The charm of the countryside, an enchanting garden, a relaxing room and only 5 minutes drive to Mont-Saint-Michel… what more could you ask for! We had a crush on the B&B Clos Saint Gilles.
In this article, we propose you a return in images on our stay with our opinion and all the practical information for you also, to relax in this beautiful B&B!
This review is completely independent, we stayed anonymously and paid our bill in full.
Why stay at the B&B Clos Saint Gilles
Among the hotel offer of Mont-Saint-Michel, the B&B Clos Saint Gilles is really one of our favorites for several reasons:
- For the charm
This B&B has a lot of charm. When you arrive, you can already admire the beautiful 17th century house with its old stones.
And once in the room, the decoration is warm, the room is large, and the situation relaxing. We wish we could have relaxed there longer!
- For gardens
When I arrived in October, my host Tatiana told me that the gardens are also extraordinary, that they have a little air of Alice in Wonderland.
Looking out the window, we had a little doubt, seeing a nice garden, but the comparison seemed exaggerated. Then we went for a walk… and we confirm. Even in October, when the plants lose their splendor, there is a real feeling of entering the magical world of Alice in Wonderland.
- For its location
The B&B is located in the bay of Mont-Saint-Michel, only 5 minutes by car from the official parking lots.
From the garden, you can see the island in the distance, and apparently even from one of the rooms. It was very convenient: the proximity, but the quietness away from the crowds
See availability at B&B Clos Saint Gilles
OUR ADVICE FOR RENTING A CAR IN Normandy
- Compare prices on our preferred platform: DiscoverCars – one of the best rated sites.
- Choose a car that is comfortable enough (distances can be long) but compact (some parking lots and villages are narrow).
- Think of thecomplete insurance (some roads are tortuous and narrow).
- There is a lot of demand, book it early.
Is the B&B Clos Saint Gilles worth it? Our review
Absolutely.
We loved our stay. Here, everything invites you to relax. This is good after the crowds at Mont-Saint-Michel(see all our tips for visiting).
We would have liked to stay longer.
But as we want to test several accommodations for you, we have to change regularly…
The house
This old stone building dates from the 17th century. It has been very well renovated.
The stones are beautiful.
The rooms are in a former workshop or chapel.
The room
Let’s start with our room.
It was on the first floor overlooking the garden. It was the room called “Les Lilas”.
We found it large, warm and charmingly decorated: country-style, to match the place, but without being overly so.
The bed was large and comfortable, with a view of the garden and countryside. A good way to sleep in peace!
There was a sofa corner in a recess. It was perfect to relax with a good book.
And the office area with the white orchid was also very nice.
Nice touches of decor without being overloaded, that’s what we like.
See availability at B&B Clos Saint Gilles
The bathroom
We also really liked the bathroom.
It was very spacious with a large walk-in shower.
The sink was modern with a pebble to block the drain: fun!
The shower pressure was excellent.
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The garden
We will now tell you about the garden.
Just in front of the house, you can enjoy the tables and benches. A short break to admire the old stones of the house or watch the sun set in front of you.
Then, we recommend that you explore the gardens.
Even in the fall, when the plants are not blooming, it was fun to walk around.
Between the cut hedges, the arches, the alleys, the secret corners, the small piles to take height… it is a small labyrinth where one wonders at each corner.
For a private garden, it is really very successful. We were very surprised.
It was created by the former owners: Gilles and Joëlle de Champs. It is structured by a succession of themed enclosures: grasses, perennials, rose garden… you will find a little bit of everything, especially if you go there in spring. We will try to go back!
The breakfast
Breakfast is served in a room on the first floor.
Lots of local products in a friendly atmosphere: eggs from the house chickens, home-made cake, fruits, several fresh breads, local jams…
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The equipment
The wifi was good during our stay. Stable and fast.
Sunset
From the garden, you can enjoy a view of the Mont-Saint-Michel and the sunset. But it is not always aligned with the historical site… it depends on the month.
When we were there, the sun was setting on its left side, but it was very amusing, because we had a very beautiful spectacle, which gave almost the impression to be in the African savanna… LOL.
Practical information about the B&B Clos Saint Gilles in Mont-Saint-Michel
Type of accommodation / price range
3 star equivalent B&B
See availability at B&B Clos Saint Gilles
Where the B&B is located
- Driving time from Rouen: 2h40 driving time
- Driving time from Paris: 4 hours
- Driving time from Caen: 1h25 driving time
- Driving time from Rennes: 1 hour
A MAGICAL EXPERIENCE AT Mont-Saint-Michel
Step 1: Plan and get there
Step 2: Decide on your program
Step 3: decide where to sleep
How to get there
Access by car:
Easy to access
The Mont-Saint-Michel area is not easily accessible by public transportation.
Parking
Free parking on site, in the courtyard.
Is the B&B family friendly?
Yes, there are family rooms.
Our top 3 things to do at Mont-Saint-Michel
Walk to the mount
Many people rush inside the Mont. They get out of their car, get on the shuttle and follow the people inside. But, in our opinion, choosing to walk there from the parking lots is the best option.
The path is flat and easy. Count 40min to 50min of walking.
Enjoy the sea air and the changing landscape as you approach the mountain; with the dam, fields, sand…
The anticipation makes the experience even better!
Visit the Abbey
The jewel of Mont-Saint-Michel is of course the abbey built over the centuries on top of this rocky island.
It is a marvel of architecture and history.
It is particularly known for its cloister built in the 13th century, as if suspended between sky and sea.
Be careful, there are a lot of stairs to visit it.
And you have to book your visit before – bookhere
See all our tips
Explore the ramparts
In addition to the main street and the abbey, do not miss the ramparts.
We recommend that when you arrive at Mont-Saint-Michel, you go up to the abbey by the ramparts and come back down by the main street or other alleys.
Going up the covered way offers you views of the village, the roofs, the abbey and the bay. Probably our favorite part of the visit to the Mont outside the abbey.
And to learn more:
Our complete selection of 21 things to do in Mont-Saint-Michel
PLAN YOUR TRIP TO Normandy
Inspiration destinations
- Deciding where to go in Normandy – the best destinations
- Our weekend ideas: best-of, romantic, unusual, seaside, luxury, family
- 16 seaside hotels in Normandy
- The most beautiful charming hotels in Normandy
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Practice
- Where to stay in Normandy – best places and hotels
- See our tips for renting a car at CDG airport, Orly airport, Beauvais airport, Caen, Rouen, Bayeux…
