny is not as popular, but is still a nice town for its local cuisine and restaurants.

Chamonix-Mont-Blanc has a huge number of terrific restaurants. Regional food is wonderful and hearty, making for a great energy boost for all of your hiking or skiing. Dishes often include a lot of cream and cheese as well as local meats and potatoes. Local specialties include Crozets (buckwheat pasta), Fondue, and Galette des Rois (cake).

There are many up and coming restaurants in the Giverny area. There are cozy cafes and charming restaurants in the town. If you visit as part of a tour, a restaurant stop may be included.

Is Giverny or Chamonix-Mont-Blanc Better for Nightlife?

Giverny
Chamonix-Mont-Blanc

Chamonix-Mont-Blanc is great for nightlife and partying. However, Giverny is not a destination with noteworthy nightlife.

Many people head to Chamonix-Mont-Blanc for the nightlife scene. The town offers a great après-ski scene with many places to grab a drink or listen to live music. It's a tourist area with many young and adventurous vacationers who are out to have a good time.

Giverny is not a destination with noteworthy nightlife.


Is Giverny or Chamonix-Mont-Blanc Better for Resorts?

Giverny
Chamonix-Mont-Blanc

Chamonix-Mont-Blanc is an amazing mountain town to visit for its luxury resorts. However, Giverny is not a resort destination.

For the ultimate resort vacation, Chamonix-Mont-Blanc is a great choice. The region has 5 ski resorts (Grands Montets, Les Houches, Le Tour/Balme, La Flegere and Le Brevent), making it an excellent ski destination.

Giverny is not a resort destination.

Is Giverny or Chamonix-Mont-Blanc Better for Hiking?

Giverny
Chamonix-Mont-Blanc

Chamonix-Mont-Blanc is an amazing mountain town to visit for hiking. However, Giverny is not a hiking destination.

People visit Chamonix-Mont-Blanc specifically for its hiking, as the natural beauty is well-known. Filled with panoramic views and breathtaking natural scenes, the hiking is among the best in the world. Some of the best hikes in the area include Plan de l'Aiguille - Montenvers Train Mer de Glace, Aiguilles Rouges Nature Reserve Hiking, and any of the "Glacier Views" Hikes.

Giverny is not a hiking destination.

Is Giverny or Chamonix-Mont-Blanc Better for Families?

Giverny
Chamonix-Mont-Blanc

Chamonix-Mont-Blanc 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, Chamonix-Mont-Blanc is very family-friendly. The mountains are the perfect playground for families. Kids will love the gondolas, chairlifts, and kid-friendly hikes that take them over rocks and to spectacular viewpoints. This is the perfect addition to a European family vacation.

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 Chamonix-Mont-Blanc Better for Couples?

Giverny
Chamonix-Mont-Blanc

Chamonix-Mont-Blanc is an amazing mountain town to visit for its romantic activities. Also, Giverny is not as popular, but is still a nice town for couples.

Chamonix-Mont-Blanc makes for a terrific place to visit as a couple. Nature-lovers, skiers, and outdoor enthusiasts will love a couples vacation to Chamonix. The setting is romantic and filled with adventures for thrill-seekers.

Giverny is a very popular place to visit for couples. 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.

Is Giverny or Chamonix-Mont-Blanc Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Giverny
Chamonix-Mont-Blanc

Chamonix-Mont-Blanc is great for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Giverny is not as popular, but is still a nice town for backpackers.

Many backpackers visit Chamonix-Mont-Blanc. You'll find a nice selection of hostels with affordable dorms and fun atmospheres.

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

Is Giverny or Chamonix-Mont-Blanc Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Giverny
Chamonix-Mont-Blanc

Chamonix-Mont-Blanc is an amazing mountain town to visit for times when you don't have a car. Also, Giverny is not as popular, but is still a nice town for its public transit.

Public transit in Chamonix-Mont-Blanc is top-notch. It's easy to explore the region by public transport. There are buses and trains available, most of which are free with a local transport card.

Giverny has a few 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.


Is Giverny or Chamonix-Mont-Blanc a more walkable city?

Giverny
Chamonix-Mont-Blanc

Chamonix-Mont-Blanc is great for its high level of walkability. Also, Giverny is not as popular, but is still a nice town for its ease of walking around.

Chamonix-Mont-Blanc is a very walkable mountain town. It's generally walkable and there are plenty of walking trails outside of town.

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).

For even more information, also check out Is Giverny Worth Visiting? and Is Chamonix-Mont-Blanc Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Chamonix-Mont-Blanc or Giverny?

How long in Giverny or Chamonix-Mont-Blanc?

Both Giverny and Chamonix-Mont-Blanc have a number of activities to choose from. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Chamonix-Mont-Blanc than in Giverny. Usually, 1-2 days is a good amount of time for Giverny, and 4-7 days is enough time in Chamonix-Mont-Blanc.

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

Couples should spend more time in Chamonix-Mont-Blanc than Giverny. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in Chamonix-Mont-Blanc that are perfect for a weekend getaway or a longer couple's trip.

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Chamonix-Mont-Blanc than Giverny 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 Chamonix-Mont-Blanc.


  • How many days in Giverny or Chamonix-Mont-Blanc? Ideal Length of Stay
    Giverny 1-2 
    Chamonix-Mont-Blanc 4-7

One day in Giverny or Chamonix-Mont-Blanc?

In Giverny, many people enjoy the food and museums that this destination offers. With all of its activities, you can easily fill one day here. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

In Chamonix-Mont-Blanc, you'll find food and skiing. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. This mountain town 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 Chamonix-Mont-Blanc?

Many people visit Giverny for a weekend. Plenty of people spend a weekend in the area when traveling. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Giverny, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

In Chamonix-Mont-Blanc, you'll find skiing and nightlife. 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 Chamonix-Mont-Blanc?

The beautiful destination of Giverny offers food and museums. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

Chamonix-Mont-Blanc is a great place to explore. It is common to spend five days here. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. Five days is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Chamonix-Mont-Blanc has to offer. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

A week in Giverny or Chamonix-Mont-Blanc?

Many people enjoy the museums and food when visiting Giverny. This town offers something for everyone. 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.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Chamonix-Mont-Blanc. In Chamonix-Mont-Blanc, you'll find food and skiing. It's also a relaxing resort destination. With all of its activities, you can easily fill one week here.


For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Coach Bus Tours in France, The Best Adventure Tours to France, The Best Sightseeing Tours in France, and The Best Vineyard & Wine Tours in France.


Which place is cheaper, Chamonix-Mont-Blanc 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 Chamonix-Mont-Blanc is €235. 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 Chamonix-Mont-Blanc in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Giverny 60
    Chamonix-Mont-Blanc 90
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Giverny 120
    Chamonix-Mont-Blanc 180
Compare Hotels in Giverny and Chamonix-Mont-Blanc

Looking for a hotel in Giverny or Chamonix-Mont-Blanc? 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 Chamonix-Mont-Blanc


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: Chamonix-Mont-Blanc Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Giverny 48
    Chamonix-Mont-Blanc 40

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Chamonix-Mont-Blanc

Also for Chamonix-Mont-Blanc, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Private Transfer Chamonix and Morzine to Milan Malpensa Airport: $228
  • Private Departure Transfer from Chamonix to Milan Airport: $169
  • Courmayeur Ski Club to Linate Airport (LIN) - Departure Transfer: $161
  • Courmayeur, Italy to Malpensa Airport (MXP) - Departure Private Transfer: $152
  • Chamonix-Morzine-Avoriaz to Geneva Airport GVA-Departure Transfer: $147
  • Courmayeur to Milan Malpensa Airport - Departure Private Transfer: $136
  • Chamonix (FR) to Geneva Airport (GVA)- Departure Private Transfer: $130
  • Courmayeur to Turin Caselle Airport - Departure Private Transfer: $87
  • Chamonix to Turin Caselle Airport - Departure Private Transfer: $71

Is it cheaper to fly into Giverny or Chamonix-Mont-Blanc?

Prices for flights to both Chamonix-Mont-Blanc 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
    Chamonix-Mont-Blanc 48

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Chamonix-Mont-Blanc

For Chamonix-Mont-Blanc, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:

  • Private Food Tour in Chamonix: $442

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Giverny 26
    Chamonix-Mont-Blanc 80

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
  • From Paris : Half Day GIVERNY on a PRIVATE TOUR: $826
  • Giverny Monet House and Gardens Skip the line Walking tour: $60
  • Giverny Private Guided Walking Tour: $293
  • Monet's House & Gardens Private Guided Walking Tour: $278
  • Monet's House & Gardens Private Guided Walking Tour: $255
  • 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: $86

Tours and Activities in Chamonix-Mont-Blanc

For Chamonix-Mont-Blanc, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:

  • Altitude experience above Chamonix by eBike: $297
  • Chamonix: Private Guided Walking Tour: $306
  • Fly in Paragliding! Paragliding experience over Chamonix!: $171
  • From Geneva: Chamonix Mont-Blanc Private Guided Tour: $417
  • Full-day private tours from Geneva to Chamonix: $933
  • Geneva: Private Chamonix Mont Blanc Day Tour: $540
  • Live an eBike Mountain Bike Experience in the Heart of Chamonix Mont-Blanc: $194
  • Monte Bianco Skyway Experience : $143
  • On an adventure with Rosalie - Nancy-sur-Cluses: $5.43

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Giverny 6.64
    Chamonix-Mont-Blanc 9.64

Sample the Local Flavors in Chamonix-Mont-Blanc

Also in Chamonix-Mont-Blanc, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:

  • Wine Tour with private driver - 10 hours: $820


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Giverny and Chamonix-Mont-Blanc, we can see that Chamonix-Mont-Blanc is more expensive. And not only is Giverny much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Giverny would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Giverny and be able to afford a more luxurious travel style by staying in nicer hotels, eating at more expensive restaurants, taking tours, and experiencing more activities. The same level of travel in Chamonix-Mont-Blanc would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Chamonix-Mont-Blanc than you might in Giverny.

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Giverny Expensive? and Is Chamonix-Mont-Blanc Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Giverny or Chamonix-Mont-Blanc?

Chamonix-Mont-Blanc has a larger population, and is about 20 times larger than the population of Giverny. When comparing the sizes of Giverny and Chamonix-Mont-Blanc, keep in mind that a larger population does not always imply the destination has more attractions or better activities. So, always research the type of place that you want to visit along with the activities and attractions that interest you.