Is it nuts to go to Mont Saint Michel in July/August? Advice needed.

Thanks. Do you know of a place to stay? Does RS recommend something. I ordered my RS book but it hasn't arrived yet and I am itching to plan!

Thanks Kent - I emailed them just now based on your recommendation.

Do you have any advice on getting there and getting around? Is it best to drive in (traffic / where to park) or to train (how to get from gare to town), or ?

What to see, when?

Thanks again.

Another hotel listed in the 2007 France book is www.lavieilleauberge-montsaintmichel.com or e-mail at [email protected]. I stayed on Mont St. Michel on a Rick Steves tour a few years back. The place is magical even when crowded. Evenings and mornings are best.

I have been there in late July and it was beautiful. Yes, lots of tourists but worth the effort. Definately stay over on the island. Rick's book has good recommendations. The late evenings and early mornings are delightful.

We went to Mont St. Michel about 9 years ago in June at about 9 or 10 pm. It was just beginning to get dark, and driving towards Mont St. Michel, all lit up, with the full moon rising behind it, was spectacular. All the touristy shops were closed up, and there were no crowds and we were still able to tour the Abbey. NOt sure what the hours are these days, but back then, it was a great time of day to go.

I've been to Mt St Michel 3 times in July/August and once in January. Yes it will be crowded but make sure you get there well before 10 am and it's much quieter. Or if it works with your travelling schedule stay overnight. On my last visit we stayed in a B&B outside of Dol-de-Bretagne only a short drive away and were among the first ones. Only issue: if you are looking for an English tour there are limited times available. Try to find those out ahead of time.

My only January trip was on a student field trip - we did some cartography of the salt fieds. Didn't get to go right onto the island but got to meet the shepherd and that was fun, too ;-)

Parking the car is not an issue, the parking lot is huge.

And unlike the parking spaces for daytrippers, the spots for overnight guests sit at raised elevation, so the lot doesn't flood with the tide (the daytripper lot does).

We stayed at Ridel St. Michel. Clean and inexpensive, with views of the Ramparts. The owners don't speak much English, you need to fax for reservations. Don't let the crowds deter you. If you stay on the island, then you can beat the rush and be at the abbey when it opens, well before the tour busses arrive. It is light until almost 9:30 in August, so nights are magical. We toured the abbey early, then drove to Bayeaux and D-Day Beaches. By the time we got back, the place was mostly empty.We arrived in the afternoon when everyone was leaving, so we didn't have a traffic problem.