Which place is cheaper, Giverny or Leuven?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Leuven or Giverny?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Should I visit Leuven or Giverny? 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.
Where Should I go: Leuven or Giverny?
Leuven
Lying just east of Brussels, Leuven is a Belgian city and capital of the Province of Flemish Brabant known for its breweries, historic architecture, and university. Because of the university, the town is at its busiest during the academic year (September through June), but there is plenty to see and do during all seasons.
Giverny
Giverny (pronounced jee-vair-knee) is a commune in Northern France. It sits on the right bank of the River Seine where it meets the River Epte. This area has been a settlement since Neolithic times and the town has various monuments from many periods of its long existence. Beginning around 1887, a number of American Impressionist artists settled to work in Giverny, drawn by the landscapes, the overall atmosphere, and the presence of Monet. It has now become a place of pilgrimage for many art lovers. It was here that Claude Monet lived for 43 years, until his death at the age of 86 in 1926. Although his house is now prized by connoisseurs of 19th-century interior decoration, it's his garden, with its Japanese-inspired water-lily pond and bridge, that remains the high point for many, as it is a 5-acre, three-dimensional Impressionist painting where you can stroll around at leisure. Most make this a day trip, but Giverny has some lovely lodgings, so you could also overnight here.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Luxury Tours to Belgium, The Best Tours for Seniors to Belgium, The Best Coach Bus Tours in France, and The Best Adventure Tours to France.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayLeuven €178Giverny €125
The average daily cost (per person) in Leuven is €178, while the average daily cost in Giverny 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 Leuven and Giverny in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personLeuven €93Giverny €60
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomLeuven €186Giverny €120
Compare Hotels in Leuven and Giverny
Looking for a hotel in Leuven or Giverny? 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.
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: Leuven Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Leuven €61Giverny €48
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Leuven
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Leuven:
- Brussels Shuttle Transfer <-> Paris-Charles de Gaulle Airport (1 to 8 PLACES) : $280
- Private transfer from Brussels Airport - Maastricht MB E-CLASS 3 PAX: $279
- Round Trip Private Transfer Brussels Airport BRU to Antwerp City by Luxury Van: $273
- Transfer Brussels Airport <-> Namur MB V Class 1-7 PAX (ONE WAY): $240
- Transfer from Brussels Airport -> Antwerp MB S-CLASS 3 PAX: $235
- Private transfer from Brussels Airport <-> Gent MB S-CLASS 3 PAX: $221
- Round Trip Private Transfer Brussels Airport BRU to Mechelen City by Luxury Van: $216
- Transfer Brussels Airport -> Antwerp MB V-CLASS 7 PAX: $201
- Private transfer from BRU Airport - Brussels GO BACK MB V-CLASS 7 PAX: $190
- Private transfer from Brussels Airport <-> Gent MB E-CLASS 3 PAX: $185
- Round Trip Private Transfer Brussels Airport BRU to Mechelen by Business Car: $177
- Transfer From Brussels Airport to Charleroi Airport: $175
Is it cheaper to fly into Leuven or Giverny?
Prices for flights to both Giverny and Leuven 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
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Food Meals for one dayLeuven €49Giverny €35
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Leuven
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Leuven.
- Mechelen Small-Group Walking Tour with Lunch or Dinner: $75
- Mechelen Food Tour: $82
- Vegan Walking Food Tour in Mechelen: $82
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Leuven €23Giverny €26
Tours and Activities in Leuven
Here are a few actual costs in Leuven for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- Guided Small-Group Cycling Tour of Mechelen: $60
- Escape Tour - Self-Guided Citygame: $32
- Murder Crime Game Self-Guided Interactive City Tour: $74
- Self-Guided Walking Tour with Offline Access: $5.99
- Mechelen Small-Group Running Tour: $52
- Private 2 Hour Walking Tour of Mechelen : $229
- Small-Group Chocolate Tour in Mechelen: $63
- Small-Group Mechelen City Guided Walking Tour: $52
- Soothing Corners of Leuven - Romantic Tour: $288
- Special Christmas Journey in Leuven - Walking Tour: $395
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
- Monet’s House and Gardens Skip-the-Line Tour: $59
- Giverny Monet House and Gardens Skip the line Walking tour: $60
- Monet's House and Gardens Guided Tour: $62
- 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
- Monet's House & Gardens Private Guided Walking Tour: $256
- Monet's House & Gardens Private Guided Walking Tour: $278
- Giverny Private Guided Walking Tour: $294
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayLeuven €25Giverny €6.64
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Leuven and Giverny, we can see that Leuven 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 Leuven would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Leuven 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 Leuven Expensive? and Is Giverny Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Leuven or Giverny?
Leuven has a larger population, and is about 160 times larger than the population of Giverny. When comparing the sizes of Leuven and Giverny, 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.
When is the best time to visit Leuven or Giverny?
Both places have a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. As both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.
Should I visit Leuven or Giverny in the Summer?
Both Giverny and Leuven during the summer are popular places to visit. Also, the small town charm and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Giverny this time of year.
Leuven is around the same temperature as Giverny in the summer. The daily temperature in Leuven averages around 18°C (65°F) in July, and Giverny fluctuates around 20°C (68°F).
In Giverny, it's very sunny this time of the year. In the summer, Leuven often gets less sunshine than Giverny. Leuven gets 186 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Giverny receives 241 hours of full sun.
Leuven usually gets more rain in July than Giverny. Leuven gets 75 mm (3 in) of rain, while Giverny receives 58 mm (2.3 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyLeuven 18°C (65°F)Giverny 20°C (68°F)
Should I visit Leuven or Giverny in the Autumn?
The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Leuven and Giverny. Also, many travelers come to Giverny for the small town atmosphere and the natural beauty of the area.
In the autumn, Leuven is around the same temperature as Giverny. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Leuven in October average around 12°C (54°F), and Giverny averages at about 13°C (56°F).
Leuven usually receives less sunshine than Giverny during autumn. Leuven gets 114 hours of sunny skies, while Giverny receives 127 hours of full sun in the autumn.
In October, Leuven usually receives more rain than Giverny. Leuven gets 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Giverny receives 55 mm (2.2 in) of rain each month for the autumn.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberLeuven 12°C (54°F)Giverny 13°C (56°F)
Should I visit Leuven or Giverny in the Winter?
The winter brings many poeple to Leuven as well as Giverny. Also, many visitors come to Giverny in the winter for the museums and the cuisine.
Giverny can get quite cold in the winter. Be prepared for some very cold days in Leuven. In January, Leuven is generally cooler than Giverny. Daily temperatures in Leuven average around 3°C (38°F), and Giverny fluctuates around 5°C (40°F).
In the winter, Leuven often gets less sunshine than Giverny. Leuven gets 49 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Giverny receives 62 hours of full sun.
Leuven usually gets more rain in January than Giverny. Leuven gets 67 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Giverny receives 55 mm (2.2 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryLeuven 3°C (38°F)Giverny 5°C (40°F)
Should I visit Leuven or Giverny in the Spring?
Both Giverny and Leuven are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Also, most visitors come to Giverny for the small town charm and the natural beauty during these months.
Leuven is cooler than Giverny in the spring. The daily temperature in Leuven averages around 10°C (49°F) in April, and Giverny fluctuates around 11°C (52°F).
Leuven usually receives less sunshine than Giverny during spring. Leuven gets 147 hours of sunny skies, while Giverny receives 172 hours of full sun in the spring.
In April, Leuven usually receives more rain than Giverny. Leuven gets 57 mm (2.2 in) of rain, while Giverny receives 50 mm (1.9 in) of rain each month for the spring.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilLeuven 10°C (49°F)Giverny 11°C (52°F)
Typical Weather for Giverny and Leuven
| Leuven | Giverny | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 3°C (38°F) | 67 mm (2.6 in) | 5°C (40°F) | 55 mm (2.2 in) |
| Feb | 4°C (39°F) | 53 mm (2.1 in) | 6°C (42°F) | 45 mm (1.8 in) |
| Mar | 6°C (43°F) | 72 mm (2.8 in) | 8°C (47°F) | 52 mm (2.1 in) |
| Apr | 10°C (49°F) | 57 mm (2.2 in) | 11°C (52°F) | 50 mm (1.9 in) |
| May | 14°C (57°F) | 71 mm (2.8 in) | 15°C (59°F) | 62 mm (2.4 in) |
| Jun | 17°C (62°F) | 79 mm (3.1 in) | 18°C (64°F) | 53 mm (2.1 in) |
| Jul | 18°C (65°F) | 75 mm (3 in) | 20°C (68°F) | 58 mm (2.3 in) |
| Aug | 18°C (65°F) | 63 mm (2.5 in) | 20°C (67°F) | 46 mm (1.8 in) |
| Sep | 16°C (60°F) | 59 mm (2.3 in) | 17°C (63°F) | 53 mm (2.1 in) |
| Oct | 12°C (54°F) | 70 mm (2.8 in) | 13°C (56°F) | 55 mm (2.2 in) |
| Nov | 7°C (45°F) | 76 mm (3 in) | 8°C (47°F) | 57 mm (2.2 in) |
| Dec | 4°C (40°F) | 76 mm (3 in) | 5°C (42°F) | 55 mm (2.2 in) |
Budget Your Trip is all about finding out how much everything costs so that you can travel cheaper and longer. Created by avid travelers Laurie and Bryan, our goal is to help you plan your next trip on the right budget. With average daily travel costs that are calculated from the budgets of real travelers, plus an analysis of hotel and tour prices, you can find out how much money you need to plan your next adventure. We also have plenty of travel advice, accommodation reviews, and activity suggestions.