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

Should you visit Giverny or Plitvice Lakes National Park?

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

Should I visit Giverny or Plitvice Lakes 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 picturesque, peaceful, and serene town. With fun activities and sights, this is a small town worth visiting. Many visitors also come because of it's amazing beauty. Other reasons to visit include food and museums.

Plitvice Lakes National Park

Plitvice Lakes National Park is a scenic, world-famous, and spectacular national park. Many visitors also come because of it's amazing beauty. Visitors also love the hiking.

Giverny and Plitvice Lakes National Park: 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
  • Less walkable
Pros
  • Good for hiking
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Very walkable
  • Impressive beauty
  • Home to the terraced chain of lakes


Is there more to do in Giverny or Plitvice Lakes National Park?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Giverny. Although Giverny and Plitvice Lakes National Park are popular destinations, Giverny has more sights and attractions for tourists. Giverny is very popular for its museums, food, and small town charm, while Plitvice Lakes National Park attracts visitors for its hiking. Giverny is famous for being the home and inspiration for Claude Monet. It is also well known for The Home and Gardens of Claude Monet. Plitvice Lakes National Park is famous for its stunning natural scenery which includes 16 beautiful terraced lakes.

How is Giverny different from Plitvice Lakes National Park?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Plitvice Lakes 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 Plitvice Lakes National Park?

Giverny
Plitvice Lakes National Park

Giverny is great for its historical sights. However, Plitvice Lakes 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.

Plitvice Lakes National Park does not have museums and landmarks.


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

Giverny
Plitvice Lakes National Park

Giverny is very good for its local flavors and cuisine. However, Plitvice Lakes National Park is not a good destination for its local cuisine and restaurants.

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

You'll find the standard options when it comes to food in Plitvice Lakes National Park. You'll find a few tourist cafes near the lakes that serve grilled meats and other simple dishes. You can also grab a snack from the food stalls that are near the entrance to the park.

Is Giverny or Plitvice Lakes National Park Better for Hiking?

Giverny
Plitvice Lakes National Park

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

Many visitors go to Plitvice Lakes National Park for the hiking trails. There are eight different walking routes that range in length from 3 kilometers to 18 kilometers. They take between 3 and 8 hours and are well marked.

Giverny is not a hiking destination.

Is Giverny or Plitvice Lakes National Park Better for Families?

Giverny
Plitvice Lakes National Park

Plitvice Lakes 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, Plitvice Lakes National Park is very family-friendly. It's a fun place to explore with kids, but if you're traveling with young ones, keep a close eye on them. Also take note that it's not stroller-friendly and make sure that you arrive early to avoid the crowds.

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 Plitvice Lakes National Park Better for Couples?

Giverny
Plitvice Lakes National Park

With fun activities for couples, both Giverny and Plitvice Lakes 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.

Plitvice Lakes National Park is a very popular place to visit for couples. It's a natural wonder that is beautiful and romantic to explore as a couple. It can get crowded, as it's a top tourist destination is Croatia, so make sure you arrive early to avoid the peak times.

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

Giverny
Plitvice Lakes National Park

Plitvice Lakes National Park is great for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Giverny is not as popular, but is still a nice town for backpackers.

Many backpackers visit Plitvice Lakes National Park. There are three hotels within the park and a handful of hostels nearby. There's also some camping options in the area.

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 Plitvice Lakes National Park Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Giverny
Plitvice Lakes National Park

Giverny is very good for times when you don't have a car. However, Plitvice Lakes National Park is not a good destination for its public transit.

While Giverny offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. 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 Plitvice Lakes National Park. There are several bus stops near the park but the bus service is infrequent and can involve long trips.


Is Giverny or Plitvice Lakes National Park a more walkable city?

Giverny
Plitvice Lakes National Park

Plitvice Lakes National Park is an amazing national park to visit for its high level of walkability. Also, Giverny is not as popular, but is still a nice town for its ease of walking around.

Plitvice Lakes National Park is a very easy national park to get around on foot. The park is well organized into several walking routes that can be explored in a few hours.

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 Plitvice Lakes National Park Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Plitvice Lakes National Park or Giverny?

How long in Giverny or Plitvice Lakes National Park?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Giverny or Plitvice Lakes National Park to fill your time. In our opinion, Plitvice Lakes National Park has more to see and do, so we recommend spending more time in Plitvice Lakes National Park than Giverny. However, 1-2 days is a good amount of time to spend in either destination.

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

Couples should spend more time in Giverny than Plitvice Lakes 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 Plitvice Lakes National Park 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 Plitvice Lakes National Park.


  • How many days in Giverny or Plitvice Lakes National Park? Ideal Length of Stay
    Giverny 1-2 
    Plitvice Lakes National Park 1-2

One day in Giverny or Plitvice Lakes National Park?

In Giverny, you'll find museums and food. It offers something for everyone. One day is often enough time to do most activities.

In Plitvice Lakes National Park, you'll find . Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. This national park offers something for everyone. This would be the perfect place to spend one day, as it has just the right amount of activities.

A weekend in Giverny or Plitvice Lakes National Park?

Giverny is a fun place to experience. Your budget might influence how long you stay. If you have a weekend, this is a great place to go. With all of its activities, you can easily fill a weekend here.

In Plitvice Lakes National Park, you'll find . The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Plitvice Lakes National Park has to offer.


Five days in Giverny or Plitvice Lakes National Park?

You'll find museums and food around the picturesque destination of Giverny. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do. Five days 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.

Plitvice Lakes National Park is a great place to explore. Hikers are also drawn to this area. Five days is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

A week in Giverny or Plitvice Lakes National Park?

The peaceful town of Giverny offers food and museums. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. This town offers a variety of activities to choose from.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Plitvice Lakes National Park. Many people enjoy the when visiting Plitvice Lakes 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 in Croatia, and The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in Croatia.


Which place is cheaper, Plitvice Lakes 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 Plitvice Lakes National Park is €125. 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 Plitvice Lakes National Park in more detail.



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

Looking for a hotel in Giverny or Plitvice Lakes 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 Plitvice Lakes 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.


Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Giverny 48
    Plitvice Lakes National Park 26

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Plitvice Lakes National Park

Also for Plitvice Lakes National Park, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Private Transfer from Plitvička Jezera to Zadar Airport (ZAD): $271
  • Private Transfer from Plitvička Jezera to Zagreb Airport (ZAG): $232
  • Plitvice lakes Guiding with Transfer: $182
  • From Plitvice Lakes to Zagreb private one-way transfer: $150
  • From Zadar: Round-Trip Transfer to Plitvice Lakes: $42

Is it cheaper to fly into Giverny or Plitvice Lakes National Park?

Prices for flights to both Plitvice Lakes 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
    Plitvice Lakes National Park 40

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Giverny 26
    Plitvice Lakes National Park 34

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 Plitvice Lakes National Park

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Plitvice Lakes National Park.

  • 3,5 hours Guided Buggy Tour in Plitvice lakes: $76
  • Abandoned military airbase Zeljava -2h guided tour: $55
  • Croatia Walking Tour in a Wonderland: $174
  • E-Bike tour Plitvice Big Waterfall Viewpoints & Tito's Villa: $87
  • From Split and Trogir: Plitvice Lakes Economy Group Tour: $48
  • From Split: Plitvice Lakes Guided tour: $70
  • Full Day Private Tour of Plitvice Lakes from Split & Trogir: $738
  • Half day tour around Plitvice Lakes: $29
  • PLITVICE LAKES FULL DAY TOUR WITH LOCAL: $182
  • Plitvice Countryside Bike Tour with Barac Caves: $76
  • Plitvice Guided Tour- Tickets only RESERVED: $44
  • Plitvice Lakes Guided Tour: $36

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Giverny 6.64
    Plitvice Lakes National Park 14


When comparing the travel costs between Giverny and Plitvice Lakes National Park, we can see that Giverny 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 Plitvice Lakes National Park Expensive?.



When is the best time to visit Giverny or Plitvice Lakes 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 Plitvice Lakes National Park in the Summer?

Both Plitvice Lakes National Park and Giverny are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The small town charm and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Giverny this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Plitvice Lakes National Park for the hiking and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Giverny is generally cooler than Plitvice Lakes National Park. Daily temperatures in Giverny average around 20°C (68°F), and Plitvice Lakes National Park fluctuates around 22°C (72°F).

It's quite sunny in Plitvice Lakes National Park. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Giverny. Giverny usually receives less sunshine than Plitvice Lakes National Park during summer. Giverny gets 241 hours of sunny skies, while Plitvice Lakes National Park receives 266 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Giverny usually receives less rain than Plitvice Lakes National Park. Giverny gets 58 mm (2.3 in) of rain, while Plitvice Lakes National Park receives 87 mm (3.4 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Giverny 20°C (68°F) 
    Plitvice Lakes National Park 22°C (72°F)

Should I visit Giverny or Plitvice Lakes National Park in the Autumn?

Both Plitvice Lakes National Park and Giverny during the autumn are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Giverny for the small town atmosphere and the natural beauty of the area. Also, many visitors come to Plitvice Lakes National Park in the autumn for the hiking trails and the natural beauty of the area.

Giverny is around the same temperature as Plitvice Lakes National Park in the autumn. The daily temperature in Giverny averages around 13°C (56°F) in October, and Plitvice Lakes National Park fluctuates around 13°C (55°F).

In the autumn, Giverny often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Plitvice Lakes National Park. Giverny gets 127 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Plitvice Lakes National Park receives 133 hours of full sun.

Giverny usually gets less rain in October than Plitvice Lakes National Park. Giverny gets 55 mm (2.2 in) of rain, while Plitvice Lakes National Park receives 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Giverny 13°C (56°F) 
    Plitvice Lakes National Park 13°C (55°F)

Should I visit Giverny or Plitvice Lakes National Park in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Giverny and Plitvice Lakes National Park. Many visitors come to Giverny in the winter for the museums and the cuisine. Also, most visitors come to Plitvice Lakes National Park for the cuisine during these months.

Plitvice Lakes National Park can be very cold during winter. Giverny can get quite cold in the winter. In the winter, Giverny is much warmer than Plitvice Lakes National Park. Typically, the winter temperatures in Giverny in January average around 5°C (40°F), and Plitvice Lakes National Park averages at about 1°C (35°F).

Giverny usually receives more sunshine than Plitvice Lakes National Park during winter. Giverny gets 62 hours of sunny skies, while Plitvice Lakes National Park receives 54 hours of full sun in the winter.

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


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Giverny 5°C (40°F) 
    Plitvice Lakes National Park 1°C (35°F)

Should I visit Giverny or Plitvice Lakes National Park in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Giverny as well as Plitvice Lakes National Park. Most visitors come to Giverny for the small town charm and the natural beauty during these months. Also, the spring months attract visitors to Plitvice Lakes National Park because of the natural beauty.

In April, Giverny is generally cooler than Plitvice Lakes National Park. Daily temperatures in Giverny average around 11°C (52°F), and Plitvice Lakes National Park fluctuates around 13°C (55°F).

In the spring, Giverny often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Plitvice Lakes National Park. Giverny gets 172 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Plitvice Lakes National Park receives 163 hours of full sun.

Giverny usually gets less rain in April than Plitvice Lakes National Park. Giverny gets 50 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Plitvice Lakes National Park receives 65 mm (2.6 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Giverny 11°C (52°F) 
    Plitvice Lakes National Park 13°C (55°F)

Typical Weather for Plitvice Lakes National Park and Giverny

Giverny Plitvice Lakes National Park
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 5°C (40°F) 55 mm (2.2 in) 1°C (35°F) 53 mm (2.1 in)
Feb 6°C (42°F) 45 mm (1.8 in) 4°C (39°F) 46 mm (1.8 in)
Mar 8°C (47°F) 52 mm (2.1 in) 8°C (47°F) 58 mm (2.3 in)
Apr 11°C (52°F) 50 mm (1.9 in) 13°C (55°F) 65 mm (2.6 in)
May 15°C (59°F) 62 mm (2.4 in) 17°C (63°F) 83 mm (3.3 in)
Jun 18°C (64°F) 53 mm (2.1 in) 20°C (69°F) 101 mm (4 in)
Jul 20°C (68°F) 58 mm (2.3 in) 22°C (72°F) 87 mm (3.4 in)
Aug 20°C (67°F) 46 mm (1.8 in) 22°C (71°F) 91 mm (3.6 in)
Sep 17°C (63°F) 53 mm (2.1 in) 18°C (65°F) 81 mm (3.2 in)
Oct 13°C (56°F) 55 mm (2.2 in) 13°C (55°F) 70 mm (2.8 in)
Nov 8°C (47°F) 57 mm (2.2 in) 8°C (46°F) 85 mm (3.3 in)
Dec 5°C (42°F) 55 mm (2.2 in) 3°C (37°F) 62 mm (2.4 in)