I am interested in traveling from PARIS to MONT ST MICHEL for a DAY TRIP? Many suggestions found online, some even advise not doing a DAY TRIP. But what is the easiest transportation route to MONT ST MICHEL? I will be a single women traveling by myself. I'm also concerned as some have mentioned that it's confusing to find the bus depot...???? Is it REALLY that difficult??? Would it be easier to travel with a private tour bus/group?
Posted by
Bay Area
3551 posts
I would take a guided bus tour from Paris in your situation. Leave the driving and details to someone else. It is not a simplistic do it yourself trip.There are many beaches to visit and a tour would give you the highlights. We stayed 3 days to see this thought provoking area so we rented a car.
Posted by
Minneapolis, MN, USA
8700 posts
I haven't been to Mont-Saint-Michel, but I can give you transportation information. You can leave Paris as early as 06:35 on a TGV to Rennes. Change there to a bus operated by SNCF (French Rail) and arrive at Mont-Saint-Michel at 10:50. The latest you can leave and still get back to Paris that day is on the 17:25 bus. Change to a TGV in Rennes and arrive in Paris at 21:10. The standard 2nd class fare each way is €68.30, but if you book well in advance (up to three months allowed) at www.tgv-europe.com, you can get a Prem's fare as low as €32.80 each way.
So it's possible to do this as a day trip and you would have about six hours at Mont-Saint-Michel. However, I would advise against it for two reasons. For me a nearly 4-hour ride each way is too long for a day trip. Too much time in transit and too little time at the destination. Second, I've read many posts saying that the best time to be at Mont-Saint-Michel is in the evening after the tour groups have departed. For those reasons I would recommend stayng overnight.
However, you may feel that six hours is plenty of time to be at Mont-Saint-Michel and it would be worth it to fight the crowds in order to get back to Paris that night. It's your call.