Hello, I'm planning a trip from Paris to Mount Saint Michele in October and I'm trying to decide what would be the best way to get there, and once there, where would be a good area to stay at. Is renting a car a good idea or can you get there by train? If we do rent a car, what other things do you recommend to see in the area. The family and I are into museums, history, art, and relaxing, so anything really. Thank you.
Posted by
Santa Rosa, CA, USA
1446 posts
A number of years ago we took the train from Paris to Bayeux. We stayed for a couple nights in Bayeux and took a guided tour of the Normandy beaches plus saw the cathedral, the Bayeux tapestry and WWII museum there (Bayeux is a fantastic town). We then rented a car in Bayeux and drove to Mount Saint Michele. We stayed on the island which was a very nice experience.
Posted by
San Francisco/Marin County
9420 posts
RS France guidebook has good info
on Mont St Michel. For me, the easiest way to get to Mont St Michel is by car. Like Sharon, we've stayed in Bayeux and driven from there.
Posted by
victoria, Canada
11507 posts
Raymond , may I ask your timeline ( how long in Paris and how long are you allowing for MSM?
Posted by
OP
Victorville, California, U.S.
168 posts
Hello Pat. We will be in Paris for 6 days with an extra day at Versailles. We then have 2 days to spare for MSM and the area around it. We then leave for Lyon for a few days.
Posted by
California
1625 posts
We purchased a train/bus combo ticket. Train from Paris to Rennes (4.5 hour journey) then a bus from Rennes to Mont St Michel. Look on trainline (formerly Captain train)
Posted by
Fairfax, CA, United States
39 posts
stay on the island - magical
Posted by
151 posts
Rent a car is a good solution if you expect to stay a few days in Brittany and Normandy, and wish to visit smaller towns. There is much to see in a rather small perimeter (St Malo, Fougères, Cancale, Dinan, Rennes...).
You could take a TGV train to Rennes or St Malo and then rent a car (or take a private tour from there if you do not feel like driving and would like to be with a guide),.
Posted by
OP
Victorville, California, U.S.
168 posts
Thank you for all the great advice. We're leaning towards taking the train to Rennes and then renting a car there. Thank you again.
Posted by
139 posts
We followed the advice of many and rented a car, drove to Mt St Michel, stayed the night on the island (not great room but we shall never forget the sunset/sunrise experience on the island).
There's stuff to see and better food in nearby Avranches. We also did Bayeux for the tapestry and D Day sites. Also on the way back to Paris there's always Giverny! We also made a little bit out of the way trip to Etretat, quite the scenery there.