Overview
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About the Mont Saint-Michel
The Mont Saint-Michel, a unique scenery of a mysterious island that is sometimes surrounded by the sea, and then again by a large expanse of (quicksand). But what is the Mont Saint-Michel and what is its history?
The history of Mont Saint-Michel dates back to the 8th century when the island was first settled by a group of hermits. In the centuries that followed, the island was gradually developed into a religious center, and in the 11th the abbey was constructed. It became a place of pilgrimage and attracted visitors from all over Europe.
Practical
Over the years, Mont Saint-Michel became an important military fortress, with the abbey serving as a prison during the French Revolution. The island was also a strategic location during World War II and was heavily fortified by the Germans.
Today, Mont Saint-Michel is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a popular tourist destination. You can explore the narrow streets and picturesque alleys of the village surrounding the abbey, climb the steps to the abbey itself, and take in the stunning views of the surrounding sea and coastline.
The culture of Mont Saint-Michel is heavily influenced by its religious history, and the abbey remains an important pilgrimage site for many Catholics. The island’s cuisine is also famous, with local specialties including the omelets from la Mère Poulard, and buttery biscuits known as “galettes.”
Visiting Mont Saint-Michel is both a fun leisure activity and an interesting excursion. You can learn a lot about history but also culture and it is definitely worth a visit when you are in Normandy.
Activities
Discover more of Normandy with one of the many amazing activities in the region.
Things to do
Visit the abbey
The most famous attraction of the Mont Saint-Michel is the Abbey. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a marvel of medieval architecture.
Climb the steep hill to the abbey and enjoy the view over the surrounding landscape. Along the way, you’ll pass through winding cobblestone streets, medieval buildings, and charming shops selling souvenirs and local specialties.
Inside the abbey you find an interior of Gothic architecture with intricate stonework and stunning stained glass windows.
Although visiting Mont Saint Michel is free, you have to pay an entrance fee of €13 to visit the Abbey. You can buy your tickets in advance online.
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Walk the ramparts
Walking on the ramparts of Mont Saint-Michel is like taking a step back in time. The stone walls have stood for centuries, watching as the tides change and the world evolves.
From the top of the ramparts, the view of the surrounding bay and countryside is breathtaking. You’ll feel like a bird perched on a medieval tower, observing the world below.
But be warned, walking on the ramparts requires a bit of effort. The steps can be steep and uneven, so wear comfortable shoes and take your time. But the effort is worth it for the unparalleled views and the chance to experience the history and charm of Mont Saint-Michel.
Explore the village and La Grande Rue
Visiting Mont Saint Michel feels like stepping back in time. The village surrounding the Abbey is very picturesque, with charming houses, old buildings, little alleys, and stunning views of the surrounding bay. You can take a stroll through the winding streets and soak in the atmosphere.
At the heart of the village lies La Grande Rue where you’ll be surrounded by the unique architecture of Mont Saint-Michel. It is a bustling street filled with shops, restaurants, and historical buildings. You can walk through this charming street and explore its rich culture and history.
A great way to explore the village and La Grande Rue is by joining a walking tour. A guide will show you around and tell you more about the fascinating history of Mont Saint-Michel.
Cross the bay
When it’s low tide, you can walk across the bay that connects Mont Saint-Michel to the mainland with a guide. Walking across the vast expanse of sand and water, surrounded by panoramic views of the Normandy coast, is just breathtaking. On top of that, you can experience real quick sand in the bay. It definitely a must-do activity when visiting Mont Saint-Michel and a great way to experience the island’s natural unique setting.
Important!
It's important to note that you should not cross the bay by yourself. Mont Saint-Michel is known for having Europe's largest tidal variations and quicksands. For a safe and memorable experience, it's recommended to book a guided walk with a local expert who can share their knowledge and ensure a smooth crossing. They will probably even let you experience the quicksand in a safe way.
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How to get to there
The Mont Saint-Michel is located off the coast of Normandy. The easiest way to visit Mont Saint Michel is by car or bus. There are also trains that run from Paris to the nearby town of Pontorson, where you can then take a shuttle bus to Mont Saint-Michel.
By Car
Cars are not allowed on the island itself, so you will need to park in a designated parking lot. These parking lots are for cars, campervans and motorbikes (P5, P6, P7bis, P10, P11, P12, P13). You can find all current parking prices here.
From here you can either take the free shuttle (the ‘Passeur’) or you can go by foot over the bridge.
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By Bus
There are regular and direct bus connections from Rennes and Saint-Malo, organized by Keolis Armor.
There are several return trips each day from the bus station in Rennes.
From Saint-Malo, there’s only one return trip from the Esplanade Saint-Vincent.
You can find all information and make reservations on the Keolis Armor website.
By Train
As there is no direct train station at the Mont Saint-Michel, you can reach the island by taking a train to the nearby town Pontorson. Here you can take a shuttle bus to the Mont Saint-Michel. The shuttle buses run frequently and take around 20 minutes to reach the island.
It’s important to note that the shuttle bus stop is located around 2.5 km from the Mont Saint-Michel. So, you will need to walk or take another shuttle (the free ‘Passeur’ shuttle at the parking area) to reach the entrance of the island.
Day Trips
A fun and easy way to visit Mont Saint Michel is on a day trip. There are day trips from Paris and day trips from Bayeux, you can go on a day trip to Mont Saint Michel. These trips usually include transportation, a local guide and your entry to the abbey.
Best time to visit
Overall, the best time to visit Mont Saint-Michel is during the shoulder season (May, June, September and October), when the weather is mild, the crowds are smaller, and the tide effect is still visible.
The summer months, June to August, are the warmest and driest. However, this is also the peak tourist season, so there will always a lot of people visiting Mont Saint-Michel. During the winter months December to February the weather is generally the coldest and wettest, but it will be more quiet.
If you want to see the famous “tide effect,” you should check the tide tables and plan your visit accordingly.
Note
The tide can rise very quickly, so be sure to follow safety guidelines and don't attempt to cross the sand without a guide.
Where to stay
Camping
If you are traveling with a campervan, you can stay the night on the parking area. There is a specific area, section P8, designated for camper vans that are less than 8 meters in height. Overnight parking is allowed, but you can not use the area as a camping site. Note that there are no services, such as water or electricity.
Accommodations
There are various options available to stay the night in and around the Mont Saint-Michel.
If you want to immerse yourself in the real charm of the Mont Saint-Michel, you can stay the night on the island. In this way you can enjoy the peaceful periods early in the morning and/or evening, avoid the crowds during peak hours and experience the island’s true beauty and allure.
Or if you prefer, you can stay the night around the Mont Saint-Michel and enjoy its beauty from a distance. When choosing your hotel, take into account how far it is located from the shuttle buses or how far you still have to walk on foot to Mont Saint-Michel itself.
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