The Vernon–Giverny Greenway Along the Seine
The 5-kilometre cycling and walking path that follows the Seine from Vernon station to Giverny's garden gate is one of the loveliest flat rides in Normandy — poplar-lined riverbank, grazing Charolais cattle, and the chalky cliffs of the Seine valley appearing and dissolving in the morning mist like a sequence of Impressionist sketches.
The Route
The path runs almost entirely along the D5 road and a dedicated riverside track, passing through the hamlet of Saint-Marcel and skirting the edge of the Seine's floodplain meadows before climbing gently into Giverny village. The surface is good tarmac throughout and entirely flat — suitable for all fitness levels and for children on bikes.
In spring, the verges are thick with cow parsley and wild poppies; in autumn, the poplars turn a clear yellow and their reflections double in the river. Both seasons are worth the trip for the scenery alone.
Wildlife and the River
The Seine here is wide, slow and surprisingly wild at its edges: grey herons stand motionless in the shallows, kingfishers streak between the willows in flashes of electric blue, and in May you may spot common terns diving above the gravel bars.
The floodplain meadows between the path and the river are grazed by horses and cattle and have a quietly pastoral quality that makes it easy to understand why Monet chose to live here rather than in Paris.
Practical Cycling Tips
Bikes can be rented from two outlets in Vernon: the dedicated cycle hire at Vernon station (operated by Vélo Loisir en Normandie, approximately €14/day including helmet and lock) and from Café du Cyc'loire on Rue d'Albuféra, which also serves good coffee and croissants before you set off.
The ride takes 20–30 minutes at a leisurely pace; allow a full day to ride out, visit the gardens and museum, have lunch, and ride back in the afternoon light. The return ride, with the sun behind you and the river on your left, is the better direction for photography.
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