A few years ago my wife and I took a pleasant day trip from Paris to Giverny.

There are frequent trains from Gare St. Lazare to Vernon (about an hour trip) which is about three miles from the gardens. Even though it was raining lightly, we decided to walk and were happy that we did. You can also take a taxi or bus (or even rent a bike.)

We wandered through Vernon for a while, then crossed the Seine and headed for the gardens, which, on a cool, rainy early-fall day weren't filled with flowers, but were equally bereft of tourists. Having seen so many pictures of the gardens in bloom, we could easily imagine what they'd be like. (We'll probably go back again in the late spring to see the contrast.)

There's also an American Impressionist museum down the road.

Be sure and check opening times and pick up a street map at the tourist office. A handy web site is http://giverny.org/

Have a great trip,

Al Sonoma, CA, USA