We will be staying overnight in a hotel on Mont-St-Michel in mid-September, and will park our rental car (Peugeot SUV) in lot P3, which is restricted to hotel guests and requires a special code (provided by the hotel 2 days in advance) to enter. Presumably this means that the cars parked there would not be readily accessible to third parties. Acknowledging that no parking lot anywhere, ever, is 100% secure (I've read all the dire warnings posted here and elsewhere on the net about parking lot security in France in general), is this particular parking lot reasonably secure? We would of course take all our valuable, mission-critical, easily-fenced belongings with us to the hotel. To put it differently: is our underwear, extra clothing, and the like, really likely to be at risk? The alternative would be to put all such items in a luggage-storage somewhere else in France (since there don't appear to be any such anywhere near MSM).
Posted by
1521 posts
Given all the parameters of your understanding of how to not put yourself at risk, I would not lump parking at the giant general lot or the specific lot you mention as high risk at all. I'd bet on your underwear being safe; just keep things hidden out of site in the trunk not obviously leaving a bag in the front seat of the car. Have it all tucked away before you go into the lot; and only have what you are taking in the backseat so you can grab it. There are lots of sheep around, and they seem harmless. And my guess is 75% of folks have their extra clothes in the car as well.
There's a darling little produce shop around the corner as you exit the parking lots with stunning views and they don't want you to park and look at the view; they want you to buy a little something to support their business. I feel like they are missing a good opportunity to have a luggage hold for Americans who worry about their luggage; but I'm guessing their charming little business doesn't need that headache.
Posted by
Somerville, MA
732 posts
My opinion based on time spent in France and going to msm is that I wouldn’t worry about it.
I used to worry about this sort of thing but my experience has made me believe that if you are in a parking lot that has some sort of security or gate and you don’t have anything worth stealing in sight the odds of break ins are extremely low.
Posted by
Middletown, RI
1429 posts
The lot doesn't have any real security, just like all the other parking lots (they are all basically in a line). There is a gate for vehicles, but nothing to stop someone from walking in. I wouldn't worry too much, but my standard recommendation is to sort out all your luggage (what you will take and what you will leave) well before you arrive in town. That way, at least you won't be advertising that you're storing luggage in your trunk by opening your trunk and moving things around in public. Your left behind luggage should already be stored there, and your overnight luggage should be in the driving compartment. You simply get out with your carry-on, and walk to the shuttle. No muss or fuss.