🏰 MONT SAINT-MICHEL: Overhyped Tourist Trap or Magical Wonder?: Ultimate World Cruise 🚢 Ep. 111

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  • เผยแพร่เมื่อ 10 ม.ค. 2025

ความคิดเห็น • 96

  • @betsydoc3628
    @betsydoc3628 4 หลายเดือนก่อน +3

    It’s all in your mindset. I visited it off season, while still busy, on crutches, in cold temps and rain, walking up to the top. Had a private guide who gave us a magical experience. The only “souvenirs” i bought were from a religious gift shop, St Michael medals blessed by a local priest. You can make the experience want to make of make of it.

    • @bztravel
      @bztravel  4 หลายเดือนก่อน

      We totally agree-visiting in the off-season would be a much better experience. In late July, the crowds are very real, not just a mindset thing. Sounds like your visit was magical, especially with the private guide and those special souvenirs. You definitely made the most of it!

  • @DH-by8mv
    @DH-by8mv 4 หลายเดือนก่อน +2

    We were there in July 2023 and visited with a tour guide. Our tour arrived late morning. We took the shuttle, so got right there without a walk. The tour guide knew how to get us around to avoid crowds, gave us rich history and took us up to the abbey (lovely quiet gift shop by the Abbey). There were fewer people than your video, but I highly recommend taking a tour. We loved every minute, including lunch and exploring on our own after the tour. By the end the crowds were heavier, but by then we had seen everything we wanted.
    The total visit was a highlight of our trip!

    • @bztravel
      @bztravel  4 หลายเดือนก่อน +1

      Glad to hear you had a better experience! Like you said, some trips are good, and some aren’t as great. On this cruise, we visited over 100 ports, and only two really stood out as bad experiences for us-this one and Dubrovnik, both for the same reason. Some people don't mind big crowds, but for us, it takes away from the experience. Most enjoy big bus tours, but we prefer traveling independently. Everyone has their own style, and we just share what we experience and how we feel. We’ll definitely be back to the abbey, but next time, it’ll be slow and relaxed in the off-season.

    • @DrCrystalHarris
      @DrCrystalHarris 3 หลายเดือนก่อน

      You make a great point in that sometimes the paid tour is worth it because they have the secrets ways and time to go. I am in Spain now and heading to France (southern) now and trying to figure out when to go it alone and when to invest in a tour.

  • @victoriafenton2926
    @victoriafenton2926 2 หลายเดือนก่อน

    What beautiful buildings! Wine looks great!

  • @anne-marievr5710
    @anne-marievr5710 4 หลายเดือนก่อน +1

    I really like your honesty which is why i watch every single ones of your videos!

    • @bztravel
      @bztravel  4 หลายเดือนก่อน

      Thank you so much! We really appreciate your support, and we're glad you enjoy the honesty in our videos. It means a lot that you stick with us for every one!

  • @glimmer-lx8hx
    @glimmer-lx8hx 3 หลายเดือนก่อน +2

    Bravo, for being honest! Tickets and timed entrance would seem to be a logical step. We looked up the location on an aerial map. If you look at the scale of Mont Saint Michel, in relation to all of the parking? It is as you reported in your video. I was at Rocky Mountain National Park before timed entry and reservations and after. As much as I hated to hear about the change, it was so wonderful to not see the park being consumed by tourists when we visited and truly appreciated the experience. I do not think it is fair to judge you as not making the most of it. I enjoy how you like to visit where the locals go when you can. My daughter wants to go and now she knows to explore how to avoid what you had no options with, because of your limitations with the time.(By the way, beautiful jacket that you have on in this video!)

    • @bztravel
      @bztravel  3 หลายเดือนก่อน +1

      Thanks for the kind words! 😊 Yeah, timed entries and limiting the number of people can really make a big difference in places like Mont Saint Michel. It’s such an amazing spot, but with those crowds, it can lose some of its magic. If your daughter wants to avoid the chaos, mornings and evenings are definitely the best times to visit. We didn’t have that flexibility with our timing, but hopefully, she can make the most of it! And glad you liked the jacket-it's from Japan! 😄 Thanks for watching and sharing your thoughts!

  • @elizabethhopwood2432
    @elizabethhopwood2432 4 หลายเดือนก่อน +1

    Unbelievable and thank you for showing like it is! I was there in the 90’s and our group were virtually alone. So sad

  • @juliasullivan2315
    @juliasullivan2315 3 หลายเดือนก่อน

    I’m glad you got to see it, and I’m also thankful that you shared the reality of visiting, especially in the summer. It looks like such a unique and beautiful place but the crowds would definitely ruin the experience for me. I feel that, unfortunately, this overcrowding by tourists is happening more often than not. My son and his friend did a road trip out west (in the US) this summer and one of the places they stopped was Zion National Park. We had been there several years ago in the summer and had no problem. But this summer there was such a huge crowd that it took them 2 hours just to park their car and get into the park by shuttle! They had to park in the next town and stand in a Disney style line just to get on the shuttle. The trail they hiked was overcrowded with some people pushing their way through. So sad. It really ruins the peaceful experience it should be.

  • @kimroberts2292
    @kimroberts2292 4 หลายเดือนก่อน +1

    Really appreciate this video. It's a place I've always wanted to visit but your video has made me think again. I really don't enjoy overcomercialised places that really take advantage of tourists.
    I really respect your honesty.

    • @bztravel
      @bztravel  4 หลายเดือนก่อน +1

      Thank you so much for the kind words! Mont Saint-Michel is beautiful, but the over-commercialization and crowds can definitely take away from the experience. Sometimes it's better to know what to expect before diving in

  • @dboutier5636
    @dboutier5636 4 หลายเดือนก่อน +2

    Haven’t been around for a while, went on a month-long road trip and then I was helping a friend set up her mother‘s house for an estate sale. I will catch up on all your videos, though. I am living vicariously through you and two other TH-camrs.
    I went to Saint Michelle in 1970 on my honeymoon. My husband was originally from France, so we traveled around and visited lots of relatives and saw most of the country. We considered Mount Saint Michelle the worlds largest tourist trap back then. It was just as crowded back then with the same overpriced, tacky souvenir shops. And the shops had people at the door trying to grab you telling you to come in come in. We did get to see the tide come in though and that was really neat.
    At the time they had parking lots closer. In fact, some of the lot had big signs, telling tourists what time you needed to get your car out before the tide came in. I guess too many stupid people didn’t get their cars out in time so they had to move the lots further away it seems. Stay safe. By the way, your topper is gorgeous

    • @bztravel
      @bztravel  4 หลายเดือนก่อน

      Thanks for sharing that story-what a cool experience to visit Mont Saint Michel on your honeymoon! It sounds like even back in 1970, it had the same touristy vibe with the crowds and overpriced shops. The parking lot situation you described must have been wild! Watching the tide come in would have been a unique memory, though.
      We hope you had a great road trip, and it’s awesome that you’re catching up with us again! Thanks for the kind words about my topper, and stay safe out there too!

  • @reedotorpedo2658
    @reedotorpedo2658 4 หลายเดือนก่อน +4

    I completely agree with you. Tourists are poisoning tourism. There has to be limits. Thanks for sharing this.
    Y'all will be off the ship soon in real time. I don't care how long it takes I'm gonna stay with your videos until your disembarkation video.
    ❤🎉

    • @bztravel
      @bztravel  4 หลายเดือนก่อน +2

      We're tourists too, so it’s a tricky balance. I think we all just need to spread out a bit more when we travel. As for the cruise, today is actually our last day in real time! Over the next few weeks, we'll be finishing up the rest of the port videos. Europe kept us so busy with a new port every day, and we’re about 20 videos behind. Thanks for sticking with us-disembarkation is coming soon, and we appreciate your support!

  • @lisacarter2168
    @lisacarter2168 4 หลายเดือนก่อน +2

    Glad you were honest! Good to know an alternative plan!

    • @bztravel
      @bztravel  4 หลายเดือนก่อน

      Thanks! We always try to keep it real. Mont Saint Michel is beautiful, but the crowds got too crazy. Appreciate you watching!

  • @marysheehan
    @marysheehan 3 หลายเดือนก่อน +1

    so the cruise is over! Will you be posting the rest youur videos?

    • @bztravel
      @bztravel  3 หลายเดือนก่อน

      Yes, the cruise is over! We’ve finally unpacked and recovered from the jet lag here in Bulgaria. The next video is almost ready, and the remaining 20 or so will follow soon. Thanks for your patience, and stay tuned!

  • @aggsak
    @aggsak 4 หลายเดือนก่อน +1

    Thank you for your honest review. I still want to visit but now I know that it would be better to go there in the off season.

    • @bztravel
      @bztravel  4 หลายเดือนก่อน

      You're welcome, and we’re glad the review was helpful! Definitely try to visit in the off-season, but also be sure to check the weather. We spoke to a French couple on the bus who mentioned that during the off-season, the island is often covered in fog. So a little extra planning will go a long way!

  • @clionaduwe6427
    @clionaduwe6427 4 หลายเดือนก่อน

    Thank you for sharing an honest story. Your absolutely right. 💯

    • @bztravel
      @bztravel  4 หลายเดือนก่อน +1

      We always aim to keep it real and share the experience as it is.

  • @stephaniepelc1618
    @stephaniepelc1618 4 หลายเดือนก่อน +2

    Seeing all those people crowding the streets gives me anxiety!! I would have to get out of there too. It’s too much, you can’t even enjoy yourself.

    • @bztravel
      @bztravel  4 หลายเดือนก่อน +1

      Thanks for watching and for understanding!

  • @rogergibbard6942
    @rogergibbard6942 2 หลายเดือนก่อน +1

    You really did not visit Mont Saint Michel. All you saw was the crowded street full of restaurants and souvenir shops. You should have climbed the hill to see the Abbey. The Abbey itself was fantastic as well as the beautiful views from the top of the mount. There are fewer people the higher you go. With all the effort you took to get there, it’s a shame you missed the best part.

    • @bztravel
      @bztravel  2 หลายเดือนก่อน

      Maybe next time we’ll visit during the off-season when it’s quieter and we can fully explore! Thanks for the suggestion! 😊

  • @peterbowes5769
    @peterbowes5769 3 หลายเดือนก่อน

    Are you going to complete the world tour videos? As you are now back home, looks like you are around 4 weeks behind, can’t wait to see the finish,

    • @bztravel
      @bztravel  3 หลายเดือนก่อน

      We just settled in, unpacked and are working on them as we speak!! We have some incredible places we visited to share with you! It is so nice to have these memories.

    • @peterbowes5769
      @peterbowes5769 3 หลายเดือนก่อน

      I am so pleased. Can’t wait, I have watched every episode, saving up to do the next world cruise 🤑

  • @eugeneoufiero3216
    @eugeneoufiero3216 4 หลายเดือนก่อน

    Hey be, when we went to santorini. Last year it was just like these crowds. We felt just like you. We could not move. Horrible.

  • @lissamullen3331
    @lissamullen3331 4 หลายเดือนก่อน +1

    Will be there late Sept 2025. I truly appreciate your honesty and warning. I’ll be using the shuttle and staying in St. Malo so hope I can visit at night, great tip.

    • @bztravel
      @bztravel  4 หลายเดือนก่อน

      September will definitely be a better time to visit! Staying in St. Malo is a great choice, and visiting Mont Saint Michel at night will give you a much more peaceful experience. Glad the tips were helpful-enjoy your trip in 2025!

  • @jilliebean2709
    @jilliebean2709 4 หลายเดือนก่อน +1

    The overcrowding could easily be limited with correct oversight and that would've allowed for a beautiful, memorable experience instead of an exercise in frustration overshadowing what you so looked forward to. I appreciate your honesty! Your jacket is beautiful.

    • @bztravel
      @bztravel  4 หลายเดือนก่อน

      Absolutely! Many places do limit the number of visitors per day or even per hour, and that would definitely help maintain the beauty and enjoyment of a place like Mont Saint-Michel. We really appreciate your understanding, and thanks for the kind words about my jacket!

  • @kimstarck284
    @kimstarck284 4 หลายเดือนก่อน +1

    Went at end of March around 2010, and I don't recognize the causeway or the area away from the island. We stayed at a cheap hotel at the end of the causeway and walked to and from the island. No crowds so got the walk in the church, gardens, and streets easily. It was magical then.

    • @bztravel
      @bztravel  4 หลายเดือนก่อน

      High season and 14 years later, things have definitely changed! It sounds like your experience back in 2010 was magical. Visiting in the off-season really makes a difference-much less crowded and more peaceful. Unfortunately, these days it’s a bit busier, but the beauty of Mont Saint Michel is still there!

    • @peggytan4610
      @peggytan4610 4 หลายเดือนก่อน

      Such a shame that is was so overcrowded! Could see that it is indeed a lovely place supposedly far from the madding crowd. Thank you Tressa and Zakor for taking us along ❤ and always giving us honest and authentic reviews, truly appreciate that.

  • @kc1442
    @kc1442 4 หลายเดือนก่อน

    Beautiful and so well narrated video. Love it! ❤
    Mind sharing which equipment you are using for the filming as well as the microphone? Thank you 😊

    • @bztravel
      @bztravel  3 หลายเดือนก่อน +1

      We use the Osmo Pocket 3 camera that includes the Mics made by DJI! Thanks for watching!

  • @wendyfiehler7022
    @wendyfiehler7022 3 หลายเดือนก่อน +1

    Good to know.

    • @bztravel
      @bztravel  3 หลายเดือนก่อน

      Glad it was helpful! 😊

  • @JaneKilian-y7t
    @JaneKilian-y7t 4 หลายเดือนก่อน

    Thank you so much for sharing

    • @bztravel
      @bztravel  4 หลายเดือนก่อน

      You are so welcome

  • @busmoney2004
    @busmoney2004 3 หลายเดือนก่อน +2

    Unfortunately, you saw the poor planning results in your trip. Mont St Michel is an amazing place, but all smart visitors visit in the morning before the tour buses bring in all the throngs of day tourists. We always stay overnight in St Malo and drive to the Mont in the AM, arriving around 8-9. You are practically alone and can really enjoy the whole island and eat in peace. By the time you are done and leaving, the hordes arrive. You made a huge mistake not taking the shuttle.

    • @bztravel
      @bztravel  3 หลายเดือนก่อน +1

      You’re absolutely right that visiting Mont St. Michel early in the morning is the way to go, but when you’re trying to visit from a cruise port 3 hours away with just a few hours, the planning options are extremely limited. We typically prefer traveling independently with more flexibility, and yes, not taking the shuttle was a mistake, partly due to local signage and some misleading advice from the guide.
      That said, there’s no excuse for the poor crowd management. For us, it was the "ULTIMATE WORST WORLD EXPERIENCE." In the video, we highlighted the importance of better planning and even suggested a plan similar to yours for future visitors. Our visit to the palace in Sintra in the Lisbon video is a good example of how limited entry can be managed well.
      We’ve noticed that too often, in the effort to be polite, we don’t express what we truly feel or show the real experience. Despite doing our research, we didn’t come across any videos that depicted the reality we faced-just the usual cinematic shots, which were far from what it was actually like.

  • @cliffko081953
    @cliffko081953 4 หลายเดือนก่อน

    Glad you went so I won't have to . Thanks for being real.

    • @bztravel
      @bztravel  4 หลายเดือนก่อน

      It’s definitely a beautiful place and worth visiting, but just not at noon during peak season! Timing is everything. Thanks for appreciating the honesty!

  • @terryreaves5127
    @terryreaves5127 4 หลายเดือนก่อน

    I was wondering what camera you use that you hold in your hand can I order one from Amazon? Thank you in advance

    • @bztravel
      @bztravel  4 หลายเดือนก่อน

      Yes, the camera is Osmo Pocket 3

  • @lesley-annecarle
    @lesley-annecarle 4 หลายเดือนก่อน +1

    Dear Tressa & Zarko
    Yes, I always wanted to visit
    Mont Saint - Michel, but after watching your video, I will not be able to.
    My husband could not walk that far. When you were walking the wild flowers were beautiful and the emerald green grass and farm fields also. Travelling by bus corn colour and emerald green scenery very beautiful, and artists dream view. I would love to paint a landscape painting of Mont Saint- Michel from a distance.
    French tourism should monitor people visiting, because now there is over Saturation Point, a terrible situation.
    Yes early morning would be best to visit
    I loved your yummy meal and a bottle of French wine, would have been perfect to enjoy, after the long distance walking and being squished with too many people, through very narrow areas.
    I will be thinking of both of you,
    on Tuesday 10 th September on your disembarking day.

    • @bztravel
      @bztravel  4 หลายเดือนก่อน

      Thank you so much for your thoughtful message. We completely understand how difficult it would be for your husband to visit Mont Saint-Michel with all that walking. The surrounding landscape really is stunning though.
      We agree that French tourism should look into managing the number of visitors better. It’s just too much sometimes, and early mornings are definitely the best option to avoid the chaos.
      That meal and wine after all the walking really were a well-deserved treat!
      Stay well, and thanks again for joining us on this journey

    • @lesley-annecarle
      @lesley-annecarle 4 หลายเดือนก่อน

      Thank you

  • @sandymetz8527
    @sandymetz8527 4 หลายเดือนก่อน +4

    That is way too many ppl for me . I would feel the same. Honesty is always best

    • @bztravel
      @bztravel  4 หลายเดือนก่อน

      Glad you appreciate the honesty-it’s always better to keep it real. Thanks for watching!

  • @davidlee9024
    @davidlee9024 3 หลายเดือนก่อน

    Are you ok, now that the cruise is over, from David from New Zealand.

  • @SM-og1of
    @SM-og1of 4 หลายเดือนก่อน +3

    wow! the crowds really ruin the beauty of the place. Thank you for being honest. At least we're prepared for the reality. They should limit the number of people.

    • @bztravel
      @bztravel  4 หลายเดือนก่อน

      Limiting the number of visitors would definitely help preserve the experience. Thanks for watching, and we’re glad you found the info helpful

  • @melissahammond2651
    @melissahammond2651 3 หลายเดือนก่อน

    What video camera are you using?

    • @bztravel
      @bztravel  3 หลายเดือนก่อน

      DJI Osmo Pocket 3

  • @trandyescapes9798
    @trandyescapes9798 3 หลายเดือนก่อน

    Was this your last video? I see the ship is back in Miami. I thought the cruise went to the Baltic and Iceland.

    • @bztravel
      @bztravel  3 หลายเดือนก่อน +1

      No, it’s not our last video! We still have about 20 more ports to cover. We’re finally back home in Bulgaria, dealing with jet lag and personal things, but the next video is almost ready and should be posted later today. Thanks for sticking with us!

    • @trandyescapes9798
      @trandyescapes9798 3 หลายเดือนก่อน

      @bztravel OK, thanks, we've watched every single one. I couldn't believe the crowds at Mont Saint Michel, travel is really different these days.

  • @deborahkirkle9047
    @deborahkirkle9047 4 หลายเดือนก่อน +2

    Was this a weekend??

    • @bztravel
      @bztravel  4 หลายเดือนก่อน +1

      Tuesday July 23rd. I can only imagine the weekend.

  • @JaneKilian-y7t
    @JaneKilian-y7t 4 หลายเดือนก่อน +1

    Shame it’s so crowded still amazing place

    • @bztravel
      @bztravel  4 หลายเดือนก่อน

      Yeah, the crowds was a bit much, but it’s still an incredible place.

  • @LynnDavis-ln3bx
    @LynnDavis-ln3bx 4 หลายเดือนก่อน +1

    Beautiful but WAY TOO CROWDED!
    Looks like Disneyland
    Cheers 🌟🥂🌟

    • @bztravel
      @bztravel  4 หลายเดือนก่อน

      Exactly! The beauty is undeniable, but it felt more like Disneyland definitely a bit overwhelming. Cheers!

  • @JohnTCAUSA7450
    @JohnTCAUSA7450 4 หลายเดือนก่อน

    This looks like Yosemite in the summer😢

  • @herenow6953
    @herenow6953 4 หลายเดือนก่อน +2

    As you say, a victim of it's own success. Must be hard for the locals to resist all those lovely dollars, euros and pounds though as any restriction now would hit them in the pocket. If you go to Cornwall, we have a 'mini' replica - St Michaels Mount, which you walk to on a causeway at low tide, and get a boat at high tide. It never gets that busy - maybe visitors to Europe could check that out instead. Here's to Le Havre!

    • @bztravel
      @bztravel  4 หลายเดือนก่อน +1

      Exactly, it's a tricky balance for the locals-those tourist dollars, euros, and pounds are hard to resist, but the overcrowding really takes a toll. St. Michael's Mount in Cornwall sounds like a perfect alternative! Walking the causeway and taking a boat at high tide sounds just as charming, and with fewer crowds. Definitely worth checking out!

    • @herenow6953
      @herenow6953 4 หลายเดือนก่อน

      @@bztravel please do google the images of St Michaels Mount. It's stunning and much more relatable. Here's to the next stop!

  • @ginetteje9340
    @ginetteje9340 3 หลายเดือนก่อน +1

    Still waiting for the next video….

    • @bztravel
      @bztravel  3 หลายเดือนก่อน

      We’re finally home in Bulgaria and over the jet lag. After being gone for 9 months, we’ve had a lot of personal business to take care of. The next video will be posted later today, and the rest-over 20 videos-will follow soon. We’re aiming to catch up before the end of the month, just in time for our next trip! Thanks for your patience!

  • @abbylea2359
    @abbylea2359 4 หลายเดือนก่อน +1

    Might be better in the off season.

    • @bztravel
      @bztravel  4 หลายเดือนก่อน

      Definitely! Most people flood in between 10am and 4pm, so staying in a nearby hotel and exploring outside those busy hours could be a great option to avoid the crowds.

  • @shelleylake4430
    @shelleylake4430 4 หลายเดือนก่อน

    Would have loved the history

    • @bztravel
      @bztravel  4 หลายเดือนก่อน

      We totally get that! We were so focused on dealing with the crowds, but the history of Mont Saint-Michel is truly fascinating. Maybe next time we can dive deeper into the history-it’s definitely worth exploring! It was hard and an unpleasant video to make. Should we be honest of the way we felt or in effort not to offend someone not show the real thing?

  • @genefrance
    @genefrance 3 หลายเดือนก่อน

    where are you?

  • @pericaperez4624
    @pericaperez4624 4 หลายเดือนก่อน +1

    It's always best to show what places are really like. Sucks that you had to walk 2.5 miles - looks like you didn't do your research!

    • @busymom7729
      @busymom7729 4 หลายเดือนก่อน

      I went there off season by cruise ship and didn’t have her experience. Our tour guide through the cruise line got us on the bus. We had free time and had lunch and meet her later for a tour. It was great. You’re correct no research was done. She talks about people takings photos and she’s walking around taking videos which she does address.

    • @bztravel
      @bztravel  4 หลายเดือนก่อน +1

      You're right, we definitely should have done better research! It didn’t help that the guide suggested walking instead of waiting for the shuttle, but hey, nothing’s perfect. Every experience is a lesson, and we always share what we truly experience and how we feel about it. Thanks for watching and for the feedback!

    • @bztravel
      @bztravel  4 หลายเดือนก่อน

      Off-season definitely sounds like a different experience, and I’m sure it was much more enjoyable. We were there at the peak of the season on July 22nd, and this is just how we felt at the time. You’re right, we should have done better research, and we’ve since learned that early mornings and evenings are the best times to visit. Glad to hear you had a better experience!

    • @barbarawalkowiak5763
      @barbarawalkowiak5763 4 หลายเดือนก่อน

      I wonder why they park so far away ? Strange.

  • @mgtow1562
    @mgtow1562 4 หลายเดือนก่อน

    Disneyland with all the crowds......

    • @bztravel
      @bztravel  4 หลายเดือนก่อน

      Exactly, it really did feel like Disneyland

  • @RockefellerTab
    @RockefellerTab 4 หลายเดือนก่อน

    48395 Maryam Estates

    • @bztravel
      @bztravel  4 หลายเดือนก่อน

      ???

  • @shelleylake4430
    @shelleylake4430 4 หลายเดือนก่อน

    Sorry that you experienced crowds and your comments are all about overcrowding - well duh?

    • @bztravel
      @bztravel  4 หลายเดือนก่อน +1

      Yeah, the crowds it seems to be the theme of the day-sometimes it’s hard to avoid talking about it when it impacts the whole experience. So far we visit over 100 places on this trip, this was different from all. Thanks for watching!

  • @raynash4748
    @raynash4748 4 หลายเดือนก่อน

    Wow... nonstop complaining. I had to stop watching the video because of it.

    • @bztravel
      @bztravel  3 หลายเดือนก่อน

      Sorry to hear the video wasn’t for you, but honestly, being there was even worse! We always aim to keep it real and share how we felt in the moment.