We ill be traveling from Bayeux to our cottage in the Loire Valley and plan to visit Mont St. Michel on the way. We have a van as we are a family of six. My concern is leaving our car parked with our luggage in it (one suitcase each) while we visit Mont St. Michel- probably not more than three hours. Is there any secure place to park? We wouldn't mind paying something for peace of mind. Or is there not a problem with stolen luggage? Any help appreciated. Thanks.
Posted by
Danville, VT
12040 posts
I don't know anything about theft problems.
There are two parking areas, one closer to Mont for overnight guests, and a much larger lot for day visitors. Neither lot is particularly secure. The overnight lot may offer slightly more protection, because you need a swipe key to enter with a vehicle, but anyone can walk through either lot.
Posted by
DeKalb, IL
29 posts
Hi Patti -- as a previous respondent noted, both the parking areas are open; there are guards at the gates to take the parking fee. When we were there in May last year we parked overnight and did not experience any problems but we did not leave any luggage in the car. BTW you'll probably want to allow more than 3 hours for MSM. It will take you a bit to drive up the causeway and park, and then I'd allow 45 minutes to walk from the parking lot up to the Abbey (the Grand Rue can be very crowded). Allow about 2 hours to fully tour the Abbey, then another 45 mins. back down; and you'll probably need a meal in there somewhere (there's a decent little cafe in the grocery store at the start of the causeway). It is definitely a not-to-miss site, though, so even if it takes you a bit longer to see it than you'd planned, it is well worth your time. Hope you have a wonderful visit!
Posted by
Philadelphia
655 posts
To visualize the parking lot at MSM, picture a the Disney lot and then add a section used for tour buses. We returned at night to see MSM with the lights on. I was amazed to see this huge parking lot empty of cars. At night we drove right up to the gate.
Just conceal the luggage as best as you can and do NOT leave any money, passports, cameras, jewelry, etc. in the van.