Need some advice about Mont St Michel
Jan 25th, 2019, 01:18 AM
#21
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I finally was able to open the link. I took a similar tour a number of years ago. It left from around the same spot but I got lunch. I remember it was an early morning and I got back late but not as late as the tour mentions. I got a tour of the Abbey then maybe 1-2 hours on my own. I was by myself so didn't wander far away. I was ready to leave when the bus did. It was pretty crowded and I went in October. We had a quick stop going and coming back. It wasnt enough time to get a drink and use the bathroom. The bathroom was packed as all the tour buses stopped there. I assume you are a male so maybe a non issue.
Now after that, I don't regret going. I may never go back but if I do, I would spend at least one night. Its probably nice to see it without the hoards of people. I did not go the last day of my trip it had to be more in the middle of it. I could have done without the lunch to be honest but that's a non issue for you.
I hope this information helps.
Now after that, I don't regret going. I may never go back but if I do, I would spend at least one night. Its probably nice to see it without the hoards of people. I did not go the last day of my trip it had to be more in the middle of it. I could have done without the lunch to be honest but that's a non issue for you.
I hope this information helps.
Jan 25th, 2019, 01:20 AM
#22
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Ideally for those who can afford a bit more time, it is better to come from Paris to Brittany/Normandy for a few days, because there is much more to see in the neighbouring area than Mont Saint Michel only.
A day trip from Paris to MSM is still possible over the day : then the fastest way to reach it is to take a TGV train from Paris Montparnasse to Rennes (1.5 hour), and then a bus (a few opportunities, about 1 hour drive), or even faster, a private tour from Rennes which allows to visit St Malo in addition.
A day trip from Paris to MSM is still possible over the day : then the fastest way to reach it is to take a TGV train from Paris Montparnasse to Rennes (1.5 hour), and then a bus (a few opportunities, about 1 hour drive), or even faster, a private tour from Rennes which allows to visit St Malo in addition.
Jan 25th, 2019, 01:22 AM
#23
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Jan 25th, 2019, 04:20 AM
#24
I know it sounds bad but the woman's bathroom line was ridiculous. I don't think the mens bathroom had a line or if women were trying to use it. I don't think so but I had to decide if using the bathroom or getting a drink was more important. Clearly I choose the bathroom and I brought snacks and a drink with me so it was ok. I could just see other people having a hard time like my mom. She does t move as fast as she used to. I just don't know why all the buses stop there and at the same time. The tour you take might not have this issue.
I wouldn't say it wasn't worth it but I can see why people recommend staying overnight. Its something I would like to try.
I wouldn't say it wasn't worth it but I can see why people recommend staying overnight. Its something I would like to try.
Jan 25th, 2019, 07:24 PM
#25
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More than 20 years ago, had only one day available to visit MSM from Paris. Did it using the TGV to Rennes plus bus to MSM. It was summer so there was a horde of tourists but we enjoyed the time we had. Ideally, an overnight would have been preferable but if only one day is available, go for it. It is a long day, but you can sleep on the bus/train!
The most vivid memory from that day - when the sign on the fountain says "Eau non potable" do not drink it. My innards rumble at the mere memory.
The most vivid memory from that day - when the sign on the fountain says "Eau non potable" do not drink it. My innards rumble at the mere memory.
Jan 26th, 2019, 01:01 AM
#26
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Why are you calling this out like it's a 'gotcha'?
Lots of things can be easy to do yourself but can be exhausting at the same time. Sitting on a bus or train for hours is easy to do on your own but can be exhausting. Riding in a car is easy to do but can be exhausting. I don't mean to be snarky but when you try to correct others or point out their 'errors' (with snark of your own) you open yourself up to robust challenge when your criticisms are poorly placed, incorrect, or expose your own lack of understanding of the language.
Jan 26th, 2019, 07:24 AM
#27
I confess that I did not read all of the posts, but is driving out of the question? I made a day trip with visiting friends once (leaving Paris around 07:00 as I recall) and I drove them to Caen (for the amazing Mémorial de Caen) and also to Mont Saint Michel, which they were thrilled to see. I think we got back to Paris around 21:00. It was a bit exhausting, but big deal! You don't get a chance to see totally amazing things all that often.
Jan 26th, 2019, 11:50 PM
#28
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I confess that I did not read all of the posts, but is driving out of the question? I made a day trip with visiting friends once (leaving Paris around 07:00 as I recall) and I drove them to Caen (for the amazing Mémorial de Caen) and also to Mont Saint Michel, which they were thrilled to see. I think we got back to Paris around 21:00. It was a bit exhausting, but big deal! You don't get a chance to see totally amazing things all that often.
