Mont St. Michel and the Loire Valley

"1) Can anyone suggest a good Mont St. Michel bay crossing company?" What do you mean by "crossing company"?

"2) Can anyone suggest some nice wineries to visit in the Loire Valley?" Not really a winery, but there's some interesting wine caves nears Amboise. If you drive along the D751 from Amboise to Chambord, you'll see them along the side of the road. A jolly old Frenchman (who doesn't speak English) will welcome you and show his wares.

We rented a car and drove to Vouvray from Amboise, about 1/2 hour away. There were several tasting rooms--not actual wineries in the town, where we were able to taste and buy wine. We parked on the main street at one of them, and just walked to the others.

THANK YOU! I mean guides that walk you across the sand/mud to the Mont.

You won't need anyone to guide you, as a causeway was built a long time ago. Pull over into a parking lot( pay) and walk. We went very late afternoon when the crowds diminished. We ate at one of the restaurants and lingered to see the colors of the sunset- lovely but of course late after a full day of sightseeing.
There are wineries ( and maisons du vin) and cheese and fruit stops all over the Loire. You'll see them once you're there. I googled Loire Valley Wines and several came up, including http://www.vinsdeloire.fr/en_EN/vins_trouver/viticulteurs_intro.aspx . Your hotel or TI will have maps for you, don't worry.

Paula, it appears you may be making a (significant) incorrect assumption about things at Mont St. Michel... I've never heard of anyone walking across the tidal (mud) flats to get there - at least not since they put in the road/causeway back in the 14th century (or whenever they made that improvement long, long ago). There's a perfectly dry, modern road connecting it to the mainland, and people don't go across the tidal flats, they drive there or take the bus. Sure, when the tide comes in, the mud flats are under water, but the road - which is raised a bit - is not submerged; it's just a small road like any other 2 lane paved road in France, perfectly dry. You certainly won't need any sort of "guide" to get there....just follow the stream of tour buses and all the cars (there will be plenty of them - it's quite crowded).

Unless you have some strong desire to replicate the experience of religious pilgrims who visited the Mont on foot back in the 11th century, there's no need to set foot on the mud flats. Or perhaps we've misunderstood your question?

Actually, I know that people DO hire guides to walk them across the to the Mont. I have seen it on Globetrekker. I just wanted to know if any of you out there knew a good guide service. They say NOT to go out alone.

Thank you for all the info! :)

Hey Paula,

That episode, where Justine Shapiro gets dug in mid-thigh, is pretty cool.

I'm considering a detour to Boulogne-sur-mer to shop at that cheese store!

First thing you have to do is check the tide chart:

Early Spring will have the best midday low tides.

If the tide is super low, it's my guess that people will be out there and you could easily hook up with a group.

I believe, somewhere in Rick's blogs, is an account of walking barefoot in the tidal flats.

I still don't know how to set up a proper hyperlink, but I've given you plenty of space to click on.

I looked it up, and Rick's 2009 France book recommends the company La Traversee Traditionelle (www.cheminsdelabaie.com, e-mail: cheminsdelabaie@wanadoo.fr). You might also try e-mailing Mont Saint Michel's tourist office about group crossings (OT.Mont.Saint.Michel@wanadoo.fr) or e-mailing your hotel (if you have one reserved already--I'm sure they'd know about at least one guide or company). Good luck! Wish I could join you :)

Thank you Bill & Kyla and everyone else!