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Paris, Chartres, and Mont Saint-Michel in a day?

Posted by (Gainesville, FL) on

I am trying to figure out the best plan for seeing the cathedral at Chartres and going to Mont Saint-Michel via Rennes by train on the same day to save on expense (of the train ticket since the train seems to go through Chartres on the way to Rennes). Has anyone tried that?

I’ll be going in January so I don’t think crowds will be a problem. If this plan will work, I’m not sure which I should do first. I was thinking about lighting for picture taking (both for the stained glass windows in the cathedral in Chartres and the best lighting for Mont Saint-Michel), but in January, there might not be much light anyway.

Also, why would you take a bus from Rennes to Mont Saint-Michel? Isn’t the train station at Pontorson much closer?

Posted by
11507 posts

It will be dark out by 4.30 - 5 pm at latest.. consider that when trying to figure out timing.. plus fact in off season the train/bus connection to MSM is infrequent.. so the likelihood of this working is about nil.

Posted by
1994 posts

Save the better odds of good light for Chartres, rather than MSM. However, Chartres is beautiful even on a rainy overcast days – the only way I've seen it in three visits. The church at MSM is brighter, without a lot of stained glass, so more light gets in.

To answer your transit question, as I remember, bus service to/from MSM is much more frequent from Rennes (at least in shoulder season).

Finally, I hope you're staying overnight at MSM? Definitely stay on the island, and spend some time outside of the walls after dark. It makes for stunning views and photographs

Posted by
9550 posts

Not possible to do in one day. It takes too long to get between each of these places (except for between Paris and Chartres, that is).

Posted by
7175 posts

Rome2Rio lists Paris to Mont St Michel at nearly 5 hours so I don't see how this would in any way be practical, especially in January.

Posted by
719 posts

I don't want to squash any dreams, but you might want to break this one into 2 days. I can't imagine you seeing these sites in the limited amount of daylight that is available in January (keep in mind that France is pretty far north, so winter days are quite short).
Both worthy sites, but each deserves at least a day.

Posted by
6 posts

Thanks for all your advice. I will split them into 2 separate days.

I discovered after posting my question that the train from Paris to Rennes (the fast train) does not stop in Chartres. To do so would mean taking a train that stops at every station between Chartres and Rennes.

Posted by
46 posts

I agree with the others - with the limited daylight in January (and it is substantial), you won't be able to do both in one day when you factor in that you are staying in Paris.

Staying overnight on MSM is a unique experience, so that would be my recommendation, then head to Chartres the following morning.

Lisa

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