From Avignon to Mount Saint-Michel, good idea?

Works for me. Some people here would balk at the 5-6 hr train and 1.5 hr bus, but getting to MSM around 5 pm and spending the night on the mount and then part of the next day is definitely doable. If it's something you want to do and it's your best chance to do it, then go for it.

My friends have taken the bus from Rennes to MSM, and they said it works extremely well. Just remember that your bus will drop you off at the parking lot on the mainland--not on the island. You'll can catch the shuttle right there. MSM is magical at night--and a zoo during the daytime tourist peak. You're smart to get out before the tourist buses arrive.

I think it's worth it... I love Mont St. Michel... always have ever since I was a little girl, and I keep going back. Spending the night on Mont St. Michel itself is so worth it. EnjoyI

Thanks for all your input!

I just thought since I'm planning to go to MSM anyway and already spending time travelling from Avignon to Paris, might as well just continue on to MSM...If going on another day, I will have to take another train and the time to travel from Paris to MSM....and I think going to MSM directly will save me some travel and moving time.....

Anyone knows what time it gets dark in France in July?

Late, very late (I'm sure there's some site that gives sunrise and sunset times), but the days are very long that time of year.

sunrisesunset.com

I'd look at a train routing that does through Lyon and Rennes and then on to Pontorson. There might even be one that doesn't even have the Lyon transfer and goes all the way to Rennes. Either should be faster than having to make the cross-town station switch in Paris.

Jenny,

I just checked the timetables and here is the route and times that will work for you without going via Paris.

Take a TGV from Avignon TGV to Rennes, departing at 09:16 and arriving at 14:46. Take a bus operated by SNCF (French National Rail) from Rennes to Mont-Saint-Michel departing at 16:45 and arriving at 18:00.

If you book Avignon-Rennes ASAP (up to three months allowed) on tgv-europe.com, you can get a discount fare as low as €30. The standard 2nd class fare is €123. To avoid being bumped to Rail Europe which doesn't offer discount fares, choose France as your ticket collection country.

There is no discount fare for the Rennes - Mont-Saint-Michel bus. The fare is €12.70. Buy your ticket when you get to Rennes.

Thanks Tim & Ed for your suggestion.

Wow, there is a 2 hours wait time in Rennes? Are there anything we can do there to kill some times where waiting for the bus to MSM (with our luggage)?

Jenny