Avranches is a small Norman town perched on a hill at the gateway to the bay of Mont-Saint-Michel. We were seduced by its medieval heritage, panoramic gardens and thousand-year-old manuscripts. You’ll be amazed by the cultural richness of this city steeped in history!
Discover our ideas for what to do in Avranches, illustrated with photos that will make you want to go there.
This guide is completely independent, based on our experiences. We visited the region anonymously, making our own choices and paying our bills in full.
Is the small town of Avranches worth a visit?
Yes, the small town of Avranches is well worth a visit. We appreciated its calm atmosphere and its heritage linked to Mont-Saint-Michel. With its manuscript museum, gardens overlooking the bay and ancient churches, Avranches offers a quality cultural stopover in Normandy.
It is in our selection of the most beautiful towns in Normandy.
If you’d like to stay overnight, take a look at our top-rated accommodations. For example, Hotel La Ramade – See prices, photos and availability
1. Travel back in time at the Scriptorial, Mont-Saint-Michel Manuscript Museum
Why do we love it?
The Scriptorial is a museum dedicated to the medieval manuscripts of the Abbey of Mont-Saint-Michel, an important place of learning founded in the 10th century. We were impressed by the quality of this collection, one of the largest in Europe. The tour traces the history of writing and books, from the first clay tablets to the illuminated codices created by Benedictine monks. You’ll discover remarkable works, some of which date back over a thousand years. We found the modern, immersive scenography ideal for understanding the painstaking work of the copyists.
See our article on the museum.
Practical advice
- April to September, open 10am to 1pm and 2pm to 6pm,Closed Mondays
- In February, March, October, November and December, open from 2pm to 6pm, Tuesday to Saturday.
- Price: 9 euros
- See the latest news on the official website here
USE OUR GUIDE TO PLAN A
DREAM TRIP TO Normandy
All the information you need for your trip:
- 8 maps that make planning easier
- 160+ pre-selected locations
- Practical advice
- 300+ photos to help you choose
2. Contemplating the bay at the Jardin des Plantes
Why do we love it?
The Jardin des Plantes in Avranches offers one of the finest views of the Bay of Mont-Saint-Michel. We were captivated by the unobstructed view of the abbey in the distance, especially at the end of the day when the light gilds the silhouette of the Mont.
This botanical garden, laid out in the 19th century, is home to a variety of plant collections and shady walkways. You’ll also be able to admire century-old trees and flowerbeds that change with the seasons. We found the place peaceful and particularly pleasant for a contemplative break.
Practical advice
- Free access
- Located high up, just a few minutes’ walk from the town center
3. Visit Notre-Dame-des-Champs church
Why do we love it?
The Église Notre-Dame-des-Champs is a religious building in the center of Avranches that’s well worth a stop. We appreciated its sober architecture, representative of the neo-Gothic style of the 19th century. The luminous nave and colorful stained glass windows create a contemplative atmosphere. Note the sculpted details of the façade and the harmonious proportions of the whole. We found the interior well-maintained and conducive to a quiet moment in the heart of the city.
Practical advice
- Free access
- Located opposite the Jardin des Plantes
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.
4. Go up to the Donjon for its views
Why do we love it?
Le Donjon d’Avranches is a vestige of the medieval castle that once dominated the town. We climbed up to this high point to enjoy unobstructed views over the roofs of the city and the surrounding area. You can also see the remains of ancient fortifications, a reminder of Avranches’ strategic importance in the Middle Ages. We found the climb short and the panorama rewarding.
Practical advice
- Free access
- Take good shoes, the path can be uneven.
5. Stroll through the historic center and Place d’Estoute
Why do we love it?
The historic center of Avranches is a great place to explore on foot. We enjoyed strolling through the streets lined with stone houses and ancient facades. Place d’Estoute, the heart of the town, is a lively place surrounded by shops and terraces. You can stop off here to observe the rhythm of local life. We also spotted some lovely architectural details along the alleyways, from carved doors to granite lintels.
Practical advice
- Take a stroll through the town center
- Parking lots near the square
- Sloping streets in places
6. Discover the Basilica of Saint-Gervais and the relic of Saint Aubert
Why do we love it?
The Basilique Saint-Gervais is one of Avranches’ most important religious buildings. We were struck by the solemnity of the site and by the presence of a famous relic: the skull of Saint Aubert, the 8th-century bishop of Avranches to whom tradition attributes the founding of Mont-Saint-Michel. Legend has it that the archangel Michael appeared to him and ordered him to build a sanctuary on the rock. You can observe this relic preserved in the basilica’s treasury. We also appreciated the architecture of the building, with its vaults and side chapels.
Practical advice
- Free access
- Located in downtown Avranches
7. An excursion to Mont-Saint-Michel from Avranches
Why do we love it?
Avranches is one of the best starting points for visiting Mont-Saint-Michel, just a 25-minute drive away. We took advantage of this proximity to explore the rocky islet and its medieval abbey perched 92m above sea level, a UNESCO World Heritage site.
The surrounding bay is a spectacle in itself, especially during high tides. You can also cross the bay on foot on a guided tour for an unforgettable experience. We recommend leaving early in the morning to avoid the crowds.
Practical advice
- 25min drive from Avranches
- Compulsory parking outside, free shuttles to Mont
- Crossing the bay on foot only with a licensed guide
- Book your time to visit the magnificent abbey– book here
- See all Mont-Saint-Michel attractions
8. Explore the Pointe du Grouin du Sud
Why do we love it?
The Pointe du Grouin du Sud is a natural site located a few kilometers from Avranches, in the commune of Vains. From this rocky outcrop, we discovered a breathtaking panorama of the Bay of Mont-Saint-Michel. The landscape changes with the tides: at low tide, the beaches stretch as far as the eye can see and the salt meadows are revealed.
You can observe the migratory birds that frequent the area, which is classified as a nature reserve. We found it the ideal place for a walk in the fresh air, away from the hustle and bustle of the tourist trade.
This is one of many viewpoints over the bay and the mountain. See our list.
Practical advice
- Approx. 10min drive from Avranches
- Small on-site parking lot
- Accessible but unpaved trail, bring suitable footwear.
WHERE TO STAY IN Normandy
We particularly appreciate staying in Normandy:
- Bayeux – our hotels selection
- Honfleur – our hotel selection
For more ideas, take a look at our article on the best places to stay in Normandy.
And if you already have an idea, take a look at our selections:
What to do in Avranches: other ideas
Avranches has other surprises in store that we’ve spotted:
- The Musée d’Art et d’Histoire d’Avranches and its varied collections
- The Saturday morning market, a convivial place to discover local Normandy products
Excursions around Avranches
We’ve explored the Avranches area and found some places worth a visit:
- Mont-Saint-Michel and its abbey, a 25-minute drive away
- Granville, an elegant seaside resort nicknamed the “Monaco of the North”, 30min away
- Abbaye de la Lucerne, a jewel of Romanesque and Cistercian architecture, about 20 minutes away.
How to get to Avranches + parking
Where is Avranches
- In Normandy, in the bay of Mont-Saint-Michel
- From Granville: 30min drive
- From Caen: 1h20 drive
- From Rennes: 1h drive
- From Paris: 3h30 drive
How to get there
Drive to Avranches, a convenient way to explore the region. The town is close to the A84 freeway (exit 34).
By train, Avranches station is served by connections from Paris-Montparnasse (approx. 3h30 with connections). Regional buses also connect the city with neighboring towns.
See available timetables and book your train and coach tickets now.
Parking in Avranches
We found several parking lots close to the city center. Parking is generally easy in this small town. We recommend you leave your car near the Place d’Estoute and explore on foot.
Useful tips for visiting Avranches
How long and when?
Allow half a day to visit the city and its main sites. If you’d also like to explore the surrounding area, including Mont-Saint-Michel and the Pointe du Grouin du Sud, a full day is recommended.
Spring and autumn offer pleasant conditions for discovering Avranches, away from the summer crowds. The high tides, frequent in autumn, are a spectacle not to be missed in the bay.
Tour directions, map and difficulty
We started at the Scriptorial, before moving on to the Jardin des Plantes for a panoramic view. Then we strolled through the historic center and visited the churches. The town is easy to explore on foot, but some streets are steep. Bring comfortable shoes, especially if you’re going to the Donjon.
Visiting with children
Avranches lends itself well to a family visit. The Scriptorial offers a fun-filled tour that can captivate young visitors, curious to discover how monks made books in the Middle Ages. The Jardin des Plantes offers a pleasant green space for a break. We also think an excursion to the Pointe du Grouin du Sud, with its salt meadows and birdlife, will appeal to children. The nearby Mont-Saint-Michel is an unforgettable adventure for the whole family.
Restaurants
We haven’t tested the Avranches restaurants yet.
Visiting Avranches in winter
If, like us, you like to feel the force of the elements, Avranches in winter will seduce you. Winter light on the Bay of Mont-Saint-Michel creates a unique atmosphere. You can enjoy the museums and churches sheltered from the cold, before warming up with a fine Norman meal.
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
Best of
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…
