I'm going with one other person during the week, third week of October. We'll be traveling from Bayeux and will have a car. We plan to stay on le Mont. My concerns are 1) parking the car and 2) what to do with luggage. Also, please comment on crowds that time of year vs peak times. Recommendations and opinions will be much appreciated!
Posted by
Gettysburg PA
8435 posts
Forum search will provide some answers
Posted by
1534 posts
There is a massive parking lot and I believe if you stay on MSM you will receive a code to access a certain area of the lot to park your car in. There are endless discussions on this forum regarding leaving luggage in the car. (Use the search forum) Prior to arrival put everything you are leaving in the trunk hidden away. Put what you are taking in the back seat; grab it; lock your car and go. Obviously there is always a risk, but there really aren't other options.
Posted by
Walnut Creek, CA
784 posts
KD is correct. There is a massive parking lot (fee) and you will take the free shuttle bus to the entrance of MSM and you will have to hike UP hill towards your hotel.
Unless you want to haul your luggage up the cobblestone streets, it would be best to prepare a day bag with enough items for the one night stay and leave your big luggage in the trunk of your car. There is really no other option here.
MSM will be crowded during the day even in October, but after 5 pm, the streets empty and you will have it almost all to your self.
That is the magical time!
Get up early and hike uphill to the abbey and attend the morning service at 6:30 am?. Be prepared to actually pray with the priests and nuns. It's a church, not a broadway show. After the service, you will be escorted out of the abbey. Then walk down to your hotel and have breakfast, then back up the hill to visit the abbey on your own. The church service does not include entrance to the abbey
The tourists start filling the streets by 10 am.
Posted by
Gig Harbor, Washington, USA
1959 posts
We stayed one night at Hotel Mercure, June 2025. That hotel is NOT on MSM but next to the river and a few hundred feet from the bridge that leads to the island. We were sent a key code two days before our visit and were able to park right next to the hotel. No issues worrying about luggage, took the first shuttle onto the island and enjoyed walking around for two hours (very few other people there at 8 A.M), then left before the tour ducks arrived.