The Mont-Saint-Michel is one of the most fascinating places in France, in the heart of a large bay, you can see it for miles around.
This gives us a wide choice of places to admire and photograph it.
Here is our selection of the most beautiful viewpoints on the Mont-Saint-Michel, near or far.
This opinion is completely independent, based on our experiences. We visited the area anonymously, making our own choices, and paying all our bills in full.
Our selection of the best views of the Mont-Saint-Michel
The Mont-Saint-Michel can be seen from many places all around the bay.
Hunting for views is one of the best things to do in the area!
This article is not exhaustive, we present our favorites so far.
We organized them from the nearest to the farthest location.
Keep an open mind
Attention!
The aspect of the bay of Mont-Saint-Michel varies constantly. The water rises with the tides, the sheep move, the rain comes and goes, the seasons change the colors…
The landscapes can therefore be very different from what you see on our pictures below. But, it will always be fascinating!
For example, to reach the place of the photo above, it is necessary to visit out of the high tides, with a little dry weather, and the colors of autumn. While other places are better after the rain or during high tides…
Map of the most beautiful viewpoints on the Mont-Saint-Michel
Here is a map to help you find your way and realize where the places listed in this article are located.
To get to some of these viewpoints, there is no public transportation. You need a car, or a bike.
See all our tips for visiting Mont-Saint-Michel.
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.
1. At the foot of the fortifications
Why we love the view
Let’s start with the most obvious: standing at the foot of Mont-Saint-Michel.
At the end of the footbridge, there is a large concrete esplanade.
It is here that we can best admire all the details of this village.
Certainly one of the most beautiful places in Normandy and France.
Start at the bottom:
- The ramparts with the towers and the flag of Normandy
- The few houses of the village that protrude above the ramparts
- The constructions that seem to merge with the rocks
- The steep slope of the island: one wonders how all this was built!
- The abbey at the top with its various buildings and its statue of Saint-Michel slaying a dragon, at the very top of the point.
Where it is located + access tips
- At the foot of the village
- Access from the parking lots: on foot (50 minutes) or with the free shuttle bus (12 minutes)
- Learn more in our article on how to get to Mont-Saint-Michel
Also great at night
This view is also great at night, when some walls are illuminated.
If you can, we strongly recommend that you spend a night on the Mont-Saint-Michel. The experience is even better than during the day.
See our article on the Mont-Saint-Michel by night.
And see all our tips on intramural hotels.
2. From the bridge
Why we love the view
The bridge is a fairly recent creation.
It was added to protect the environment of the Mont-Saint-Michel bay.
Its structure is light and it does not block high tides (unlike the road dike that was there before);
Its wooden structure blends perfectly with the landscape. It allows an easy walk to the village. And thanks to its curvature, it offers nice leakage lines on the pictures!
During high tides this view is surrounded by water.
Where it is located + access tips
- Between the parking lots and the village
- You must choose to access Mont-Saint-Michel on foot, which we strongly recommend to increase the excitement of visiting this exceptional place.
- The complete walk lasts 40 to 50 minutes and you are on the bridge for 760 meters.
3. With the fields
Why we love the view
I think the picture speaks for itself.
Beware, there are not always sheep. They graze in different areas of the bay.
These sheep are called “salt meadows” because these fields are covered with salty sea water during the high tides. This gives their meat a special flavor.
But even without the sheep, the view is beautiful. The situation of the mountain is surprising with all these flat lands around.
During the high tides, you are obliged to walk along the road…
Where it is located + access tips
- Between the parking lots and the village
- You must choose to access Mont-Saint-Michel on foot, which we strongly recommend to increase the excitement of visiting this exceptional place.
- The complete walk lasts 40 to 50 minutes
- This section is located between the dam and the footbridge. You can choose to walk on the sidewalk along the road or down a path near the fields.
- Be careful, it is a mixture of earth and clay. The path can be very slippery.
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4. From the dam
Why we love the view
The dam is very easy to access from the La Caserne area.
We like the perspective on the Mont-Saint-Michel and the variety of possible foregrounds.
Commissioned in 2009, it is built on the Cuesnon River and is used for sand removal.
In addition to the ecological utility of its 8 gates, it was created with a promenade-bridge that integrates well and allows the visitor to admire the Mont-Saint-Michel in the continuity of the river.
Do not miss the different symbols on the copper railing: hulls, coats of arms of Normandy and Brittany, calligraphic letters in different alphabets…
Where it is located + access tips
- At the edge of the Barracks area
- A15Min walk from the parking lots
- Free shuttle bus at a stop right next door
- Large panels give you explanations
- If the weather is nice, it’s a great place to sit and picnic with a view!
5. Hotel-Restaurant with a view of the Mont-Saint-Michel
Why we love the view
As we shared with you earlier, we highly recommend spending a night at Mont-Saint-Michel for a unique experience.
Our preference is for hotels in the village.
But it is true that if you sleep on the Mont-Saint-Michel, you don’t have a view on it.
In this case, you must sleep at Mont-Saint-Michel.
And the hotel with the best views on the Mont-Saint-Michel from many rooms is the Relais du Mont-Saint-Michel hotel.
It is located in front of the dam.
See photos, prices and availability – and book!
WHERE TO STAY AT Mont-Saint-Michel
Option 1:
Choose one of the 7 hotels on the mountain, within the city limits – see our article
- The historic Auberge Saint-Pierre Hotel – see prices, photos and availability
Option 2:
Or sleep in the part called La Caserne which is between the parking lots and the footbridge to Mont-Saint-Michel.
- Mercure 4-starhotel – see prices, photos and availability
Option 3:
And if you are looking for luxury, check out our article dedicated to luxury hotels near Mont-Saint-Michel.
- The charming guest house Clos de Gilles – see prices, photos and availability
Option 4:
The Normandy countryside is very green and inspiring. At the bend in the forest or in the fields, pretty villages with beautiful buildings transport you to another world, or even another era.
- Hotel Ermitage at 5min – see prices, pictures and availability
- Château de Boucéel at 30min – see prices, pictures and availability
6. From the sky
Why we love the view
We dream about it, we haven’t had the opportunity to do it yet, but seeing the Mont-Saint-Michel from the sky is on our bucket list.
For example, you can make your first ultralight flight over the Mont-Saint-Michel bay!
Learn more and check availability.
7. From a hike in the Mont-Saint-Michel bay
Why we love the view
Some of the most beautiful pictures of the Mont-Saint-Michel, were taken by people who hiked on the sand around the Mont-Saint-Michel.
We don’t have ours yet… sorry.
Beware, there is quicksand! Don’t go it alone, join the guided tours. You will learn more about the bay’s ecosystem.
Read more
8. With the meanders
Why we love the view
This is one of the most famous views of Mont-Saint-Michel.
In one of the surrounding fields, a series of meanders has been dug. It’s not a canyon, it’s very shallow.
The most famous photos are with water in the meanders. To have this view, you have to go there after an important rain (it is not the tides that fill them but the rain).
Unfortunately we haven’t had the right conditions yet, but it’s still nice without the water!
Where it is located + access tips
- In the place called La Rive
- Along the D275 road
- Next to the Auberge de la Baie
- Find a place to park that respects private property and signs.
- Find the piece of wood that allows you to step over the fence. Follow the path towards Mont-Saint-Michel, then pass another barrier (always closing behind you).
After this second barrier, the meanders are not far along the path. - 5min drive from the Mont-Saint-Michel parking lots
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9. La Roche Torin (our favorite)
Why we love the view
The Roche Torin walk is one of our favorites.
Each time the conditions change and offer very different opportunities.
The place is known for the “mini-cliffs” that you see on the picture above which offers a nice perspective line towards the Mont-Saint-Michel which is quite far.
Depending on the water conditions, the view can be very different.
When the ground is dry enough, you can follow some of the small paths of the Bay Road to discover new angles… I didn’t walk long to find the view below, but I can’t really tell you exactly where it is.
Be careful, the ground can be very slippery!
Where it is located + access tips
- Chemin de la Roche Torin
- Departure not far from the hotel Manoir de la Roche Torin – See photos, prices and availability – and book!
- Allow 10 to 15 minutes to walk to the fields (depending on where you park) and then all the time you want to explore.
- Always check the tides, to avoid getting your feet in the water!
- 10min drive from the Mont-Saint-Michel parking lots
10. Pointe du Grouin South
Why we love the view
South Grouin Point is even further east in the bay.
It is the starting point of several hikes to cross the bay.
But even if you don’t cross, it’s worth the detour
From here the Mont-Saint-Michel is quite far. We just see its silhouette standing out because we realize how flat the whole bay is.
Plus there are some great black and yellow rocks to create a foreground!
Where it is located + access tips
- The Grouin du Sud, not far from the Ecomuseum of the Mont-Saint-Michel Bay
- Attention, not to be confused with the Grouin at Cancale which is on the other side of the bay
- Easy parking nearby
- A few minutes walk on a marked path to reach the promontory and the rocks.
- 30min drive from the Mont-Saint-Michel parking lots
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
11. Mausoleum of Mount Huisnes
Why we love the view
It is not the most beautiful view on the Mont-Saint-Michel but it is easy to access and is combined with a place of memory. We liked the serenity of the place, far from the crowds of the Mont-Saint-Michel.
It is possible to visit some of the landing beaches from Mont-Saint-Michel. Omaha Beach is an hour and 40 minutes away and Utah Beach is an hour and a half away.
But near the mountain, you can already see the Memorial of Mount Huines.
It is a mausoleum inaugurated in 1963, in memory of German soldiers, sign of the Franco-German reconciliation.
It has a circular shape on 2 levels, and a view on the surrounding countryside and the Mont-Saint-Michel on the horizon.
Where it is located + access tips
- East of Mont-Saint-Michel
- Small detour from the D275 road
- Well indicated
- Easy access
- 10min drive from the Mont-Saint-Michel parking lots
12. From the garden of plants of Avranches
Why we love the view
This picture above is taken with a zoom lens.
In Avranches, you are even further from Mont-Saint-Michel.
But the view from the Jardin des Plantes is slightly elevated, which is rare in this flat bay.
This viewpoint offers a better perspective on the environment and the Wonder.
Where it is located + access tips
- In the city of Avranches
- From the garden of plants
- Large parking lot next to the garden
- Count 5min walking
- 25 min drive from the Mont-Saint-Michel parking lots.
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…
Bonus: the shadow of Mont-Saint-Michel
One of my favorite views of Mont-Saint-Michel is actually that of its shadow.
If you come early or late to visit the abbey (and depending on the months and sea conditions), you can see the majestic shadow of Mont-Saint-Michel on the sand of the bay! It is at the beginning of the visit, after having climbed the ton of stairs… from the terrace in front of the church.
Don’t forget to reserve your time to visit the abbey!
And also…
- Le Gué de l’épine
- Belvedere of Chaulieu
- Le Bec D’Andaine
- Mesnil-Ozenne orientation table
- Saint-Michel-de-Montjoie
- The Cabanes de Vauban in Carolles sur Mer (cliffs of the Lude valley)
