Remember that the Claude-Monet Garden is a popular destination so pre-planning and booking is essential.
Monday 7 September 2026, cyclists take the Brittany Ferries 20:15 overnight sailing from Portsmouth to Saint-Malo being conscious that there is no Tuesday sailing on this route. They then spend eight days cycling 424km to Vernon via Chartres; distance does not include diversions for accommodation. Going via Chartres three days takes longer but has the advantage of seeing the Cathedral Notre-Dame in Chartres and you stay in the Parc Naturel Régional du Perche for longer where there is fine cycling much like the Chilterns in England.
Tuesday 15 September 2026, non-cyclists take the 08:01 Eurostar from London to Paris Gare du Nord arriving 11:29. They then transfer to Gare Saint-Lazare using RER line E (7 minutes) or a 35 minute walk. A slightly longer walk pushing further north takes you through the Quartier Pigalle. Then it is around 50 minutes from Gare Saint-Lazare to Vernon-Giverny Station which is located in the town of Vernon close to Giverny. The 15:12 train allows time for lunch and the transfer to Gare Saint-Lazare. Tickets can be bought in advance using the SNCF connect app available for download on the Play Store.
Tuesday 15 September 2026, cyclists arrive around 15:00 to a hero's welcome in Vernon possibly in time to check in and meet non-cyclists at the Station.
Stay in Vernon for 7 nights. A holiday home rather tgan apartment may offer the best hope of secure bike storage. Though Gîte de France offer great holiday homes they are in the countryside. In addition to walks along the Seine the railway offers easy access to explore other towns and even visit the restored Notre-Dame in Paris.
The Parc Naturel Régional du Vexin Française is just North-East of Vernon and will provide good cycling.
Tuesday 22 September 2026, non-cyclists make their way to Paris Gare du Nord to catch the 18:02 Eurostar arriving back in London for 19:39 missing the London rush hour and allowing time for eating in Paris.
Tuesday 22 September 2026, cyclists make their way to Dieppe which is a 2-day ride along part of the Avenue Verte. Two nights in Dieppe provides a one-day buffer for catching the ferry and time to explore Dieppe and its environs.
Friday 26 September 2026, cyclists catch the 11:30 DFDS ferry from Dieppe to Newhaven. Then a train back to London arriving around 7pm to miss rush hour.
