Bayeux and Mont-Saint-Michel are two of the most popular places to visit in France's Normandy region, and they are just 77 miles (125 km) apart. It is easy to get from Bayeux to Mont-Saint-Michel by train or car, perhaps as part of a 5-day Normandy coast excursion or as stops on a longer exploration of Normandy, Brittany, and the Loire Valley.
Because Mont-Saint-Michel is such a popular destination, SNCF, France's national railroad company, has set up shuttles between Pontorson, the closest train station to Mont-Saint-Michel, and the coach terminus near the entrance to the Mont. You can take a TER regional train from Bayeux to Pontorson, then catch a shuttle bus to the Mont-Saint-Michel coach terminus. The whole trip should take about 2.75 hours.
If you prefer to drive or hire a private driver to take you from Bayeux to Mont-Saint-Michel, the journey should take just over two hours without traffic. Consider stopping in Avranches to see the Scriptorial d'Avranches, a museum filled with manuscripts from Mont-Saint-Michel; the General Patton Memorial and Avranches' other World War II memorials; and the Jardin des Plantes (Botanical Garden), which offers beautiful views of the Mont.
Another recommended stop, especially if you prefer avoiding France's autoroutes (toll highways) is Coutances. Here you can visit a Gothic cathedral and Coutances' Jardin des Plantes. Château de Gratot, a ruined medieval castle that dates back to 1251 CE, is just a few kilometers from Coutances.
By Train and Shuttle Bus or Taxi
Duration: 3 hours
TER trains depart Bayeux several times daily for Pontorson. From Pontorson's train station, you can take a shuttle bus to Mont-Saint-Michel's coach terminus, which is a short walk from the entrance to the village. The shuttle schedule coincides with the train schedule, so you will not have to wait long for a shuttle.
You can take a taxi instead of the shuttle, but the taxi will take you to the Mont-Saint-Michel tourist information center, not to the coach terminus. From there you can take the free Passeur coach, walk 1.5 miles (2.5 kilometers), or hire a horse-drawn carriage to carry you to the entrance to Mont-Saint-Michel.
Be sure to check the shuttle bus schedule as you plan your trip. On certain high tide days ("spring tides"), the shuttle bus will take you to the tourist information center rather than to the coach terminus near the Mont. From there, your options for getting to Mont-Saint-Michel are as described above.
By Car or Private Driver
Duration: 2 hours
The fastest, easiest way to get from Bayeux to Mont-Saint-Michel is to take the A84/E401 toll autoroute, then continue toward Mont-Saint-Michel via the N175/E401 national highway. All motorists must park at Mont-Saint-Michel's tourist information center. As mentioned above, free Passeur coaches depart regularly for the Mont from the shuttle hub near the information center. You can also walk to the Mont or travel by horse-drawn carriage.
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