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

Should you visit Oxford or Giverny?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Oxford or Giverny, this travel comparison, which includes costs, can help. The overall cost of travel is usually a consideration when deciding where to go next, and the cost comparison down below can help you decide based on the average prices from other travelers along with your own travel budget.

Oxford

Oxford is a historic, scholarly, and collegiate college town. With plenty of activities and sights, this is a small town worth visiting. Many visitors also come because of it's amazing beauty. Visitors also love the museums, nightlife, and food.

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. Other reasons to visit include food and museums.

Oxford and Giverny: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Fun shopping
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for students
  • Small town charm
  • Impressive beauty
Things to Consider
  • Less popular with backpackers
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


Is there more to do in Oxford or Giverny?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Giverny. Although Oxford and Giverny are popular destinations, Giverny has more sights and attractions for tourists. Giverny is more touristy than Oxford and is known for being the home and inspiration for Claude Monet. It is also well known for The Home and Gardens of Claude Monet. Oxford is famous for being home to one of the world's most notable universities.

How is Oxford different from Giverny?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Oxford or Giverny?

Oxford
Giverny

Spend time exploring the very good sights and museums in either Oxford or Giverny.

With a variety of museums, monuments, and historical sights, a trip to Oxford can be an interesting and educational experience. This town is filled with culture, history, and world class museums. Check out the Oxford University Museum of Natural History, The Museum of Modern Art, Ashmolean Museum, or the Museum of Oxford.

You'll find a good number of museums and monuments packed into 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.


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

Oxford
Giverny

Both Oxford and Giverny offer nice local cuisine and restaurants.

There are plenty of up and coming restaurants around Oxford. In addition to the typical British pubs and fish and chips shops, you'll find a wide diversity of ethnic food around town. Thai, sushi, Indian, and more are common dining options. Head to the Oxford Covered Market to try a traditional British breakfast or have some delicious ice cream.

Visitors will find a budding food and restaurant scene in 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.

Is Oxford or Giverny Better for Nightlife?

Oxford
Giverny

Oxford is great for nightlife and partying. However, Giverny is not a destination with noteworthy nightlife.

Many people head to Oxford for the nightlife scene. As a college town, you'll find an active nightlife scene with trivia nights and plenty of parties. There are pubs around town where you can grab a drink or find out if there's a concert while you're in town.

Giverny is not a destination with noteworthy nightlife.

Is the Shopping Better in Oxford or Giverny?

Oxford
Giverny

Oxford is a popular place for its shopping opportunities. However, Giverny is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Oxford. Shops around town offer the perfect opportunity to pick up some Oxford gear or by a few items from the Harry Potter franchise.

Giverny is not a noteworthy shopping destination.


Is Oxford or Giverny Better for Families?

Oxford
Giverny

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

Oxford offers lots of family activities. Families will enjoy taking a paddle boat out on the water and exploring the beautiful setting. There are also a number of sights that were influential in the making of Harry Potter. In particular, you'll find the inspiration for the "Great Hall" if you take a tour of Christ Church College. The tour must be booked in advance and they often sell out. Older kids will also enjoy exploring the Oxford University Museum of Natural History.

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 Oxford or Giverny Better for Couples?

Oxford
Giverny

Oxford and Giverny are both very good to visit as a couple.

Oxford makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. The beautiful campus and striking architecture make this a great destination for romance. Hire a boat and explore the water or wander through one of the impressive gardens.

Couples visit Giverny frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. 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 Oxford or Giverny Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Oxford
Giverny

Giverny is a nice place to visit for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Oxford is lacking in good options for backpackers.

It's common for backpackers to 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.

Oxford is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. There are a couple of hostels around town that offer affordable accommodation. As a college town, Oxford also has an active nightlife scene and a young crowd that keeps things affordable and fun.


Is Oxford or Giverny Better for Students?

Oxford
Giverny

Oxford is an amazing college town to visit for its student-friendly activities. However, Giverny is not popular with students.

Many students frequent Oxford. At its heart, Oxford is a college town and students are at the heart of the city and its culture.

Giverny is not popular with students.

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

Oxford
Giverny

Visitors will find nice public transit in both Oxford and Giverny.

Oxford has some public transit options. There are buses available if your legs get tired.

You'll find some public transit in Giverny, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. 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 Oxford or Giverny a more walkable city?

Oxford
Giverny

Oxford 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.

Oxford is a very walkable college town. The best way to explore most of the town is on foot, so you can soak up the full collegiate atmosphere.

Giverny is a somewhat walkable college 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 Oxford Worth Visiting? and Is Giverny Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Giverny or Oxford?

How long in Oxford or Giverny?

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

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

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


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

One day in Oxford or Giverny?

Oxford is a small town with plenty to do. This college town offers something for everyone. This would be the perfect place to spend one day, as it has just the right amount of activities.

Many travelers enjoy the museums and food when visiting the destination of Giverny. One day is often enough time to do most activities.

A weekend in Oxford or Giverny?

Oxford might be a small town, but there's plenty to do in the area. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Oxford has to offer.

Giverny is a great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. With all of its activities, you can easily fill a weekend here. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

Five days in Oxford or Giverny?

Oxford is a great place to explore. 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.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Giverny. Five days may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.


A week in Oxford or Giverny?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Oxford. Since Oxford is a small town, it's easily explored when your time is limited. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.

Travelers enjoy the food and museums when visiting the peaceful destination of Giverny. This town offers a variety of activities to choose from. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.


For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in United Kingdom, The Best 3-Day Tours in United Kingdom, The Best Coach Bus Tours in France, and The Best Adventure Tours to France.


Which place is cheaper, Giverny or Oxford?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Oxford is £131, 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 Oxford and Giverny in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Oxford £72
    Giverny £51
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Oxford £144
    Giverny £102
Compare Hotels in Oxford and Giverny

Looking for a hotel in Oxford 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 Oxford


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.


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

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Oxford £27
    Giverny £41

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Oxford

Also for Oxford, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Southampton - London Transfer: via Bath and Windsor: $234
  • Gatwick Airport to Southampton Port or Hotel Private Airport Arrival Transfer: $230
  • Arrival or Departure Private Transfer: Stansted Airport to Central London: $224
  • Oxford City to London Heathrow Airport Private Transfer Service: $196
  • Private One Way or Round Trip Transfer: Kensington SW London to Gatwick Airport: $147
  • Transfer in private Vehicle from London Gatwick Airport (LGW) - Central London: $96
  • Oxford Private Departure Transfer - Oxford Hotel/Accommodation to Oxford Airport: $68
  • Private Transfer from Gatwick city hotels to Dover Cruise Port: $55
  • Fareham to Southampton Airport (SOU) - Departure Private Transfer: $39
  • National Express | Between Gatwick Airport and Heathrow Airports Bus Transfers: $34

Is it cheaper to fly into Oxford or Giverny?

Prices for flights to both Giverny and Oxford 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
    Oxford £41
    Giverny £30

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Oxford £19
    Giverny £22

Tours and Activities in Oxford

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

  • "Luxury 8 Hours Day Tour in Oxford!": $491
  • 1.5-hour Oxford University and Colleges Walking Tour: $25
  • 24 Hour Open Top City Tour: $23
  • 24 Hour Open Top City Tour & Carfax Tower Entry: $27
  • 3-Hour Private Tour of Oxford With University Alumni Guide: $159
  • 90 Minute Classic Walking Tour of Oxford : $29
  • Afternoon Tea Sightseeing River Cruise in Oxford: $62
  • Blenheim Palace Admission Ticket: $35
  • Blenheim Palace Tour App, Hidden Gems Game and Big Britain Quiz (1 Day Pass) UK: $19
  • Brazilian Tapas Dining Experience with Pagode Music and Wine : $44
  • CS Lewis & Tolkien Tour with Magdalen Entry Public tour 11.45am: $64
  • Carfax Tower Entry Ticket: $3.81

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
    Oxford £21
    Giverny £5.68

Sample the Local Flavors in Oxford

Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Oxford:

  • Bar Maid-led Pub Crawl for Special Events: $44
  • Cambridge: Bar Maid-led Pub Crawl for Special Events: $44
  • Edinburgh: Bar Maid-led Pub Crawl for Special Events: $44
  • Bristol: Bar Maid-led Pub Crawl for Special Events: $47
  • Eccentric Oxford 3-Hour Pub Tour: $150
  • Wine Tasting in the Garden of England: $221


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


Which is Bigger, Oxford or Giverny?

Oxford has a larger population, and is about 270 times larger than the population of Giverny. When comparing the sizes of Oxford 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 Oxford 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 Oxford or Giverny in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Oxford and Giverny. Many visitors come to Oxford in the summer for the small town charm and the family-friendly experiences. Also, most visitors come to Giverny for the small town charm and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

In the summer, Oxford is cooler than Giverny. Typically, the summer temperatures in Oxford in July average around 17°C (63°F), and Giverny averages at about 20°C (68°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Giverny this time of the year. Oxford usually receives less sunshine than Giverny during summer. Oxford gets 195 hours of sunny skies, while Giverny receives 241 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Oxford usually receives less rain than Giverny. Oxford gets 46 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Giverny receives 58 mm (2.3 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Oxford 17°C (63°F) 
    Giverny 20°C (68°F)

Should I visit Oxford or Giverny in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Oxford as well as Giverny. Most visitors come to Oxford for the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area during these months. Also, the autumn months attract visitors to Giverny because of the small town atmosphere and the natural beauty of the area.

In October, Oxford is generally cooler than Giverny. Daily temperatures in Oxford average around 11°C (52°F), and Giverny fluctuates around 13°C (56°F).

In the autumn, Oxford often gets less sunshine than Giverny. Oxford gets 107 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Giverny receives 127 hours of full sun.

Oxford usually gets around the same amount of rain in October as Giverny. Oxford gets 58 mm (2.3 in) of rain, while Giverny receives 55 mm (2.2 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Oxford 11°C (52°F) 
    Giverny 13°C (56°F)

Should I visit Oxford or Giverny in the Winter?

Both Giverny and Oxford are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The winter months attract visitors to Oxford because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, the museums and the cuisine are the main draw to Giverny this time of year.

It's quite cold in Giverny in the winter. The weather in Oxford can be very cold. Oxford is cooler than Giverny in the winter. The daily temperature in Oxford averages around 3°C (38°F) in January, and Giverny fluctuates around 5°C (40°F).

Oxford usually receives less sunshine than Giverny during winter. Oxford gets 52 hours of sunny skies, while Giverny receives 62 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Oxford usually receives around the same amount of rain as Giverny. Oxford gets 52 mm (2 in) of rain, while Giverny receives 55 mm (2.2 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Oxford 3°C (38°F) 
    Giverny 5°C (40°F)

Should I visit Oxford or Giverny in the Spring?

Both Giverny and Oxford during the spring are popular places to visit. The small town charm and the natural beauty are the main draw to Oxford this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Giverny for the small town charm and the natural beauty.

In the spring, Oxford is cooler than Giverny. Typically, the spring temperatures in Oxford in April average around 9°C (48°F), and Giverny averages at about 11°C (52°F).

In the spring, Oxford often gets less sunshine than Giverny. Oxford gets 147 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Giverny receives 172 hours of full sun.

Oxford usually gets less rain in April than Giverny. Oxford gets 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Giverny receives 50 mm (1.9 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Oxford 9°C (48°F) 
    Giverny 11°C (52°F)

Typical Weather for Giverny and Oxford

Oxford Giverny
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 3°C (38°F) 52 mm (2 in) 5°C (40°F) 55 mm (2.2 in)
Feb 4°C (40°F) 35 mm (1.4 in) 6°C (42°F) 45 mm (1.8 in)
Mar 6°C (42°F) 47 mm (1.9 in) 8°C (47°F) 52 mm (2.1 in)
Apr 9°C (48°F) 45 mm (1.8 in) 11°C (52°F) 50 mm (1.9 in)
May 12°C (53°F) 51 mm (2 in) 15°C (59°F) 62 mm (2.4 in)
Jun 15°C (59°F) 51 mm (2 in) 18°C (64°F) 53 mm (2.1 in)
Jul 17°C (63°F) 46 mm (1.8 in) 20°C (68°F) 58 mm (2.3 in)
Aug 17°C (62°F) 51 mm (2 in) 20°C (67°F) 46 mm (1.8 in)
Sep 14°C (58°F) 51 mm (2 in) 17°C (63°F) 53 mm (2.1 in)
Oct 11°C (52°F) 58 mm (2.3 in) 13°C (56°F) 55 mm (2.2 in)
Nov 7°C (45°F) 55 mm (2.2 in) 8°C (47°F) 57 mm (2.2 in)
Dec 5°C (40°F) 57 mm (2.2 in) 5°C (42°F) 55 mm (2.2 in)