Yes, as I mentioned, I was there in March. Arrived in the afternoon, after a slow drive from Paris. Lots of people when we got there, abandoned by sunset. Beautiful & quiet in the morning, we left as the day trippers were arriving.

I think I answred that Pal, already. I used to take student tour groups to le MSM every March and yes,it was packed. Giverny doesn't open until April.

Sorry I missed that and that settles the issue and if you say it I take it seriously. I have been there at various times and it was also mobbed - probably more in August even and though it was sardine city - elbow to elbow on the one main gauntlet leading up to the Basilica or whatever it is called - it was still one of my most memorable travel experiences - just seeing the Mont from the mainland even was great - but one reason to stay overnight - also see the Mont magically lit up at night from afar is keen - I also stayed right across from it on the mainland.

In summer there was a sound and light show in the abbey (basilica? or both) that was sparsely attended and a real thrill - each room with special effects - I liked that as much as the mobbed daytime tours.

There are a few hotels on the island but overpriced it seems and anyway the view from the mainland at night and day is awesome.

I saw the April 1 date somewhere but this on the website:

Sorry, we're now closed for Winter.
Reopening next March 25th, 2016
Open everyday from march 25th to November 1st, 2016
From 9.30 AM to 6.00 PM

http://giverny.org/gardens/fcm/visitgb.htm

Thanks! Looks like I would have to miss it this time, given the time I have and the train timings. I'll start looking for other day trips.

Auvers-sur-Oise is a lot closer by suburban train from Paris and I actually like it as much as Giverny or more - place where Cezanne and Van Gogh and other Impressionists gathered to paint local scenes - copies of them now put up in places they put them on canvas. You can also see the room in the local inn where Van Gogh died - blood stains still on the bed linen (if I recall correctly) after shooting himself here:

https://www.google.com/search?q=auve...HTAOB-YQsAQIGw

We have spent a day and it was totally enough. You can see the whole Abbey in a day and than spend time wandering around on the sends waiting for the water. But of course you need to return to the Abbey before the water.

Be careful walking on the sands - don't go too far without a guide from the island as there is quick sand some places - certified guides do lead walks across the sands but be careful on your own - I assume that right near the Mont it is safe but ask first.

Not March, but we were there in late August. After around a 10 km traffic backup we got to the vast car park (still around 1 km from the base of the Mont) and after paying 5 Euros to park, we just turned around and left. <i>Thousands</i> of people were trooping toward the Mont and thousands trooping back, and their facial expressions were not especially encouraging. It really reminded me of Disneyland's parking lot.

So we stopped at some supermarche in the nearest village and picked up a couple of sandwiches and went looking for a place to picnic. Here's where we ended up: http://gardyloo.us/20100824_65a.JPG

That picture is great - the best aspect of the Mont IMO -seeing it from afar and synthesizing the feeling medieval pilgrims must have felt upon approaching it and their prayers being answered once there.

Great photo!