Mont Saint Michel from Le Havre

[3dogmom]

I have been to Normandy from Le Havre, so I would like to tour Mont Saint Michel when we arrive in Le Havre in October.  We are in port from 8:00 AM - 10:00 PM. Has anyone taken a private tour? I'm looking at Overlord Tours since I used them touring Normandy. 

 

Thanks for any suggestions!

[Lutèce]

Hello

 

Not trying to put you off, but do you realise that according to Via Michelin (who is the only reliable distance calculator - forget Google maps)  between Le Havre and Mont St Michel it's over 3 hours by road each way. That's without any stops for coffee, photos, comfort breaks. Or allowing for any traffic holdups. Just trying to give a realistic picture - up to you if you decide 6+ hours in a car is worth it to join the throngs on MSM!!

[3dogmom]

6 hours ago, Lutèce said:

Hello

 

Not trying to put you off, but do you realise that according to Via Michelin (who is the only reliable distance calculator - forget Google maps)  between Le Havre and Mont St Michel it's over 3 hours by road each way. That's without any stops for coffee, photos, comfort breaks. Or allowing for any traffic holdups. Just trying to give a realistic picture - up to you if you decide 6+ hours in a car is worth it to join the throngs on MSM!!

I do realize the trip each way is close to 3 hours, however it's on our list of places to must see! 

[John Bull]

I can't see Overlord being interested - or being worth their price.

As per their name, they specialise in the events of D-Day and the subsequent Normandy campaign, in which they are very knowledgeable.

 

I can't imagine you finding a knowledgeable MSM guide in the Le Havre area.

So I suggest that you  rent a car (route and driving are easy).

Or a car plus driver. A driver who speaks English would be good enough.

 

And seek a MSM -based guide who will meet you there.

That's both the most likely and most-economical way to do it.

 

Or just read-up in advance, mebbe buy a book.

A guide isn't essential, the vast vast majority of visitors do their own thing without a guide.

But if you get to the Abbey at the top (I never managed that in three visits, its seriously steep) there's a choice of live guide or audio-guide just for the Abbey.

Entrance to MSM is free, including the winding  street of shops and bars. Only entry to the Abbey is charged.

 

JB 

[Hlitner]

Would agree with JB about simply renting a car.  The drive is long, but relatively easy since you do not have to deal with any major cities.  Walking through MSM does not really need a guide as there is only one route to the top :).  That being said, if anyone were to ask me if it is worth more then a 6 hour drive, I would have to respond in the negative.  We managed to fit in into a lengthy driving trip while exploring the country and actually spent one night at a nearby motel about 3 miles outside of MSM.  As much as we enjoyed the town during the day, seeing it lit up at night (the best view is from about a mile outside of town) was the highlight of our visit.

 

Hank

[3dogmom]

Hmmm......I found pictures of the steep walk up to the Abbey, which is fine for me and my husband, but not sure about the other 2 couples (70's).  Might have to have a plan B.

 

Thanks for all your comments!

[tinkr2]

Tour #11 on Overlord  is of the area.

[John Bull]

1 hour ago, tinkr2 said:

Tour #11 on Overlord  is of the area.

 

Departs from Bayeux (96 minutes from Le Havre, 70 minutes from Cherbourg) at  8.15am and returns to Bayeux 6 pm. 

 

JB 

[tinkr2]

18 hours ago, John Bull said:

 

Departs from Bayeux (96 minutes from Le Havre, 70 minutes from Cherbourg) at  8.15am and returns to Bayeux 6 pm. 

 

JB 

Oh interesting, I did not read details, I just clicked on the cruise port tours so I assumed ,wrongly, from the port.

[John Bull]

1 hour ago, tinkr2 said:

Oh interesting, I did not read details, I just clicked on the cruise port tours so I assumed ,wrongly, from the port.

 

 

Yes, they offer D-Day tours from Le Havre.

But not MSM  tours - from Le Havre it's over an hour further than from Bayeux. 

 

JB 

[cruisingmimi]

@3dogmom - This post is a bit late so not sure OP is still searching.  However, Overlord Tours do offer tours to MSM 

and here is the info:

 

https://www.overlordtour.com/product/mont-saint-michel-tour/

 

It says it's a guided tour and includes entrance to abbey.  I would love to visit MSM but my knees wouldn't handle all the stairs.  

It's a beautiful setting for sure but a long day of driving.  

 

 

[3dogmom]

3 hours ago, cruisingmimi said:

@3dogmom - This post is a bit late so not sure OP is still searching.  However, Overlord Tours do offer tours to MSM 

and here is the info:

 

https://www.overlordtour.com/product/mont-saint-michel-tour/

 

It says it's a guided tour and includes entrance to abbey.  I would love to visit MSM but my knees wouldn't handle all the stairs.  

It's a beautiful setting for sure but a long day of driving.  

 

 

 

We booked a tour through Overlord to Bayeux and Honfleur.  Watching some YouTube videos of MSM, there's no way all of us are making the climb to make the visit worthwhile.

Thanks for all the suggestions!