A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Orkney Islands vs. Giverny for Attractions, Food, Couples, and Backpackers

Should you visit Orkney Islands or Giverny?

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

Which city is more affordable and which is best for your travel style? If you're trying to figure out where to go next, comparing the travel costs between Orkney Islands and Giverny can help you decide which place is right for you.

Orkney Islands

Orkney Islands is a natural, pristine, and remote archipelago. The beauty of this spot is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. Visitors also love the museums, food, and beaches.

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. It's also popular because of the food and museums.

Orkney Islands and Giverny: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Popular beach
  • Good for hiking
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Impressive beauty
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


Is there more to do in Orkney Islands or Giverny?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Giverny. Although Orkney Islands and Giverny 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 Orkney Islands is known for its food, beaches, and hiking. Giverny is more touristy than Orkney Islands and is known for being the home and inspiration for Claude Monet. It is also home to The Home and Gardens of Claude Monet. Orkney Islands is popular for its sandy beaches, serene landscape, and well-preserved Neolithic sights.

How is Orkney Islands different from Giverny?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Orkney Islands or Giverny?

Orkney Islands
Giverny

Giverny is great for its historical sights. Also, Orkney Islands is not as popular, but is still a nice archipelago for its sights and museums.

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.

Orkney Islands is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. The islands is home to a number of archaeological ruins including the stone age village of Skara Brae and the neolithic chambered cairn of Maes Howee. Also check out impressive Ring of Brodgar stone circle as well as the oldest dwelling in the UK, the Knap of Howar on Papa Westray.


Is the Food Better in Orkney Islands or Giverny? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Orkney Islands
Giverny

Orkney Islands 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.

Orkney Islands has a huge number of terrific restaurants. You'll find so many local products on the islands. It's famous for its local beef, lamb, salmon, and seafood, but you'll also find cheeses and produce. There are two breweries on the island as well. Many people pick up some items that they take home with them.

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 Orkney Islands or Giverny Better for Beaches?

Orkney Islands
Giverny

Orkney Islands is great for the beache. However, Giverny is not a beach destination.

Orkney Islands is considered a top beach destination. The archipelago has hundreds of miles of beaches that feel serene and remote. If you're looking for a tranquil setting that is natural and untouched, you'll have many to choose from. Some of the best beaches on the islands include Tresness Beach, Grobust Beach, and Sands of Evie Beach.

Giverny is not a beach destination.

Is Orkney Islands or Giverny Better for Hiking?

Orkney Islands
Giverny

Orkney Islands is great for hiking. However, Giverny is not a hiking destination.

Many visitors go to Orkney Islands for the hiking trails. Rolling hills and rugged landscapes make for relaxing and beautiful walks. There are also many archaeological ruins that you can explore. Favorite hikes in the area include Balfour Village and Mill Dam, Birsay Whalebone, and Birwick to Barth Head.

Giverny is not a hiking destination.


Is Orkney Islands or Giverny Better for Families?

Orkney Islands
Giverny

Orkney Islands is a popular place for its kid-friendly activities. However, Giverny is not a good destination for its family-friendly activities.

Orkney Islands offers lots of family activities. Exploring the beaches is one of the best way to spend your days with kids. There are also several places you can take the kids like Barony Mill, Skate Rumple Alpaca Farm, Corrigall Farm Museum, and Kirbuster Farm Museum.

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 Orkney Islands or Giverny Better for Couples?

Orkney Islands
Giverny

Both Orkney Islands and Giverny are great destinations to visit as a couple.

Orkney Islands is a great archipelago if you're traveling as a couple. Nature lovers will enjoy the stunning beaches and beautiful natural setting. There are also some great restaurants and even live music performances that make for a fun date night.

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 Orkney Islands or Giverny Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Orkney Islands
Giverny

Orkney Islands is great for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Giverny is not as popular, but is still a nice town for backpackers.

Many backpackers visit Orkney Islands. If camping is your style, you'll find some great campgrounds and campsites that make the most of this beautiful natural setting.

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 Orkney Islands or Giverny Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Orkney Islands
Giverny

Orkney Islands and Giverny both offer good public transit to get you around.

While Orkney Islands offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. Buses travel to many parts of the islands and many islands are connected by ferries.

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 Orkney Islands or Giverny a more walkable city?

Orkney Islands
Giverny

Giverny is very good for its ease of walking around. However, Orkney Islands 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).

Orkney Islands is not a walkable destination.

For even more information, also check out Is Orkney Islands Worth Visiting? and Is Giverny Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Giverny or Orkney Islands?

How long in Orkney Islands or Giverny?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Orkney Islands or Giverny to fill your time. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Orkney Islands than Giverny because of the number of activities and things to do in the area. Usually, 3-7 days is a good amount of time for Orkney Islands, and 1-2 days is enough time in Giverny.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Orkney Islands 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 Orkney Islands.


  • How many days in Orkney Islands or Giverny? Ideal Length of Stay
    Orkney Islands 3-7 
    Giverny 1-2

One day in Orkney Islands or Giverny?

In Orkney Islands, you'll find food and museums. You'll find plenty of activities on the beach. This archipelago offers something for everyone. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

In Giverny, you'll find museums and food. So, one day is just the right amount of time to spend here.


A weekend in Orkney Islands or Giverny?

In Orkney Islands, you'll find museums and 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.

Giverny is a great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Because of this, a weekend is usually enough time for a trip here.

Five days in Orkney Islands or Giverny?

Orkney Islands is a great place to explore. It is common to spend five days here. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. Five days is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Orkney Islands has to offer. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Giverny. It offers something for everyone. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

A week in Orkney Islands or Giverny?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Orkney Islands. In Orkney Islands, you'll find museums and food. People usually spend lots of time at the beach. With all of its activities, you can easily fill one week here.

Travelers enjoy the food and museums when visiting the town of Giverny. Your budget might influence how long you stay. 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.


For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 2-Week Tours from Edinburgh, The Best Family-Friendly Tours to United Kingdom, The Best Coach Bus Tours in France, and The Best Adventure Tours to France.


Which place is cheaper, Giverny or Orkney Islands?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Orkney Islands is £128, while the average daily cost in Giverny is £107. 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 Orkney Islands and Giverny in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Orkney Islands £60
    Giverny £51
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Orkney Islands £120
    Giverny £102
Compare Hotels in Orkney Islands and Giverny

Looking for a hotel in Orkney Islands 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.

Hotels in Orkney Islands


Hotels in Giverny


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.
    Orkney Islands £56
    Giverny £41

Is it cheaper to fly into Orkney Islands or Giverny?

Prices for flights to both Giverny and Orkney Islands 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
    Orkney Islands £34
    Giverny £30

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Orkney Islands £27
    Giverny £22

Tours and Activities in Orkney Islands

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

  • From Kirkwall - Orkney Mainland Private Tour: $275
  • Semi Private Tour - Orkney and Kirkwall : $246

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

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Orkney Islands £6.43
    Giverny £5.68


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Orkney Islands and Giverny, we can see that Orkney Islands 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 Orkney Islands would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Orkney Islands 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 Orkney Islands Expensive? and Is Giverny Expensive?.



When is the best time to visit Orkney Islands or Giverny?

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 Orkney Islands or Giverny in the Summer?

Both Giverny and Orkney Islands are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Orkney Islands for the beaches, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences during these months. Also, the summer months attract visitors to Giverny because of the small town charm and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Orkney Islands is generally much colder than Giverny. Daily temperatures in Orkney Islands average around 12°C (54°F), and Giverny fluctuates around 20°C (68°F).

It's quite sunny in Giverny. Orkney Islands usually receives less sunshine than Giverny during summer. Orkney Islands gets 129 hours of sunny skies, while Giverny receives 241 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Orkney Islands usually receives around the same amount of rain as Giverny. Orkney Islands gets 56 mm (2.2 in) of rain, while Giverny receives 58 mm (2.3 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Orkney Islands 12°C (54°F) 
    Giverny 20°C (68°F)

Should I visit Orkney Islands or Giverny in the Autumn?

Both Giverny and Orkney Islands during the autumn are popular places to visit. The autumn months attract visitors to Orkney Islands because of the hiking trails and the natural beauty of the area. Also, the small town atmosphere and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Giverny this time of year.

Orkney Islands is cooler than Giverny in the autumn. The daily temperature in Orkney Islands averages around 9°C (48°F) in October, and Giverny fluctuates around 13°C (56°F).

In the autumn, Orkney Islands often gets less sunshine than Giverny. Orkney Islands gets 73 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Giverny receives 127 hours of full sun.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Orkney Islands. Orkney Islands usually gets more rain in October than Giverny. Orkney Islands gets 116 mm (4.6 in) of rain, while Giverny receives 55 mm (2.2 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Orkney Islands 9°C (48°F) 
    Giverny 13°C (56°F)

Should I visit Orkney Islands or Giverny in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Orkney Islands and Giverny. The museums and the cuisine are the main draw to Orkney Islands this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Giverny for the museums and the cuisine.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Giverny. It's quite cold in Orkney Islands in the winter. In the winter, Orkney Islands is cooler than Giverny. Typically, the winter temperatures in Orkney Islands in January average around 4°C (39°F), and Giverny averages at about 5°C (40°F).

Orkney Islands usually receives less sunshine than Giverny during winter. Orkney Islands gets 29 hours of sunny skies, while Giverny receives 62 hours of full sun in the winter.

Orkney Islands gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In January, Orkney Islands usually receives more rain than Giverny. Orkney Islands gets 106 mm (4.2 in) of rain, while Giverny receives 55 mm (2.2 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Orkney Islands 4°C (39°F) 
    Giverny 5°C (40°F)

Should I visit Orkney Islands or Giverny in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Orkney Islands as well as Giverny. Many travelers come to Orkney Islands for the beaches and the natural beauty. Also, many visitors come to Giverny in the spring for the small town charm and the natural beauty.

In April, Orkney Islands is generally much colder than Giverny. Daily temperatures in Orkney Islands average around 6°C (43°F), and Giverny fluctuates around 11°C (52°F).

In the spring, Orkney Islands often gets less sunshine than Giverny. Orkney Islands gets 135 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Giverny receives 172 hours of full sun.

Orkney Islands usually gets more rain in April than Giverny. Orkney Islands gets 56 mm (2.2 in) of rain, while Giverny receives 50 mm (1.9 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Orkney Islands 6°C (43°F) 
    Giverny 11°C (52°F)

Typical Weather for Giverny and Orkney Islands

Orkney Islands Giverny
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 4°C (39°F) 106 mm (4.2 in) 5°C (40°F) 55 mm (2.2 in)
Feb 4°C (38°F) 73 mm (2.9 in) 6°C (42°F) 45 mm (1.8 in)
Mar 5°C (40°F) 84 mm (3.3 in) 8°C (47°F) 52 mm (2.1 in)
Apr 6°C (43°F) 56 mm (2.2 in) 11°C (52°F) 50 mm (1.9 in)
May 9°C (47°F) 50 mm (2 in) 15°C (59°F) 62 mm (2.4 in)
Jun 11°C (52°F) 52 mm (2 in) 18°C (64°F) 53 mm (2.1 in)
Jul 12°C (54°F) 56 mm (2.2 in) 20°C (68°F) 58 mm (2.3 in)
Aug 13°C (55°F) 78 mm (3.1 in) 20°C (67°F) 46 mm (1.8 in)
Sep 11°C (52°F) 102 mm (4 in) 17°C (63°F) 53 mm (2.1 in)
Oct 9°C (48°F) 116 mm (4.6 in) 13°C (56°F) 55 mm (2.2 in)
Nov 6°C (42°F) 123 mm (4.8 in) 8°C (47°F) 57 mm (2.2 in)
Dec 4°C (40°F) 113 mm (4.4 in) 5°C (42°F) 55 mm (2.2 in)