Getting to Mont Saint Michel

Please look at this previous thread: http://www.ricksteves.com/graffiti/helpline/index.cfm?topic=94988 Note that there are some links (which may need to be cut and pasted into your browser) that include local maps. You did not give the ages of the kids or whether a stroller is involved. But vast numbers of people walk all the way to the island.

I was there in Nov. and took the shuttle over, but if you are going in the summer I would take the shuttle, get checked into your hotel and you should still have daylight if you are there in the summer. Wait till it gets dark and then walk part way out on the causeway to see the view in the evening.

Three more useful posts: http://www.ricksteves.com/graffiti/helpline/index.cfm/rurl/topic/78572/mont-st-michel-overnight-mid-april.html http://www.ricksteves.com/graffiti/helpline/index.cfm/rurl/topic/87587/montst-michel.html http://www.ricksteves.com/graffiti/helpline/index.cfm/rurl/topic/86921/mont-saint-michel-walking-on-the-sands-and-normandy.html (I used Rick's "Make Link" button on the richedit box, but it hasn't been working well this week)

We were at Mont St. Michel this month and used the shuttle. The walk is definitely "doable" but I think Terry's idea is perfect. The evening will be a quieter time to visit and the views at night should be spectacular.

I was just in Mont St. Michel this weekend. We parked and took the shuttle over because it was raining. The shuttle will take about 7 minutes, but the walk (about 30-40 minutes) would be pleasant if the weather was good. Do keep in mind that there is a strike going on at the moment, so the abbey will close a little sooner (but it's also free). Have a great trip - it's a wonderful place!

From what I've read, the strike is not about the construction per se, but about the parking costs and transportation access to the island for the workers during construction. I understand the strike has been going now for almost a month, and the workers are threatening to take increased action to get their point across. Don't know what that means, I'm hoping it doesn't mean they try to block access to the island altogether. We have reservations to stay on MSM July 13th, so are following the news about the strike with interest. We're hoping it is resolved before we get there for several reasons, one being that the night time visiting hours for the Abbey that they usually have in effect during July-August would hopefully be available if the strike is over.

We just did exactly what you are describing. 1. Contact your hotel in MSM for a parking lot code. You will use parking lot 3. You need thar code to enter the lot. It will cost €12 to park overnight. you pay that at a machine at the parking lot before you leave. Write the code and hotel name on a piece of paper to show the parking attendants who will be pointing you toward some other parking lot. They will let you precede to lot 3. It is a little confusing, but you will get to lot 3. The shuttle leaves from parking lot 1. Take the shuttle. It's a LONG walk, especially with luggage. Take a minimum amount of stuff with you, one small bag if possible. I saw people lugging big bags. They looked exhausted and unhappy. There will be 1 stop in the town. dont get off there. After you get off the shuttle, it is still a fairly long walk along the construction zone to get to the gate. We really enjoyed our evening. We got there about 4 pm and left by 10 the next morning. After 7, it is very quiet and peaceful. The abbey workers are on strike against the new construction. You can still go in, but no tours and not even any audio guides. It's all pretty easy. Just keep on saying lot 3. The attendants will know why you are going there. Be sure to get the code in advance from your hotel.
Have fun. It is an amazing place.