Aug 15, 2024
A magical day with an expert guide, from Paris to Normandie and back again - This was a once-in-a-lifetime experience to see the Mont St. Michel, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and we were expertly taken care of by our guide Fabris from start to finish. While smaller groups may opt to travel via train, or even stay overnight, we had a packed schedule in Paris that required a different mode of transportation. Booking this with a private van and tour was absolutely perfect for my family of 7, including 2 senior parents-in-law. In a way, it felt a lot more personal to drive across the French countryside, as we got to see parts of France that told a more vivid story of the country's history. There were ample stopovers so the 3-4 hour drive did not seem so tiring, and Fabris regaled us with tales, anecdotes, and stories that kept us informed and entertained. When we got to the Mont St. Michel, there were heaps of people, both locals and tourists, but the tour allowed us a skip-the-line pass which was immensely helpful to cater to a relatively large group with seniors in attendance. (Fair warning: There truly is a LOT of walking and stairs to climb, as the abbey was built against the actual formation of the rock. So, elevation!) Every nook and cranny of Mont St. Michel, even against a shoulder-to-shoulder crowd of people, really felt like you were taken out of time and thrust back into the Middle Ages. Again, Fabris was a true expert in sharing the history and knowledge behind each wall, pillar, and architecture we walked through. You are given some free time to roam and eat as well, before heading back to your drop-off point.
All in all, we were so happy to have had this experience to make family memories in Normandie, and the service was everything promised upon booking. The price may seem steep compared to other packages online, but by head, we rounded up to about €250~ each person. Tallying up the expertise of our tour guide, the comfort of van travel, the skip-the-line pass, and the actual tour of the abbey/monastery/chapel/village, it was well worth the cost! Can't recommend this enough especially if you are unable to take a train to Mont St. Michel, and kudos to Fabris for his kind attention and patience whilst we navigated every picturesque scene, sight, and landmark of Mont St. Michel!
Review provided by Viator
Jul 26, 2024
Wonderful View - While the journey is long, you will be amazed at the beauty of the sites. From the shops to the beautiful church, Mont Saint Michel is truly a wonder of the world. Our tour guide was wonderful and knew shortcuts to get through the town quickly.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Apr 4, 2024
Excellent Tour - Julian was a top guide. Very knowledgeable and friendly. Would absolutely recommend him.
Great Great Great
Review provided by Viator
Dec 22, 2023
Our tour was offered by... - Our tour was offered by PARISMATICTOUR. The vehicle used was a Volkswagen Caravelle van that was spacious and comfortable. Our guide was Julian, who is specialized in art history and architecture. Traveling time flew by fast while we were engaged in conversation on diverse topics. Mt St Michael is a majestic destination and worth the effort. It is beauty, art, architecture, history, faith, and an escape that will provide leisure to your soul. Very much worth being able to enjoy it at your own pace. We also did a private 8 hr tour of the Palace of Versailles that was magical and regret not getting a private tour of the Louvre Museum. We were satisfied with our private tour provided by PARISMATICTOUR and recommend it without reservation.
Review provided by Viator
Aug 11, 2023
Perfect day trip to Mont St Michel! - Our family of 5 had a perfect day trip to Mont St Michel! Our driver, Philippe, was fabulous! He was wonderful at pointing out landmarks and sharing interesting facts about France. We were able to skip the lines and see the best parts of the abbey. We learned so much. After exploring and taking many photos, we were able to nap on the long ride back to Paris. I would highly recommend this outing! It was a magical, unforgettable day!
Review provided by Viator
Jun 18, 2023
Excellent tour! - Bertrand was the best tour guide we have met in 10 years of European travel. He was knowledgeable in history, politics, philosophy, the arts and France. He should be a professor at the university!!
Review provided by Viator
May 1, 2023
Best choice to experience the best - Our driver/guide was terrific! A lot of knowledge, full of hospitality and definitely knows the tips to make the best use of the time!
Review provided by Viator
Jan 9, 2024
Very good time - Enjoyed the trip with my family of 7. Wish we had a bigger van as opposed to just a 7 passenger seater van as it felt tight for such a large group. Our guide Fred was knowledgable and kind and explained the site really well. Thank you!!
Review provided by Viator
May 30, 2023
Mont st michel - Mont st Michel was very very crowded due to a holiday. In spite of this our driver was marvelous. We were very happy with him.
Review provided by Viator
Jul 8, 2023
Over priced. Our driver... - Over priced. Our driver drove like it was a race to get there as fast as possible often times going way above the speed limit and weaving in and out of traffic. When we got there it was a sprint to the top of the mountain and then our driver (I will not call him a guide) said he was going back to the car to nap. Don’t be fooled. There is no private tour or “personalization of the tour”. There are better cheaper options out there. Save your money on this one.
Review provided by Viator