TGV from Avignon to Mont St. Michelle-Where to stop on the way?

If you want to break the journey, you definitely need to spend the night somewhere, and preferably two nights - you have time to do so!
You could take the train from Avignon to Tours, ideally via Lyon, and spend 2 nights in Tours for some Loire chateau touring.

Another option is to travel from Avignon to Rennes, and perhaps use Rennes as a base for the likes of Fougères and Vitré before moving on to Mont Saint Michel.

Thank you!
I looked at the TGV and I’m still confused. It appears that the TGV has two connections to get from Avignon to Tours, and is $160 Euros per person. Does this sound right?

It goes from Avignon to Paris Gare de Lyon, and then from there we have to disembark and get on the train to Montparnesse, and then to Lyon.

I somehow didn’t think it would have to go back to Paris. But if that’s what we have to do, that’s ok.
Thanks for your help!

What about the TGV at about 0900 from Avignon to Rennes, 1 change at Le Mans, arrive Rennes at about 2.30pm.Then bus to MSM next morning?

Then on 22 May-morning bus MSM to Rennes, then train Rennes to Paris.

The only through booking is at 5.30 pm bus to Pontorson, then train to Paris, arrive 10pm, but the Rennes route is a more sensible timing.

Thank you for the replies.

I am now seeing that it is easier to go Avignon to Paris, Paris to Pontorson—-
I am trying to book a super cheap hotel in Pontorson for one night only just for no other reason than to hold our luggage, because I can’t find any way to store our luggage otherwise. We want to take just a backpack onto the Mont and stay there on the island one night so that we can explore without the crowds. I checked Bag Nanny, and the little info box says they are closed on Sunday, which is when we need to pick our luggage back up from the Nanny. So that won’t work. I found one hotel - that says it is .20 miles from the train station, and I suppose we can drag our luggage across the cobblestones or whatever to get it there, and leave the luggage in the room, then take the shuttle out to the Mont.

I know the hotels and food on the actual Mont are not great, but that’s ok. We want the experience. I just worry about what to do with the bags. I don’t want to keep our room in Paris for that night because it is 300 Euros, whereas I can get one in Pontorson for about $100.

Am I crazy? I guess there is no time to see the two big chateaus I wanted to see, but I guess if you have seen Versailles, what’s another Chateau? haha

I am not sure I understand your problem. You leave Avignon on 18th May and travel from Mont Saint Michel to Paris on 22nd May. That leaves you plenty of time to visit some chateaux in Brittany besides Mont Saint Michel, and I would not stay in Pontorson for that, certainly not without a car. If you do not have tons of luggage, taking your luggage to Mont Saint Michel is not a deal breaker.
Or, if you decide to do the Mont St Michel excursion from Paris rather than straight from Avignon, I think you can store luggage at Montparnasse station in Paris for up to three days.

As for passing through Paris: it is the fastest option but I agree that it is a hassle. You can avoid that if you take a train from Avignon to Lyon Part Dieu and another train from Lyon Part Dieu to Rennes (there are a few direct options).

I can't really help with the Avignon to MSM dilemma (but I agree with those who recommend avoiding changing trains in Paris if possible. It looks like there is a Flixbus that runs from Paris to MSM, but I would imagine you'd still have to make an annoying transfer from train station to wherever the bus leaves from). If you want an early arrival at MSM, I'd definitely look into a nice and convenient place to spend the night, but you might also consider a later arrival and spending the night.

I did MSM and Bayeux (and Rouen) several summers ago. I took the direct MSM bus (it's a comfortable bus) from Rennes. This is easier than going to Pontorson, because the bus takes you right to the causeway of the Mont, without adding an unnecessary extra step. I doubt there's a train trip from Avignon to Pontorson that doesn't require at least two changes.

I stayed the night on the Mont because it was July and my timing was such that staying overnight was the best way to avoid the mob and really enjoy myself. It's worth considering, though I agree with the other posters that the lodging and dining is nothing special. BUT, if the abbey is open for its late night, summer hours in mid-May (not sure when they start), I think that's a good argument for a late stop.

After spending the night, I then took an early morning bus to Pontorson (early to miss the tourist buses) and then the train to Bayeux. Bayeux is wonderful and I wish I'd spent more than one day/one night there. There's not only the tapestry, but a beautiful cathedral with gorgeous stained glass, a quality fine arts museum, and access to the D-Day beaches if that's on your list.

Or you could make Bayeux your base and do a day trip to the Mont. There is a direct local train (to Pontorson, you'll have to get another bus or taxi from there), but it takes about 2.5 hours.

Back when I was better about my travel blog, I wrote two posts about this trip--one about MSM and the other about visiting the Bayeux tapestry. At the risk of shameless self-promotion, I'll post them below.

https://www.historycoloredglasses.com/2017/04/visiting-mont-saint-michel-by-night/

https://www.historycoloredglasses.com/2017/03/art-as-propaganda-and-history-the-bayeux-tapestry/

I hope some of this is helpful and that you make it to Bayeux. I've been lucky enough to travel in many (though hardly all) parts of France, and I think Bayeux may be my ultimate favorite.

Caroline