This post suggests a mixed tour for cyclists and non-cyclists taking in the Claude-Monet garden at Giverny in Normandy. The garden is a short shuttle bus (the "petit train") away from the Vernon-Giverny SNCF Station which is located in the nearby town of Vernon.
Remember that the Claude-Monet Garden is a popular destination so pre-planning and booking is essential.
Vernon has attractions such as the medieval Le Vieux Moulin (Old Mill), the Château de Bizy, the Musée de Vernon, and cycling or walking to Giverny along the Seine.
Monday 7 September 2026, cyclists can 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 an "L" shaped route of 424km to Vernon via Chartres meaning a modest daily average of 53km; the distance does not include diversions for accommodation though it gives an option for a day off in Chartres. Going via Chartres takes three days longer than the five-day direct route to Vernon 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.
Cyclists have the option to take the Newhaven to Dieppe ferry to shorten the route to Vernon which is only 148km from Dieppe. Cyclists can also take Le Shuttle from Folkestone to Dover then cycle from Dover to Vernon which is 280km.
Tuesday 15 September 2026, non-cyclists take the 08:01 Eurostar from London St Pancras 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 in Paris 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 or via the SNCF connect website.
Tuesday 15 September 2026, cyclists arrive in Vernon around 15:00 to a hero's welcome and possibly in time to check in to the accomodation and meet non-cyclists at the station.
Stay in Vernon for 7 nights. A holiday home rather than an apartment may offer the best hope of secure bike storage and will cost around €1,200 for two couples subject to dates and property. Though Gîte de France offer great holiday homes they are in the countryside. Hôtel Normandy in Vernon offers a Spa (residents and non-residents) and secure basement bike storage though do check. Also do look at prices and the free cancellation available through booking sites such as Booking.com and Hotels.com.
There are walks along the river Seine and the railway offers easy access to explore other towns and even visit the restored Notre-Dame in Paris. The 6km walk from Vernon to Giverny could be done on the return from the Monet Water Garden.
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 148km 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 which is a four-hour crossing followed by a train back to London arriving around 7pm to miss rush hour.