Skip the midday bus tours to avoid the shoulder-to-shoulder crush at the Japanese bridge. You only need about two hours to walk the floral paths and explore the house where Monet lived. Book a small-group morning tour from Paris to actually see the water lilies without fighting for space. Wear comfortable shoes for the gravel paths, and bring your camera. It’s peak cottage-core, but arrive early or prepare to be annoyed by selfie sticks.
