Paris to Giverny by bike: following in the footsteps of the Impressionists
In summary
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Sports
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Duration3 days
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LevelIntermediate
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DestinationFrance / Ile-de-France
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AgeFrom 3 - 90 years
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CO₂-Emissions33.7 kg CO2
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Type of stayIndependent traveler
In a few words
What if the landscapes of the Impressionists became your travel playground? Embark on a 3-day, 140km cycling trip from Paris to Giverny, between the banks of the Seine, forests, and villages of the Île-de-France region. From Saint-Germain-en-Laye to Auvers-sur-Oise, follow in Van Gogh's footsteps through the landscapes that inspired 19th-century artists.
Continue along the meanders of the Seine, between heritage sites, quiet roads and countryside, before reaching Giverny, Claude Monet's village. Gardens, water lilies and the Museum of Impressionism offer a colorful finale to this getaway combining art, nature and cycling.
Thanks to our optional one-way service, there's no need to backtrack: pick up your bike in Paris, leave it in Giverny and fully enjoy your journey in the footsteps of the Impressionists.
The highlights
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A cultural itinerary in the footsteps of Van Gogh and Monet
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Discover the meanders of the Seine, forests and charming villages of Île-de-France
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A journey through artistic heritage, artists' homes, and impressionist landscapes
Photos
Sport
Level
Leisure Cycling
For those wishing to cycle around 40 km a day over gently rolling terrain. The route follows cycle paths and greenways for the most part. A trip suitable for families and occasional cyclists.
The expert's opinion
This trip is suitable for travelers in normal physical condition who are used to regular physical activity. You don't need to be an experienced cyclist: the stages are designed to allow everyone to ride at their own pace and fully enjoy the route.
In figures
PRIVATE HIRE VEHICLE
- Average duration/day: 3h
- Average distance/day: 55 km
- Average daily elevation gain: 250 m
- Predominant type of terrain : Road
Management
Program
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Heading into the world of Van Gogh
- Activity PRIVATE HIRE VEHICLE
- Duration of the activity 3h
- Distance 49 km
- Positive elevation gain 230 m
- Predominant type of terrain Road
- Accommodation 3-star hotel
- Breakfast not included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner not included
Departing from Paris towards Maisons-Laffitte, you'll make a first stop to admire the château and stroll through the park of Saint-Germain-en-Laye. Then, continue on to Auvers-sur-Oise, a village closely linked to Van Gogh. Upon arrival, you'll follow a route dedicated to the artist, highlighting his works and the places that inspired him. The church in Auvers, made famous by one of his paintings, is a must-see.
Day 1 -
A stopover in nature and river heritage
- Activity PRIVATE HIRE VEHICLE
- Duration of the activity 3h
- Distance 57 km
- Positive elevation gain 260 m
- Predominant type of terrain Road
- Accommodation 3-star hotel
- Breakfast not included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner not included
Head towards Gaillon-sur-Montcient, with an enriching stop at the River Navigation Museum, dedicated to the history of river navigation. Then take some time to relax in the Priory Park, a verdant setting perfect for immersing yourself in the region's natural and historical heritage.
Day 2 -
From the Collegiate Church to Impressionism
- Activity PRIVATE HIRE VEHICLE
- Duration of the activity 3h20
- Distance 57 km
- Positive elevation gain 260 m
- Predominant type of terrain Road
- Breakfast not included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner not included
On your way to Rosny-sur-Seine , you'll stop in Mantes-la-Jolie to discover the majestic Notre-Dame Collegiate Church and the Hôtel-Dieu Museum , which retraces local history. You'll then continue to Giverny , the emblematic village of Impressionism , where you'll visit Claude Monet's house and gardens , before delving deeper into this artistic movement at the Museum of Impressionism .
Day 3
Note
Day 1: Paris - Auvers-sur-Oise
distance: 49.6 km
Time: 3 hours
positive elevation gain: 230m
Route type: 55% cycle path, 20% path, 15% street, 10% road (including cycle route)
Day 2: Auvers-sur-Oise - Gaillon-sur-Montcient
distance: 50 km
Time: 3 hours
positive elevation gain: 150m
Route type: 40% cycle path, 20% path, 30% street, 10% road (including cycle route)
Day 3: Gaillon-sur-Montcient - Giverny
distance: 57 km
Time: 3 hours 20 minutes
positive elevation gain: 260m
Route type: 30% road (including cycle path), 30% track/path, 30% cycle path
Accommodation
Throughout your stay, you will be accommodated in hotels carefully selected for their comfort, hospitality and location suitable for your cycling route.
After each day of cycling, you'll enjoy a comfortable room to rest and recharge before the next stage. We prioritize ideally located accommodations, allowing easy access to city centers, restaurants, and main points of interest.
Access
Go to the starting point
From Paris-Nord train station :
- Metro : Take metro line 4 from Gare du Nord station to Réaumur - Sébastopol . The journey takes approximately 5 minutes, followed by a 5-minute walk to Rue de Cléry.
- Bus : Line 39 takes you from Gare du Nord to Poissonnière - Bonne Nouvelle in about 13 minutes, followed by a 5-minute walk.
From Gare de Lyon :
- Metro : Take line 14 to Châtelet , then change to line 4 to Réaumur - Sébastopol . The total journey takes approximately 15 minutes, followed by a 5-minute walk.
From Montparnasse Station :
- Metro : Take line 4 directly to Réaumur - Sébastopol . The journey takes approximately 15 minutes, followed by a 5-minute walk.
Price details
The price includes
- Hotel accommodation in single rooms on Day 1 and Day 2
- Trip organization
- GPX track
The price does not include
- Luggage transport
- Transport to the meeting point on Day 1
- Meals
- Insurance
Options
- Mountain bike rental : CHF146.37 / unit
- E-bike rental : CHF227.79 / unit
- Bicycle repatriation : CHF117.09 / unit
- Flex fare and insurance
Practical information
Specific formalities
Specifics
Before your departure, check with the embassy or consulate regarding the entry and stay requirements for your destination country. You can also find this information on the France Diplomatie website ( https://www.diplomatie.gouv.fr/fr/dossiers-pays/ ).
In the case of flights with stopovers operated by different airlines, also check the entry requirements of the countries you are transiting through.
It is your responsibility to ensure you are in compliance, particularly regarding the validity of your identity documents (for example, some countries require your passport to be valid for at least six months after your return) , visa requirements, necessary vaccinations, and health recommendations. And don't forget to consider any customs restrictions and other potential requirements of your destination or transit country.
ℹ️ Information may change up to the departure date, remember to regularly check official websites.
Equipment
Equipment provided on site
The equipment mentioned is included only as part of our bicycle rental service.
- Bicycle helmet
- Poncho
- Anti-theft
- Tire repair spray
- Phone holder
- Multi-tool
- 2 x 20L panniers
- Repair kit
Equipment to bring
- Sunglasses
- Sunscreen
- Cap or buff
- Cycling gloves
- External battery
- Charging cables
Clothing to bring
- Cycling jersey or breathable technical t-shirt
- Windproof and/or waterproof jacket
- Thermal underlayer (if cold)
- Cycling shorts or bib shorts
- Long tights or waterproof over-trousers (if it's cold or raining)
- Lightweight gloves (summer) or thermal gloves (winter)
- Technical socks
- Buff / neck warmer
- Beanie under helmet (if cold)
- Comfortable T-shirt
- Fleece or lightweight down jacket
- Lightweight trousers or shorts
- Tights or leggings (if cold)
- Lightweight sandals or flip-flops
- Appropriate shoes
- Waterproof overshoes
- Rain pants
- Breathable waterproof jacket
- Warm hat and gloves
They traveled with us
