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Paris Itinerary and another MSM question!

Posted by (Atlanta) on

Hi all,

I know this is posted often but I am utterly confused and paralyzed with indecision- I thought I would throw this out one more time.

I posted a little while back about 9 days in Paris with wanting to do a side trip to Normandy- MSM and D-Day beaches. (Thanks to all who posted!!) I am thinking Giverny does not make sense anymore as the gardens will be closed when we are there. I now feel like I can't give the D-Day beaches the time deserved and am looking at Paris/Versailles/MSM.

With 9 days (arriving 11/23 noon, departing 12/2), does it make sense to make the trip to MSM? I've read so many conflicting views on the topic. That it is not a day trip, don't stay on the Mont, etc. Based on the reviews I've read of the actual hotels on the Mont I am inclined to actually not stay there- most reviews detail musty old hotels? And with some feedback being it's not necessary to spend the night there? But others saying it's 'magical.' So two days would be spent I suppose- making our way to MSM, spend the night there, and head back the next day. And one day at Versailles. Leaving 6 days for Paris- is that enough for a first time Paris (and France for that matter) tourist?

Also- in general- any feedback on how Paris or MSM are in the time/season we are going is appreciated. I am assuming it will be cold and possibly dreary?

I know Rick's advice is to assume you will return, but I'm afraid I may not and MSM is a bucket list item for myself and my husband. If it does makes sense is there any way to do the trip without renting a car?

The planning of this portion is holding up the rest of my planning because I am unsure of how to make all the days work with paris museum pass, whether I should get a carnet or navigo pass, and where to make hotel reservations! So thanks again to all in advance! Appreciate the feedback and expertise!

Posted by
8496 posts

Just my opinion. The point of staying on the Mont, in one of those old musty rooms, is being there early morning and late evening, when the millipedes of visitors are gone, and you can see more than the souvenir shops. Getting up early and attending the morning prayers in the abbey was worth the trouble of making the visit.

Posted by
482 posts

Hi Anjali.

We are firmly in the 'magical' camp. We've stayed on the Mont four times, with the 5th coming up. Since it's a bucket list item for both of you, I would think you'd enjoy staying on the island. I hear the reasons people cite for not staying on the Mont, but there's nothing like waking in the morning in that place. People say you can't see the view of the Mont while you're on the Mont, just as you can't see the view of the Eiffel Tower while you're on the Eiffel Tower. But going up in the Eiffel Tower is an entirely different experience from looking at it. And the same is true of staying on the Mont. (By the way, you can still see the view from a distance either on your way to, or from, your night on the Mont).

We've stayed in 3 different hotels on MSM. I would not describe any of them as musty. If I had to pick one descriptive word it would be expensive (but 'bucket list', remember?). The rooms we've had were all good or even very good, but the hotels are not the reason you're there. They have registration desks and restaurants, but no lobbies. They're just background to the experience of exploring the Mont.

We've always travelled there by car and from what I read in this forum, getting there via public transportation is problematic. We've also always gone in the summer. I assume it would be cold when you're going. I'm also not sure how many hotels on the Mont are open when you're going.

I think you can have a good time in Paris in 6 days but it might not be 'enough'. Some people go to Paris and consider that a trip to France. Others want to go everywhere but Paris. You sound like you're looking forward to being in Paris, That's enough time to enjoy yourself but I doubt that you'll have had your fill. Just try to pick the things you like the most.

Posted by
2466 posts

It will be getting dark around 4:30 or 5 PM, so if you're not fond of gloomy weather and lots of tourists, I would recommend staying in Paris.
Or, you could stay in St Malo in a nicer hotel and visit Mont St Michel. Some hotels have nice views of MSM.
As for Versailles, you could book the King's Apartment tour, which will allow you to see things others won't. There is a dedicated line for people with tour tickets, so look for that. I would plan for a whole day at Versailles - though if the weather is freezing, most of the statues will be covered to protect them.

Posted by
6113 posts

You posted the same question only a day or so ago, so your answers are likely to be the same!

MSM In June through September when I would imagine most people have visited is going to be very different from a cold, dank, probably wet late November day.

I am not in the "it's magical " camp based on my visit there 2 weeks ago, but Europe has many other similar churches/houses/castles/lighthouses etc built on rocks that I have visited, so MSM is not unique. If you don't have anything similar, then MSM may have more appeal.

If it's on your bucket list, go, but just be aware of what you will be visiting.

As for Paris, you can see all the main sights in your time there. Check opening times on websites wherever you are visiting, as some places maybe closed Mondays. Winter opening hours will mean that some places will close earlier.

Posted by
23 posts

Thanks to all very much for your replies!

Jennifer- Thank you for your candid feedback and noting my earlier post! I did not realize that got posted :-D I posted and then each time I tried to view the post it said it could not be found so I thought I'd try again! haha- my mistake!...But good to know about the weather and opening times. I was particularly concerned about that- I guess that's why I found such a great fare!

Stan and Bob- If we do decide to stay on the Mont- since it seems you both have experience there- would you be able to recommend hotels? Bob- in particular you mentioned staying at 3 different ones?

Chexbres- I did not even think about St. Malo- I will look into that and thanks for the tip about the King's Apts, also the note about the statutes- another thing I did not consider :-\

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