A Travel Price Comparison for France Paris vs. Giverny for Attractions, Food, Families, and Couples

Should you visit Paris or Giverny?

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

Should I visit Paris 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.

Paris

Paris is a iconic, bustling, and energetic city. With plenty of activities and things to do, it's a huge city that draws plenty of visitors. Many visitors also come because of it's amazing beauty. Visitors also love the live music, food, and shopping.

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.

Paris and Giverny: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Numerous theater shows
  • Popular for food and cuisine
  • Active nightlife
  • Good music scene
  • Fun shopping
  • Popular at Christmas
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Good for students
  • Good public transit
  • Big city activities
  • Impressive beauty
  • Home to the Eiffel Tower
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Impressive beauty
  • Home to the Home and Gardens of Claude Monet
Things to Consider
  • Less popular for food
  • Less family-friendly
  • Less popular with backpackers
  • Public transit not as usable


Is there more to do in Paris or Giverny?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Paris. Although Paris and Giverny are popular destinations, Paris has more sights and attractions for tourists. Paris is very popular for its museums, theatre productions, food, nightlife, music, shopping, and big city activities, while Giverny attracts visitors for its small town charm. Paris is famous for its world-renowned cuisine, iconic landmarks, trendsetting fashion, and dynamic markets. It is also well known for The Eiffel Tower. Giverny is famous for being the home and inspiration for Claude Monet.

The Eiffel Tower
The Eiffel Tower

How is Paris different from Giverny?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Paris
Giverny

Paris is an amazing city to visit for its historical sights. Also, Giverny is not as popular, but is still a nice town for its sights and museums.

The museums and tourist attractions in Paris are world-renowned. One of the most world famous landmarks is the Eiffel Tower. The city is also home to the world renowned Louvre, Notre-Dame, and Palais Garnier Opera House. In addition to the many iconic sights, there are beautiful buildings and hidden gems throughout the city.

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.


Is Paris or Giverny Better for Theater?

Paris
Giverny

Paris is an amazing city to visit for its theatre productions. However, Giverny is not a theatre destination.

The theater and performance venues in Paris draw crowds from around the world. There are world class theaters as well as smaller local venues where you can enjoy a show.

Giverny is not a theatre destination.

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

Paris
Giverny

Paris is an amazing city to visit for its local flavors and cuisine. Also, Giverny is not as popular, but is still a nice town for its local cuisine and restaurants.

For foodies, Paris is an obvious choice, as it is one of the food capitals of the world. There are countless local restaurants, markets, and patisseries to explore. Make sure you try the steak tartare, pate, and macarons.

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 Paris or Giverny Better for Nightlife?

Paris
Giverny

Paris is an amazing city to visit for nightlife and partying. However, Giverny is not a destination with noteworthy nightlife.

Paris has a colorful and one-of-a-kind nightlife scene. Head to Pigalle or the Latin Quarter for some of the city's best nightlife. There are all-night parties, cabarets, and exclusive night clubs that you can experience.

Giverny is not a destination with noteworthy nightlife.


Is Paris or Giverny Better for Music?

Paris
Giverny

Paris is an amazing city to visit for its live music scene. However, Giverny is not a live music destination.

With so many music venues, you're guaranteed a show any night of the week in Paris. Some of the most famous music venues include Le Pop In, La Mécanique Ondulatoire, and Les Disquaires. You'll also find many small bars where you can enjoy live music in a quaint setting.

Giverny is not a live music destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Paris or Giverny?

Paris
Giverny

Paris is an amazing city to visit for its shopping opportunities. However, Giverny is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Known for shopping, Paris draws large crowds to its stores. Some of the best areas for shopping are Boulevard Haussmann and the Grands Boulevards, the Marais, and Avenue Montaigne and the Champs-Elysées. The city is iconic for its fashion scene and world class shopping venues.

Giverny is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Paris or Giverny Better for Christmas?

Paris
Giverny

Paris is an amazing city to visit for its Christmas holiday experiences. However, Giverny does not offer Christmas activities.

With so many activities, Paris is a top place to visit during Christmas. The city of lights really proves itself around the holiday season. In addition to checking out the Christmas lights, it's fun to go window shopping or check out one of the city's Christmas markets.

Giverny does not offer Christmas activities.


Is Paris or Giverny Better for Families?

Paris
Giverny

Paris is an amazing city to visit for its kid-friendly activities. However, Giverny is not a good destination for its family-friendly activities.

As it has a large number of activities for kids, Paris is a very family-friendly destination. Check out Jardin du Luxembourg, or one of the city's many playgrounds. Also grab a treat at one of the city's many patisseries. And of course, there's Disneyland Paris.

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 Paris or Giverny Better for Couples?

Paris
Giverny

Paris is an amazing city to visit for its romantic activities. Also, Giverny is not as popular, but is still a nice town for couples.

Paris makes for a terrific place to visit as a couple. A city filled with romance, you really can't find a more ideal destination for a European honeymoon or a couple's getaway.

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 Paris or Giverny Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Paris
Giverny

Paris is an amazing city to visit for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Giverny is not as popular, but is still a nice town for backpackers.

With so many budget-friendly offerings, Paris is extremely popular for backpackers. It's a big city, so it's easy to get lost in the chaos, but there are many hostels and other backpacker hangouts around town.

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 Paris or Giverny Better for Students?

Paris
Giverny

Paris is an amazing city to visit for its student-friendly activities. However, Giverny is not popular with students.

Many students frequent Paris. The city is one of the most popular destinations for international and study abroad students.

Giverny is not popular with students.

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

Paris
Giverny

Paris is an amazing city 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 Paris is top-notch. The city's metro system is very comprehensive. There's also a bus system that you can use to get around.

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 Paris or Giverny a more walkable city?

Paris
Giverny

Paris 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.

Paris is a very walkable city. Some streets can feel a bit overwhelming, but there are many parts of the city that are easily explored on foot.

Giverny is a somewhat walkable city. 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 Paris Worth Visiting? and Is Giverny Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Giverny or Paris?

How long in Paris or Giverny?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Paris or Giverny to fill your time. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Paris 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 Paris, and 1-2 days is enough time in Giverny.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Paris 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 Paris.


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

One day in Paris or Giverny?

Because Paris is a large city, there are a variety of ways to spend your time. This city offers something for everyone. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

In Giverny, many people enjoy the food and museums that this peaceful destination offers. This town offers a variety of activities to choose from. Because of this, one day is usually enough time for a trip here.

A weekend in Paris or Giverny?

Because Paris is a large city, there are a variety of ways to spend your time. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. Since there is so much to do in the area, a weekend is probably not enough for all of it.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Giverny. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. This would be the perfect place to spend a weekend, as it has just the right amount of activities. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.

Five days in Paris or Giverny?

Paris is a great place to explore. It is common to spend five days here. Five days is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Paris has to offer. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

Giverny is a fun place to experience. Travelers enjoy the food and museums when visiting the destination of Giverny. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything.


A week in Paris or Giverny?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Paris. Because Paris is a large city, there are a variety of ways to spend your time. With all of its activities, you can easily fill one week here.

You'll find museums and food around the picturesque destination of Giverny. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.


For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Historical Tours in France, The Best 10-Day Tours in France, The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in France, and The Best 2-Week Tours in France.


Which place is cheaper, Giverny or Paris?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Paris is €232, 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 Paris and Giverny in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Paris 151
    Giverny 60
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Paris 302
    Giverny 120
Compare Hotels in Paris and Giverny

Looking for a hotel in Paris 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 Paris


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: Paris Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Paris 21
    Giverny 48
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Paris

Some typical examples of transportation costs in Paris are as follows:


  • Metro
    6.40
  • Train from Airport
    9.00
  • Metro tickets
    6.80
  • Train
    20

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Paris

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

  • Versailles: Skip-the-Line Day Tour & Transfer from Paris: $2,554
  • Private Transfer to or from Toulouse: $1,383
  • From Le Havre/Honfleur: Private Transfer to Versailles: $1,382
  • Romantic Photoshoot in Paris with Champagne & Transfers: $1,063
  • Private Transfer to or from Lyon: $958
  • Private Transfer to or from Strasbourg: $958
  • Private Photoshoot Tour with Louvre & hotel Transfers: $957
  • Paris by Vintage Car Day and Night Tour with hotel Transfers: $957
  • Private Photoshoot and shopping Tour with Hotel Transfers: $850
  • Luxury Mercedes Transfer to Deauville or Le Havre: $798
  • Private Transfer from CDG and Orly Airports in Paris to Le Havre: $298
  • Private one way transfer from Paris city to Disneyland Paris: $275

Is it cheaper to fly into Paris or Giverny?

Prices for flights to both Giverny and Paris 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
    Paris 41
    Giverny 35
Typical Food Prices in Paris

Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to Paris:


  • Ice Cream
    8.00
  • Breakfast
    7.00
  • Breakfast for 2
    30
  • Dinner on River Cruise
    86
  • Dinner
    57
  • Cheese
    13

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Paris

For Paris, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:

  • 1h30 Cooking Activity in English: $22
  • Paris Capitaine Fracasse 3 Course Seine River Dinner Cruise: $43
  • Paris : Seine River Bistronomic Dinner Cruise: $52
  • Seine River Panoramic Views Dinner Cruise: $56
  • Paris en Scene 3 Course Seine River Dinner Cruise: $57
  • Seine Cruise Departure from Pont Alexandre III with Dinner Included: $64
  • No Diet Club - Paris : Night food tour - Montmartre: $67
  • 1-Hour Sightseeing Cruise with Bistro Dinner: $67
  • Paris : No Diet Club Food Tour - Best Spots in Le Marais: $68
  • Eat, play, love Montmartre: 3H Walking Food Tour in Small group: $71
  • Dinner with Customized Wine Selection: $74
  • 3-Hour Dinner Cruise on Seine River and Saint-Martin Canal: $75

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Paris 77
    Giverny 26
Typical Entertainment Prices in Paris

For Paris, here are some examples of average entertainment and activity prices from previous travelers:


  • Louvre Entry for Two
    18
  • Admission to Pantheon
    5.00
  • Catacombs (2)
    23

Tours and Activities in Paris

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

  • 2-Hour Walking Tour About French Revolution : $42
  • A Day at Parc Saint-Paul Ticket and Transport Included: $206
  • Guided Tour to Montmartre & Sacré-Cœur Chronicles: $48
  • Musée d'Orsay Skip-the-Line Fully Guided Tour: $56
  • Paris Christmas Market Tour: $294
  • Paris Sightseeing Tour with Seine River Cruise from Disneyland®: $93
  • Private Tour in Medieval Paris with Latin Quarter and Panthéon: $248
  • Skip-the-Line Paris Catacombs Special Access Tour: $129
  • Versailles Palace Skip the Line Small Group Guided Tour: $75
  • Île de la Cité – Sainte-Chapelle and the Conciergerie Tour: $242
  • Île de la Cité, the Old Town of Paris Private Guided Tour: $197
  • 1-Hour Sightseeing Flight around Paris: $172

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: $293
  • Monet's House & Gardens Private Guided Walking Tour: $277
  • 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

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Paris 24
    Giverny 6.64
Typical Alcohol Prices in Paris

Some typical examples of the costs for nightlife and alcohol in Paris are as follows:


  • Wine
    14

Sample the Local Flavors in Paris

Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Paris:

  • Daily Paris Pub Crawl : Meet, Drink & Party: $15
  • Original Paris Pub Crawl : $16
  • Latin Quarter Guided Pub Crawl to Bars and Clubs: $21
  • Paris Latin Quarter Pub Crawl Bars and Clubs: $24
  • Paris Bar Crawl: $24
  • Paris Pub Crawl: $25
  • Vineyard tour and wine tasting in Davron: $31
  • Paris Gin Craft Distillery Tour and Tasting: $33
  • Wine Museum Guided Tour with Wine Tasting: $38
  • Paris Nation wine tasting: $42
  • Wine Tasting in Paris right next to Père Lachaise & l'Atelier des lumières: $49
  • Vegan Wine Tasting in Paris right next to Père Lachaise: $49


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


Which is Bigger, Paris or Giverny?

Paris has a larger population, and is about 3790 times larger than the population of Giverny. When comparing the sizes of Paris 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 Paris 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 Paris or Giverny in the Summer?

Both Giverny and Paris are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The summer months attract visitors to Paris because of the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences. Also, the small town charm and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Giverny this time of year.

In the summer, Paris is around the same temperature as Giverny. Typically, the summer temperatures in Paris in July average around 20°C (68°F), and Giverny averages at about 20°C (68°F).

It's quite sunny in Giverny. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Paris. Paris usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Giverny during summer. Paris gets 241 hours of sunny skies, while Giverny receives 241 hours of full sun in the summer.

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


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Paris 20°C (68°F) 
    Giverny 20°C (68°F)

Should I visit Paris or Giverny in the Autumn?

Both Giverny and Paris during the autumn are popular places to visit. The city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Paris this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Giverny for the small town atmosphere and the natural beauty of the area.

In October, Paris is generally around the same temperature as Giverny. Daily temperatures in Paris average around 13°C (56°F), and Giverny fluctuates around 13°C (56°F).

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

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


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Paris 13°C (56°F) 
    Giverny 13°C (56°F)

Should I visit Paris or Giverny in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Paris and Giverny. Many travelers come to Paris for the museums, the Christmas ambience, the shopping scene, the theater shows, and the cuisine. 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 Paris. Paris is around the same temperature as Giverny in the winter. The daily temperature in Paris averages around 5°C (40°F) in January, and Giverny fluctuates around 5°C (40°F).

Paris usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Giverny during winter. Paris gets 62 hours of sunny skies, while Giverny receives 62 hours of full sun in the winter.

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


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Paris 5°C (40°F) 
    Giverny 5°C (40°F)

Should I visit Paris or Giverny in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Paris as well as Giverny. Many visitors come to Paris in the spring for the activities around the city and the natural beauty. Also, most visitors come to Giverny for the small town charm and the natural beauty during these months.

In the spring, Paris is around the same temperature as Giverny. Typically, the spring temperatures in Paris in April average around 11°C (52°F), and Giverny averages at about 11°C (52°F).

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

Paris usually gets around the same amount of rain in April as Giverny. Paris gets 50 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Giverny receives 50 mm (1.9 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Paris 11°C (52°F) 
    Giverny 11°C (52°F)

Typical Weather for Giverny and Paris

Paris Giverny
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 5°C (40°F) 55 mm (2.2 in) 5°C (40°F) 55 mm (2.2 in)
Feb 6°C (42°F) 45 mm (1.8 in) 6°C (42°F) 45 mm (1.8 in)
Mar 8°C (47°F) 52 mm (2.1 in) 8°C (47°F) 52 mm (2.1 in)
Apr 11°C (52°F) 50 mm (1.9 in) 11°C (52°F) 50 mm (1.9 in)
May 15°C (59°F) 62 mm (2.4 in) 15°C (59°F) 62 mm (2.4 in)
Jun 18°C (64°F) 53 mm (2.1 in) 18°C (64°F) 53 mm (2.1 in)
Jul 20°C (68°F) 58 mm (2.3 in) 20°C (68°F) 58 mm (2.3 in)
Aug 20°C (67°F) 46 mm (1.8 in) 20°C (67°F) 46 mm (1.8 in)
Sep 17°C (63°F) 53 mm (2.1 in) 17°C (63°F) 53 mm (2.1 in)
Oct 13°C (56°F) 55 mm (2.2 in) 13°C (56°F) 55 mm (2.2 in)
Nov 8°C (47°F) 57 mm (2.2 in) 8°C (47°F) 57 mm (2.2 in)
Dec 5°C (42°F) 55 mm (2.2 in) 5°C (42°F) 55 mm (2.2 in)