We saw Mont St Michel with my 3 boys and they enjoyed it. Ages 9,14,15. We saw it in July and it was very crowded, I don't know how it will be in November. I felt it was worth the trip. I have been to Rouen, so I can't speak for it.

thanks that is helpful to know your boys enjoyed it!...

Mont St Michel is fine as long as the weather's good and the crowds are gone, otherwise I would stick with Rouen. It's a great city, lots to see and there are some excellent restaurants.

Forget the car and take the train.

Jump on the train in Paris and that will be your fastest route out to the area. It is a fantastic destination and attraction - spectacular! When you arrive in Rouen, you can rent a car for Rouen and Mt. St. Michel, spend a night or two, return the car and take the train back to Paris. There used to be an excellent tour company for that area, Battlebus. Weather will likely be cold, windy and rainy, but that will just keep the crowds down. Do wear layers with rainproof shoes and coat, and be prepared to get wet. Stop in a small French cafe for coffee and pastry to warm up and dry out during the day.

Best Regards,
Julia

If you are just going to Rouen for a day, there is no reason at all to rent a car, just take the train. Your son will probably like riding the train, anyway. I don't know that Rouen will be as interesting as Mont St Michel to him, of course.

Of the two I preferred Mont St. Michel. Agree that if you choose Rouen you should take the train. Rouen has its Joan of Arc theme if he's interested, but otherwise I found MSM interesting for walking and looking around and also interesting historically, Norman conquest, and the like. Rouen more "city" aspects, less isolated.

No matter which and/or both you'll mostly find yourself cold and damp. Be prepared to have fleeces and layers, gloves and hats. even if you are lucky and don't need them take them anyway. Both placs are knock out awesome!

Oztravelz, MSM is fabulous. Presumably you will be staying overnight in the area as it is some distance from Paris. Warm, waterproof clothing and footwear are a must so near the sea.

As you probably know, no parking is allowed now on the causeway leading to MSM (as of April, 2012). You would have to park at some distance and walk before getting the tram/train/conveyance (?) that covers part of the causeway.

If you click on my name, you can check out my visit to Mont St. Michel on my length trip report about Paris under “Tuesday, June 12, 2012.” Enjoy Normandy…

Well, you may never again in your life see anythng as spectacular as Mt. St. Michel. Esp. from a distance.

Mt. St. Miche is best seen from a distance during high season!

This is truly apples and oranges.Le MSM is a unique Middle Ages abbey and sight in the middle of the sea and visits are subject to the tides. Rouen is a fair-sized city where Jean d'Arc was burned at the stake - there are many monuments to her there. In November, both are likely to be cold, windy, and possibly rainy.

It's like asking should we take our kids to see the Statue of Liberty or just run around Chelsea? Up to you - one unique monument or a whole city. Depends what you want.

Honestly, both will be cold and dark by 4:30-5, so its a short daytrip. Take train, leave EARLY. It will be a long tiring day. Would not bother to rent a car.
If its rainy I wouldn't go to either, it will be dark( by 4.30 almost) , cold, and rainy, both places are GREAT, but both are best enjoyed on foot, walking. Walking around in rain isn't that fun , and if weather is bad even the view of MSM may be foggy..

I would rethink this , take son another time . Theres tons to see and do in Paris.

Having seen Mt St M in the summer I think November is a great time to go there - but not right off a plane. You really need to drive to get there - quite a bit country roads. And is really not doable as a day trip from Paris unless yuo leave about 6 am (and who knows what the tides will be).

Rouen is quite interesting in a historical sense - but for 3 kids Mt St M is a much better deal if you have the time. Just be prepared for a LONG climb up - and then a lot more climbing around inside the Abbey.

Why/what does the nine year old say about "wanting" this? Is he going to be happy with a 7 hour drive to get there (plus or minus)--and back.

well thank you all.... we went to MSM and we all loved it.... going to save Rouen for next trip..... stayed at Le Bristol in Paris.... great hotel.... thanks so much!