should we get to mont st michel late and see it at night? from msm we plan to visit the loire valley, we will defintely be renting a car for this region , we plan to sleep in amboise, is renting a car from msm to amboise a good idea? we will then also have the car in the loire for 2-3 days to explore the region, i plan to sleep in a chateau in amboise ,le manoir les minimes, Does anyone know how long it takes to drive from msm to amboise and is this an easy drive ? im a bit worried as we are not used to driving on that side of the road, after the loire i cant work out what to do, we will prob have a few extra days (en route to spain) where i dont know where to spend?? we can have the car if necessary. i was thinking st emillion??? basically a nice place between amboise-loire and on our way to spain, note we will be re entering france after spain and going to Provence and riviera,
sorry i know this is a long post and i have asked many questions, hopefully i can get some great suggestions,
thanks all
Posted by
Boston
4132 posts
We have made the drive you propose, from MSM to Amboise, years ago. It was not hard, though it took us most of the day, including a long a pleasant lunch stop in Fougeres where there is a ruined chateau. This may not be worthwhile in the winter.
I don't know how to advise you about driving on the right. Your itinerary includes a lot of this, with some long stretches between the Loire and Spain. An alternative might be to take the train to Provence from the Loire and from Provence to Spain, flying home from Barcelona.
If you do stick to your original plan, stop in Peregord, particularly the Vezere, Dordogne, and Lot valleys. It may be the highlight of your trip, if everything is not shut up for the season.
On the other hand, a winter trip argues for a generally urban itinerary. It can be cold, windy, and dark, and things are shut down. If so you may want to re-think your plan somewhat.
I hope this is helpful, and I am sure others will have some comments too. Have a great trip!
Posted by
Minneapolis, MN, USA
8700 posts
For driving time estimates, distances, and suggested routes for Mont-St-Michel to Amboise, go to either www.viamichelin.com or www.mappy.com. Be sure to enter Le Mont-St-Michel rather than just Mont-St-Michel or you will be given a route involving a town in another part of France. The closest place to rent a car would probably be Dinan or Rennes. You might be better off picking up a car in either Caen or Bayeux and driving to Mont-St-Michel rather than taking the train and bus.
Posted by
Marietta, Georgia
157 posts
Vikkie,
We made the drive in the reverse direction. Amboise to MSM this July, stopping in Dinnan.
It was really a pleasant drive, just make sure you get a GPS. The French roads can be very confusing.
Jim