I guess my 'tour' thing isn't about saving the money, it's a 'time' thing.

I've read on here about people going on tours and what they end up hearing is war stories from the other people on the tour.

Also, there may be things I want to see/and/or miss that the tour does differently. Plus, my DH gets impatient.

More arguments favoring a private tour. If you want to decide where you go, what you see, and how long you stay, the canned tour buses aren't for you.

The battle buses also tend to dumb down the history for those who haven't cracked the cover of a history book for 35 years.

Robes, maybe that's part of it--I've read tons of books.

and unless you bikeable - bikes are a great way to see the beaches and sights along them - i've done it and it's easy enough - public transportation via Bus Verts is so spotty that you either have to take the mini-bus tours or hire a private tour

How much does it cost to hire a private tour guide? I know the minibuses seem very reasonable - $50 or so?

Could someone comment if it is worth staying a night at Mont St Michel? For the sake of having it to yourself when the day-trippers are gone.

s

I always think the best part of MSM is the view of it from about a mile away, it always takes my breath away.

Sorry never stayed there but it gets hellish busy with tourists.

Muck

I think it's worth staying overnight on the Mont. Alternatively, stay on the mainland, admire the Mont from afar, and avoid the crowds altogether.