Mont St Michel (1 Viewer)

May 31, 2015
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If I remember rightly when I was there I read up on some information regarding the new bridge and why it was being built, (bit of an anorak on stuff like this) apparently the road way has been added to over the century's and has been built up to such an extent that it was having an affect on the tide as and when it comes in and out, it was altering the tidal flow with the resulting affect of undermining the foundations and sediment areas at the back of the island and would have led to parts falling down.

I believe the road way will be removed once the bridge has settled in so that the tide can flow naturally around the island once more.

With out the bridge or road way it would have been a tidal attraction only much like our st Michaels mount down here in Cornwall but of course the mont is much larger and more commercialised..... (y)
 

magicsurfbus

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In my opinion Mont St Michel is the most overrated tourist attraction in France, and we've visited more than a few of them. I've been in the Abbey and the only thing I can remember about it was the big wooden sled they used for dragging supplies up the slope.

Best viewed from a distance and at night, appallingly crowded, downmarket and over-commercialised once you get through the front gate, and not at all typical of the country's normally tasteful and stylish heritage and culture offerings. I've had more fun in Disneyland, because at least you know that's meant to be fake.

However, if you're into plastic knights, wooden swords, tourist tat and over-priced snacks you'll be in your element. Personally I wouldn't go any closer to it than the mainland.

Only my opinion mind.
 

castor

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New brochure does not state no cycles , but does say free parking for cycles before the walkway .Dogs allowed to the mount but not in abbey , kennels are 8.10 euros a day .My opinion is to go out of season if possible as sure attracts the crowds.

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Oct 5, 2012
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In my opinion Mont St Michel is the most overrated tourist attraction in France, and we've visited more than a few of them. I've been in the Abbey and the only thing I can remember about it was the big wooden sled they used for dragging supplies up the slope.

Best viewed from a distance and at night, appallingly crowded, downmarket and over-commercialised once you get through the front gate, and not at all typical of the country's normally tasteful and stylish heritage and culture offerings. I've had more fun in Disneyland, because at least you know that's meant to be fake.

However, if you're into plastic knights, wooden swords, tourist tat and over-priced snacks you'll be in your element. Personally I wouldn't go any closer to it than the mainland.

Only my opinion mind.
Lovely right at the top and once you get off that main tourist tat street though. I thought Carcassonne was the ultimate Disney castle.
 

Techno

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62 pictures here
https://techno.smugmug.com/Travel/Mont-St-Michel/i-kFG2Xsd

DSC_0546-X2.jpg

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You can always take a guided walk across the estuary from Genets, costs though and still have to pay to go in, hard on the feet as well, the guides insist on doing it barefoot.

Completely agree with @magicsurfbus definitely best seen from a distance. I thought Rocamadour was very similar, crowded and full of 'gift' shops and restaurants.

Both worth seeing the once but not worth the hassle for a return visit.
 

Anthea M

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You can always take a guided walk across the estuary from Genets, costs though and still have to pay to go in, hard on the feet as well, the guides insist on doing it barefoot.

Completely agree with @magicsurfbus definitely best seen from a distance. I thought Rocamadour was very similar, crowded and full of 'gift' shops and restaurants.

Both worth seeing the once but not worth the hassle for a return visit.
We have seen guided parties of "pilgrims" walking across the estuary but it looks a long way and obviously done with the help of a guide who knows the tides!

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We have seen guided parties of "pilgrims" walking across the estuary but it looks a long way and obviously done with the help of a guide who knows the tides!

We did it a few years ago, I don't think anybody would describe us as 'pilgrims' :rofl:

A guide is essential and there are many organising the walks.
 

magicsurfbus

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I thought Carcassonne was the ultimate Disney castle.

Sadly, Carcassonne is heading down the same slippery slope as Mont St Michel. A breeding colony of plastic knights has been successfully established there for the last few years.

Rocamadour is definitely best viewed outside the high season - free MH parking behind the chateau at the very end of the cliff top road is a bonus there.
 
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Anthea M

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Sadly, Carcassonne is heading down the same slippery slope as Mont St Michel. A breeding colony of plastic knights has been successfully established there for the last few years.

Rocamadour is definitely best viewed outside the high season - free MH parking behind the chateau at the very end of the cliff top road is a bonus there.
We try to avoid the tacky shops and marvel at the building and how they were constructed centuries ago .went to Oradour sur glane two years ago very moving and no tat there.

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Sadly, Carcassonne is heading down the same slippery slope as Mont St Michel. A breeding colony of plastic knights has been successfully established there for the last few years.

Rocamadour is definitely best viewed outside the high season - free MH parking behind the chateau at the very end of the cliff top road is a bonus there.
Ah Well everything has to be for youngsters and Asian tourists these days, so the days of an informative museum without lots of broken 'hands on' stuff and a inexpensive crusty tea shoppe are going.
 

magicsurfbus

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..the days of an informative museum without lots of broken 'hands on' stuff and a inexpensive crusty tea shoppe are going.

I'm happy to report that I work in such a place, so they're not completely gone. Can't say we're overrun with visitors though.
 

colinw

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Sadly, Carcassonne is heading down the same slippery slope as Mont St Michel. A breeding colony of plastic knights has been successfully established there for the last few years.

Rocamadour is definitely best viewed outside the high season - free MH parking behind the chateau at the very end of the cliff top road is a bonus there.
_DSC3045.JPG

Rocamadour was great , although when it is 36° , this is the last thing you want to see !
 

Minxy

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Beside a pond somewhere in rural NW England - beyond that is too specific for a public forum :)
OMG you are a FISHING GNOME!!!! :rofl:

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