I have read that MSM is very crowded during the day and the recomendation is to arrive late in the day stay over night and get out before the crowds arrive . Is it as crowded during mid to late Sept ? I was planning on taking the shuttle from the Churchill Hotel in Bayeux - for a day trip . Alternatively without renting a car how else is it possible to get out to MSM - I know the train station is a bit away ( 10 km - I believe )
Posted by
Ottawa, Ontario,, Canada
521 posts
I stayed in Bayeux and travelled by train to Mont-Saint-Michel. Take the train from Bayeux to Pontorson. In Pontorson, take the bus right to Mont-Saint-Michel. The bus does not always leave right after the train arrives - when I was there I had a one-hour wait before the bus departed. The good news was that Pontorson has some amazing stores for buying food that I took with me for a picnic lunch, so I made good use of the hour. Remember that food will be over-priced at Mont-Saint-Michel.
I went in August during the day, and yes it was VERY busy there, though I still got to see all of it on my day trip.
Posted by
OP
Mission, BC, Canada
19 posts
Thank you Steven - I appreciate the advice and the details re the bus . Makes my original wish to stay overnight possible.
Posted by
Ottawa, Ontario,, Canada
521 posts
My pleasure - glad to hear it!
By the way, the bus between Pontorson and Mont-Saint-Michel makes a couple of stops along the way as there are some hotels on the road leading up to the Mount. If you are planning on taking the bus, there is a printable schedule available here listing all trips until July 4, or you can take a look at the main page for the bus although it is only available in French. Let me know if you need a hand reading anything there.
Posted by
Boston
4132 posts
I visited in September, and although we spent the night and missed the peak crowds, there seemed to be lots of people leaving as we arrived and arriving as we left.
MSM is very popular and September is practically high season.
Also, like many worthwhile sights that attract crowds, MSM unfortunately has its indigenous tacky tourism industry that ramps up during the day and goes to bed at night. So it's not just about the headcount but about the overall ambiance too.
I don't mean to discourage you! It's popular for good reason.
Posted by
OP
Mission, BC, Canada
19 posts
Steven thank you for the bus schedule - that saved me hunting around for it .
Adam I appreciate your comments re - staying overnight -are you glad you did it ?
Posted by
Boston
4132 posts
Paula--yes, very glad to have visited that way, sorry that wasn't clear. I'd recommend it, though that may not be practical for everyone.