Mont St Michel Parking (how is it now in 2015???)

I was there is Feb and there is a new HUGE parking lot with shuttle buses that take you to the entrance.
We were there in Feb and arrived about 11:00AM and the lot was only about 1/2 filled.

Same comment; we were there last October. Huge parking lot relatively far from le Mont. You then board a shuttle (or walk if you like) for the trip all the way up to the foot of le Mont, on a new elevated roadway that lets the sea move underneath. There's also a visitor's center at the shuttle pickup point, which we didn't spend much time in, because the shuttle bus arrived.

When we were there, several bulldozers were tearing down the remains of the old road. It was pretty interesting; the last time I was there, in about 1985, we drove up on that road, and parked in a tiny lot located just about where the construction vehicles were parked (we were staying the night).

Can't say how full the lots would get in mid-Summer.

Parking is easy in the ginormous lots but the shuttle service is insulting. You have to walk a good long way and are funneled through the tourist traps run by locals until coming to the shuttle at the foot of the causeway. At that point, it isn't that far and it quite scenic to walk to the Mont. They could easily have a circulating shuttle in the parking lot but have chosen to make everyone walk in order to walk through tackyland shops. Even disable people have a long hike to the shuttle designated for them.

You can see pictures of the parking lot here: https://janettravels.wordpress.com/2014/01/21/mont-st-michel-is-that-a-real-place/ Mont St. Michel is just stunning at a distance, day or night. We were lucky to be there at the end of October when crowds were light and while the weather was kind of dour, we were also treated to a rainbow over the mudflats when we reached the Abbey. It was a wonderful trip.

@janettravels44 I'm not sure when you were last at Mont. St. Michel. The shuttle bus used to stop at the foot of the bridge, requiring a long walk through the tourist town on the mainland, but that was several years ago. It now picks up riders at the parking lot, next to the tourist information center. As for the OP's question, the parking lot is huge and you won't have a problem getting a space. However, the island will be jammed in the afternoon, so the later you can arrive and the longer you can stay, the better.

Parking is easy. Huge parking lot We were there in late June. You can choose to take the free shuttle - about a 10 minute ride, or you can walk along the new bridge - about a 25 minute walk. We had no problem finding a space, however we were there early. When we left around 1pm, there were still plenty of empty spaces. The only issue we had is that our TomTom gps tried to direct us towards the old parking lot, even though we had just updated the maps the week before. Once you get close to the Abby, ignore your gps and follow the road signs directing you to the parking area. Also, if you have luggage and don't want to leave it in the car, you can rent a locker at the visitor center for 1 euro.

T -- so glad to hear that. It makes perfect sense to run the shuttle from the parking lot. We were there 4 years ago but after the large parking lots had been constructed. They were constructing parking for the disabled closer to the Mont then so perhaps that is also done, although frankly this is the worst possible site for anyone with mobility problems as it is all stairs and climbs.

Hi Kerry,

Sorry if I am hijacking your thread a little bit, but we were also wondering about this. We have decided to follow the majority on here and are staying in a hotel on the Mont overnight. Sounds a bit complicated on how to park for this; special code you must obtain from the hotel, special area to park in, etc.... SO, has anyone reading this actually used the parking area while staying at a hotel on the Mont? Also, torn between leaving our regular bag in a rental car in the lot (theft possibility) versus dragging it up to our hotel. Anything special to know on how to park/pay etc.....?

Thanks to all!

@Jaye Don't fret too much about hotel parking at Mont St Michel. Your hotel will explain how it works and give you the code for the parking gate. When you get near the sight, look for signs that say La Caserne and then the signs for hotel guest parking. You enter the lot on its west side near the bus stop--not the day-visitor's entrance on the south side. As for your luggage, there are lockers near the tourist information office at the parking lot. Relax and enjoy your trip-you're going to love having the island to yourself in the evening.

This b&b is quite handy and our room had a view of the Mont.....just park your car behind the house which is very secure and walk to the shuttle. It's about 5 minutes as was super easy. We went to the Mont at night (few people and magical) and again the next morning (people everywhere). Have a great time!

http://www.lajacotiere.fr

Thank you T.! Sounds like it will be pretty clearly marked. Looking forward to staying there overnight. :0)

La Jacotiere is closing in October----they are not sure if the new owners will operate as a BnB

Paul

Is there a fee to park at the mont? If staying off the Mont are there shuttles from those hotels?

Just visited msm last week.
Bus does run from lots .
We chose to walk.
We didn't mind the locals market, way better then the tacky crap stores actually on the mont itself. Bought homemade soap, and fesh berries!