You’ll revel in the dramatic work that is being done to give Mont-Saint-Michel its original island flavor. The dyke will be removed and a new elevated access way will open in 2014. But please be aware: Work has already begun, so vehicle access directly to Mont Saint-Michel isn’t possible anymore.  But the new dam is built, so visitors willing to park there and shuttle in will be able see Mont-Saint-Michel in a whole new light right away!

One enormous advantage of parking by the new dam is that it offers amazing views of Mont-Saint-Michel from approximately 900 meters away. The distance is post card and photo-perfect. Be sure to spend some time looking for the best “photo op” while you’re there.

FEES 

The car park fee is 8.50 euros per car per day.  Larger vehicles are charged more (campers are charged 12.50 euros).  You can park your bikes free.  We’ve been told the parking will be secure and electronically guarded with surveillance cameras (CCTV).  More details will follow as we find out more.

From the parking area, there are three ways to get to Mont-Saint-Michel:

-          On foot:  The average walker will arrive at Mont-Saint-Michel about 30 minutes after leaving the parking area.  On your way, you’ll have the chance to learn more about Mont-Saint-Michel; information boards dot the pathway

-          Shuttle:  Shuttles can accommodate up to 95 people and are free to ride.  They will run every three to four minutes in August; every five minutes in July and September; every ten minutes in May, June, and October; every fifteen minutes November through April except on week-ends when they’ll run every 10 minutes.  The shuttle journey takes about five or six minutes.  Please Note: Bikes aren’t allowed on the shuttles.

-          Horse-drawn carriage (called a “Maringote”) These accommodate up to fifty people.  Roundtrip cost per person is 6.5 euros.  The Maringotes run between the hours of 10:00 am and 8:00 pm in July, August, and September; between 11:00 am and 7:00 pm in May, June, and October; and between 11:00 am and 4:00pm during the off season.

Note: a shuttle operates from the Pontorson train station.  The cost: 2 euros one-way per person

Although still sketchy, you can find more information here:  http://accueilmontsaintmichel.fr/english/acces-au-mont.html

What does all this mean for Cyclomundo clients? Three of our Normandy cycling trips let you explore Mont-Saint-Michel:

-           “Mont-Saint-Michel and Bay” and “Brittany, Normandy, and the Island of Jersey”. Riders  can find accommodations in Pontorson.  For these trips—our hotel being steps from the train station—we recommend taking the shuttle from Pontorson.

-          For our “Short Escape to Mont-Saint-Michel,” our hotel is located just steps from the parking area.  We strongly recommend leaving your bikes and luggage secured at your hotel.  Choose how you get here, but get here! You won’t be sorry.

Tags: Brittany, cycling, Mont-Saint-Michel, Normandy, travel