The New Shuttle Service to Mont St Michel - my experience

Sturgeon Bay...
Level Contributor
99 posts
205 reviews
193 helpful votes
The New Shuttle Service to Mont St Michel - my experience
Save

I posted this on another thread but thought I'd post again here (with some edits) for anyone looking specifically for information on the new shuttle service to Mont St Michel.

Just returned from Mont St Michel and although I was wary of the new Shuttle process, I must say that I think I'm a fan. We had been to the Mont several years ago so I have the benefit of comparing my two experiences. The first time we were there we only went for the day, this time we stayed overnight and left the following day so please keep that in mind. Also we speak/understand a little bit of French and this was helpful but wasn't absolutely necessary - as almost everyone was friendly and tried to help when needed.

The first time we visited in June 2009, we arrived very early around 8:30 am. There were already a long line of cars driving up to the parking lots near the Mont and when we left later that afternoon the stream of cars was even longer. Traffic was horrendous, and it was difficult to get a view or picture of the Mont from a distance that was car free. Our parking that morning was fairly close, and if I remember correctly we had to pay? I may be wrong there so correct me if needed. I don't remember anyone walking along the road to the Mont - but I think it was possible on a narrow shoulder on each side, exhaust fumes from the cars would have made it unpleasant I imagine.

Fast forward to May 1st 2012. It's a holiday all over Europe so the Abbey itself was closed - not sure if that contributed to smaller crowds or not, but the whole experience seemed much less 'cramped' this time although it was still crowded. Since we were staying overnight, we called the hotel to see what we would need to do. The reception staff gave us a special code to get into parking lot #3 which they said would be clearly marked. When we arrived, cars were queuing up for the day parking and there really weren't any clearly marked signs for parking lot #3. We asked a gentleman guiding cars into the lot where we needed to go and he didn't know but passed us on to another gentleman, who gave us some more detailed directions - in French. Signage would have been very helpful. Essentially you drive into the area where the other lots are but continue past them to a small road that says "authorized vehicles only" (seuls les véhicules autorisés). We found the gate we needed and punched in the code - but nothing happened, we tried it again, and again. Finally we gave up, and pressed the information button. A gentleman answered and finally with our broken French he was able to tell us that we needed to press 'V' after the code. It would be very helpful if the hotels included this as part of the code as it was not evident to us but is probably a standard in France.

The day parking lots are a bit of a walk to the shuttle (and I think may have a fee:), but the overnight lot, (again not clearly marked with the #3 but a friendly policeman directed us to the right place) is directly by the shuttle and free, so very convenient for suitcases, etc.... In the general shuttle area are several hotels and restaurants, and a supermarket. Because there are very few cars in this area (only those staying at one of the hotels or on the Mont), this was a very friendly walking and meandering area with lovely views of the Mont. It was now about 3pm and we did not have to queue for the shuttle at all, it was fairly empty - I'm sure due to the time of day. It was a nice day so many people were forgoing the shuttle and walking to the Mont. We were dropped off fairly close - as close as we had been when we drove up all the way and had to park our car, so yes there was a bit of a walk to the Mont, but it was the same if not shorter than our previous experience.

At various times throughout the evening, we could see the shuttles running from our walks around the Mont. Our last walk was at 11:15 - and I still saw the shuttles running. I did see some very small shuttles dropping people off and picking them up right outside the Mont - these had the words "Le Montrose" across the front. I'm not sure what these were about and haven't been able to find any information.

On our way out the next day around noon, we walked to the shuttle queue. Maybe it was just us but it wasn't overly evident where to catch the shuttle. There wasn't a real line at all, it was fairly chaotic with people all over the place trying to get on to the shuttles that arrived. If you had stood where you thought there was a line, you may not get on at all, as people coming after you may just walk up farther next to the people in front and get on. Roped off queue areas would be helpful.

Since it was a lovely day, we decided to walk back as many, many other people were doing as well. I don't think that this had anything to do with the shuttle's being crowded, but rather to have the experience. We hadn't walked over, but after walking back I rather wish we had.

Overall - being the first weekend that this system was implemented it was going very well. I think the whole experience could be improved with more signage - at times it was very unclear on where to go. Since there are so many international visitors, I think more visual signage would be very, very helpful.

I really appreciated being able to get to the Mont and out fairly easily and not being stuck in a long queue of cars, breathing exhaust fumes and obstructing the view. I also liked that fact that if you were staying at one of the nearby hotels off the Mont, you could jump on and off the shuttle as you pleased. It was also nice to look out from the Mont and not seeing all the cars, but just a few occassional shuttles. These were benefits I hadn't considered before I arrived and I would say they contributed to our enjoyment.

I hope this is helpful to any that are worried about the shuttle system being a negative. It definately has kinks needed to be worked out, but in my humble opinion, if you are ready for it and understand you'll need to shuttle to the Mont ahead of time, it makes for a much better experience. I like it.

Coventry, United...
1 post
1. Re: The New Shuttle Service to Mont St Michel - my experience
Save

We arrived at Mont St Michel to find their new parking project in place. We had a group of 9-10 year old children with us and, unfortunately it was raining. We were told it was a 'short' walk to the shuttle bus. As we set off the rain became harder - we stopped at the information centre, expecting the buses to run from there - only to be told it was a further 700 metres or so. The children were already soaked and having paid 55 euros to park our coach we were shocked to find it would cost us a further 95 euros to take our 21 children on the shuttle bus. We decided to cut our losses and return to our coach where we found our driver having great difficulty getting the parking machine to take any money to pay for our ticket. Having only stayed a short while we expected we would be able to pay only 15 euros (which in the circumstances we were not really happy to pay anyway). However, after a significant time trying to get the machine to work we decided to head for the exit where we were told we would have to pay the full 55 euros even though we had not actually managed to visit Mont St Michel because we had exceeded the half-hour period for the reduced charge. No amount of discussion would persuade the officious supervisor to reduce the charge given our circumstances.

Overall we feel that the shuttle buses should run from MUCH closer to the parking areas and that the charges seem very high as we had to pay to park and use the shuttle bus.

The information centre staff were very helpful but the system itself was not user-friendly. We realise that the organisers are not responsible for the weather but there was no attempt to be accommodating to our needs - our bus was not allowed to come down to collect our very wet children - so we had to walk them back through the pouring rain to the coach and there was no compromise regarding charges in the circumstances - especially as part of the problem was that their machines were not working properly. Our school has visited Mont St Michel annually two or three times for 15-16 years and this is a very disappointing end to what is our last trip to this area.

New Zealand
Level Contributor
1,987 posts
23 reviews
6 helpful votes
2. Re: The New Shuttle Service to Mont St Michel - my experience
Save

Thank you to travel_junkie3000 for taking the time to write your very detailed post. Our circumstances will be different to yours but I am taking notes as I am sure the information will be useful. Do you think it is less crowded later in the day and if so, what time do the crowds start to thin out? We won't be able to get there "first thing" and It seems that a lot of attractions are less busy towards the end of the day.

Helen H: What an absolutely horrible experience for you and all your group. I have a lot of sympathy for you all. Thanks for sharing.

Sturgeon Bay...
Level Contributor
99 posts
205 reviews
193 helpful votes
3. Re: The New Shuttle Service to Mont St Michel - my experience
Save

Hi FoxyMX - it was still crowded but definitely less crowded later in the day. I would say after 4pm things started to not be clostrophobic. The island doesn't close - so coming toward the evening, having dinner, watching the sunset, and perhaps staying overnight would give you a wonderful opportunity to explore and experience the Mont. I believe the last entry to the Abbey is at 5pm and it closes by 6pm. I'm not sure what the lines are like at that point, perhaps someone else can comment, but coming later you could still get into see the Abbey. We saw the shuttle running very late and it was beautiful by night, so you could stay late even if you didn't stay overnight.

Also - Mont St. Michel is not an indoor attraction. There are shops and restaurants, but plan for the weather. No matter where you are coming from to get to the shuttle, remember when you get to the Mont you will most likely be outside anyway.

New Zealand
Level Contributor
1,987 posts
23 reviews
6 helpful votes
4. Re: The New Shuttle Service to Mont St Michel - my experience
Save

Thanks for that. Will keep your comments in mind.

Sydney, Australia
Level Contributor
23 posts
20 reviews
26 helpful votes
5. Re: The New Shuttle Service to Mont St Michel - my experience
Save

We went to Mont St Michel with two other friends and we calculated we would have walked three kilometres to and from the monestery that is even after the bus pickup. There is no reason why they cannot run the free bus closer to the huge carpark. When we go back we also had trouble with the carpark payment system and we had to call the operators. Mont St Michel has been turned into a real tourist attraction with hundreds of parking spots ready for the tourists, we went there off season so I dont know how it is going to go high season. Others have talked about coming later we got there at 11am and by 2pm the fog was beginning to roll in but I realise that every day is different so good luck.

Miami, Florida...
Level Contributor
1 post
9 reviews
4 helpful votes
6. Re: The New Shuttle Service to Mont St Michel - my experience
Save

BEWARE. The new shuttle service adds one hour to your visit and is meant only for those with excellent mobility. My 73 year old mother was not allowed to ride the handicaped bus as she did not have a french card. Of course not, she is american.

Only visit Le Mont St. Michel if you have the extra time and are in the mood to walk.

Arlington, TX
Level Contributor
188 posts
79 reviews
46 helpful votes
7. Re: The New Shuttle Service to Mont St Michel - my experience
Save

Thank you, travel_junkie, for posting this info. We're staying overnight in September, and knowing about the quirky "V" may prove to be very helpful! This too will be our second trip to the Mont, but our first with the new parking conditions...I can't wait to see it again!

HelenH, your story was so sadly frustrating!

Bayeux, France
Destination Expert
for Bayeux, Basse-Normandie, Mont-Saint-Michel, Caen
Level Contributor
3,760 posts
26 reviews
16 helpful votes
8. Re: The New Shuttle Service to Mont St Michel - my experience
Save

minny:

The walk to the shuttle is all about getting people to pass the restaurants on the mainland. If enough people complain bout this ridiculous situation it may change.

It's one thing to make the effort to get up the 250ft to the abbey through the vilage or along the battlements, but the half mile walk along an uninteresting path becomes a chore.

Edited: 8 years ago
Epsom, United...
Level Contributor
35 posts
27 reviews
9 helpful votes
9. Re: The New Shuttle Service to Mont St Michel - my experience
Save

We have just returned from a week in Ontorson and a visit to MSM. We were very concerned about the parking, shuttle buses and the amount of walking as one of the party has poor mobility. But no worries! The owner of the house we rented in the town told us of the bus that runs from Pontorson rail station right to across the causeway to. The mont for just 2E each way. Brilliant! Get a timetable from the tourist office in town. It's absolutely the best way even if you have a car - park it for free on Pontorson. Enjoy!

Epsom, United...
Level Contributor
35 posts
27 reviews
9 helpful votes
10. Re: The New Shuttle Service to Mont St Michel - my experience
Save

We have just returned from a week in Ontorson and a visit to MSM. We were very concerned about the parking, shuttle buses and the amount of walking as one of the party has poor mobility. But no worries! The owner of the house we rented in the town told us of the bus that runs from Pontorson rail station right to across the causeway to. The mont for just 2E each way. Brilliant! Get a timetable from the tourist office in town. It's absolutely the best way even if you have a car - park it for free on Pontorson. Enjoy!

Get answers to your questions about Mont-Saint-Michel
CA$CAD
United States
© 2021 TripAdvisor LLC All rights reserved.

This is the version of our website addressed to speakers of English in the United States. If you are a resident of another country or region, please select the appropriate version of Tripadvisor for your country or region in the drop-down menu.