Hello all, we will be traveling to Paris in May and wanted to rent a car to dive to MSM for the day and then back. I've read about getting a train to Rennes and renting from there. Is that the smartest and easiest way? We need simple, lol! Thanks in advance!
Posted by
Gettysburg PA
7734 posts
That’s a super long drive for a day trip
Well over 3 hours each way
Posted by
1190 posts
We took the train from Paris (Montparnasse station) to Rennes and picked up our rental car. But we didn't do it as a day trip. I don't think our train got into Rennes until late morning. We stayed the night in Pontorson. Or you could stay even closer to MSM or even on the island. I suppose you could do it as a day trip, but it seems like a long day, but possible. The drive from Rennes is quite easy; and the train station has every possible car rental agency on site. But make sure you don't try to pull this off on a Sunday. Car rental agencies have very limited hours on Sundays.
Posted by
OP
4 posts
Thanks for the info. We are planning this on a Wednesday. Getting the 7am train from Paris and arriving Rennes at 830. Then the hour drive up to MSM. If we toured MSM from 10am to 4pm does that sound long enough to take it all in? The last train leaving Rennes back to Paris is 930pm. We don't mind making this an entire day trip. Appreciate all the information!
Posted by
Gettysburg PA
7734 posts
Check the hours at rental agencies
Usually close by 4-5
Posted by
Middletown, RI
1323 posts
Yes, a train to Rennes and picking up a car there makes the most sense. As mentioned, look carefully at the rental car hours. Usually there is a drop-off box for returning the car, but take a lot of pictures before leaving and make sure you don't arrive to pick up during their usually long lunch break. Keep in mind that if you are only at MSM in the middle of the day, you will be in the crush of day-trippers being bussed in. It is not nearly as picturesque or peaceful as spending night.
Posted by
OP
4 posts
Thank you Pharmer Phil! Have seen the crowds advertised, we will try to get there as early as possible. And I'm assuming we should get tickets ahead of time? Does anyone have advise on the actual tour? How to best traverse... starting at the top and go down? Thank you all again!
Posted by
South Carolina
102 posts
Could you adjust your plans to spend the night at MSM? Driving all day just to battle the worst of the crowds seems awful.
Posted by
Paris
7379 posts
You might as well spend the night in Rennes and return to Paris the following morning. That way, you can stay in the Mont as late as you want. Traffic is BAD in Rennes in the weekday rush hour FYI; I have missed a train before trying to return a car at the station (where the car rentals are annoyingly located many, many floors up a tiered parking lot with tight ramps).
If your budget is not too tight, keep the room in Paris in the meantime to avoid checking in & out; you can find affordable rooms in Rennes.
Posted by
OP
4 posts
Staying the night sounds like the smart thing to do. So staying in Rennes or closer to MDM? I'm sure it's much more expensive?
Posted by
Long Beach, Ca, usa
1800 posts
You can reserve tickets to visit the Abbey up to a month in advance. Get them through the official site, not a second party.
Posted by
South Carolina
102 posts
The hotels on MSM are not super expensive, as they are not luxurious at all. I would check your date of travel and see what the availability/price would be.
Posted by
Seattle, WA
65 posts
The hotels on MSM are not super expensive, as they are not luxurious at all. I would check your date of travel and see what the availability/price would be.
This, 100%. Coming from Paris, the rates will be relatively much more affordable. Pack a light travel bag and enjoy your night on the island. It transforms the place.