Has anyone had experience with either of these two hotels on MSM? My biggest concern is regarding how far/how long it would take to walk to the Abbey from either hotel. Is one or the other more conveniently located than the other? We are women in our 60s and all relatively fit....however, on one site I read that the Duguesclin is 2.7 miles (uphill) from the Abbey. Is that possible? I didn't think the island was that big. Thank you for any information you can provide.
Posted by
Franklin, TN, USA
920 posts
We stayed at Hotel La Croix Blanche on MSM. We parked at the lot, locked all but essentials in our car trunk and walked across the bridge after lunch. We walked the Abbey, the main street as most of the tourists were leaving…we found a nice restaurant and ate with a RSteves tour group. We left the next morning…..loved staying on the island and seeing that night view from our window……hubby and I were 65 when we did this…….the streets are hilly but we had no difficulty…..we are 3 mile daily walkers and mobile.
Posted by
OP
Wisconsin
32 posts
Thank you!
Posted by
Noblesville, Indiana, USA
1406 posts
The Auberge St. Pierre is just a short walk below the Abby entrance. We enjoyed a dinner there once but our lodging was on the mainland.
Posted by
Middletown, RI
1227 posts
Both hotels are on the island itself (highly recommended, don't let anyone tell you otherwise) and are a short walk distance-wise from the abbey itself (minutes). But any trip to the abbey is an uphill climb. If you are "relatively fit," it shouldn't be a problem. If not, any visit to the Abbey would be challenging. Carry onto the Mont only what you need for your stay at night, and leave the rest securely locked in your trunk in the parking lot. Don't arrange it in the parking lot, make all your arranging of luggage ahead of time, and well out of sight of anyone in the lot. I have seen relatively fit people struggle trying to wheel their large suitcases on the cobblestones on the one main "street." I personally stayed at Le Mouton Blanc and it was a fine location. Be advised that almost all (or maybe all) of the hotels on the island, and most of the restaurants, are owned by the same company.