Discover the Abbey of Mont-Saint-Michel. Walls full of history whose architecture has not stopped evolving for several centuries. Classified as a historical monument, this abbey was one of the centers of medieval culture, beyond its major importance for the Christian West. In this article, we take you to discover this Wonder that is the Abbey of Mont-Saint-Michel.
This review is completely independent, we visited anonymously and paid our admission in full.
Why visit the Abbey of Mont-Saint-Michel?
Among the most visited monuments in France, Mont-Saint-Michel is home to one of the most important pilgrimage sites in Christendom: its abbey perched more than 50 meters above sea level.
Is the Abbey of Mont-Saint-Michel worth it? Our opinion:
In a word, yes! It is a place not to be missed during your visit to Mont-Saint-Michel.
This most famous silhouette in the world, built between sky and sea, has been a succession of architectural projects for centuries. An intellectual, religious and political crossroads, the abbey was visited by crowds of pilgrims, including several kings of France, such as Francis I.
It is a majestic place to visit, with breathtaking views of the bay. We feel very small in front of the history and the immensity of the place.
The Abbey of Mont-Saint-Michel also embodies a very beautiful architectural gesture on this rock which reveals the daily life of the monks in the Middle Ages and the story of this island fortress through the centuries. It’s fun to feel like you’re in a huge maze, for kids and adults alike!
Why is the Abbey of Mont-Saint-Michel famous?
The Abbey of Mont-Saint-Michel was classified as a historical monument in the late 19th century. Indeed, France has made the restoration of this place of worship one of the priority projects of its cultural agenda. The Abbey of Mont-Saint-Michel then integrates :
- the UNESCO heritage in 1979 under the title of “Mont-Saint-Michel and its bay”,
- and the classification of the monuments of the “Chemins de Saint-Jacques-de-Compostelle en France” more than 20 years later.
This mythical place of worship celebrates the archangel Saint Michael, fighter of the devil and guide of souls to the afterlife in theApocalypse, the last book of the New Testament. Also mentioned in the Old Testament, the archangel Michael symbolizes the power of good against the forces of evil. The cult of Saint Michael arrived from the East in the 5th century. century in Italy, in Puglia, where Mount Gargan (or “Monte Gargano” in Italian) is dedicated to him. The mountain and nature become symbols linked to the cult of Saint Michael.
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Our favorite rooms in the Abbey of Mont-Saint-Michel
A little taste of what awaits you during this unforgettable visit!
You will find detailed explanations of the different rooms later in the article after the practical tips. But we couldn’t help but share our favorite moments in the abbey with you right now!
- The view from the west terrace,
- The cloister gallery and its architectural details,
- The refectory where the monks ate,
- The monks’ walkway, whose purpose is still unknown to this day!
Small virtual visit in video…
Practical advice and map of Mont-Saint-Michel Abbey in France
Where is the Abbey of Mont-Saint-Michel?
The Abbey of Mont-Saint-Michel is located in Normandy at Mont-Saint-Michel (50170).
- Driving time from Rouen: 02h55
- Driving time from Evreux: 03h10
- Driving time from Caen: 01h35
- Driving time from Alençon: 02h25
- Driving time from Cherbourg: 02h10
- Driving time from Rennes: 01h05
- Here is a map to help you find your way:
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.
How to get there
Mont-Saint-Michel and its abbey are quite isolated and not easily accessible by public transport. You can get there by car, several paying parking lots are located on the bay of Mont-Saint-Michel and allow access 24 hours a day. Free shuttles are available from the parking lots.
See how to get to Mont-Saint-Michel (car, train, tours…).
Parking
To facilitate the access of the numerous travelers to the Mont-Saint-Michel, several paying parking lots are located on the bay. See how to park at Mont-Saint-Michel.
How to get to the Abbey of Mont-Saint-Michel?
The abbey “crowns” the Mont-Saint-Michel and is therefore at the top. Take the main entrance to Mont-Saint-Michel and then several options are possible:
- Walk north up the Grande Rue, you will have to climb several stairs in the village to the northwest to reach the entrance to the monument.
- You can also walk along the ramparts from the inside to the east before going up to the abbey when you reach the end of the walls.
- If you visit the Chemin de ronde des Fanils at Mont-Saint-Michel, the entrance to the abbey is accessible from the hanging gardens.
Best time to visit the Abbey of Mont-Saint-Michel
In other words, the Abbey of Mont-Saint-Michel is a monument not to be missed if you are visiting the region. The best time to visit is in the morning, ideally before 10am so that it is less crowded when it opens. The peak of affluence is most often recorded between 12:00 and 15:00. The visitors can be very numerous, the Mont-Saint-Michel welcoming more than one million tourists each year.
So don’t forget to reserve your slot.
Prefer weekdays rather than weekends, ideally not in high season to avoid the influx of tourists from around the world.
How long to visit this monument and main difficulties
Allow 1 to 2 hours for the visit depending on your interest in the different rooms of the abbey.
There are a lot of steps inside to get there. Conclusion: if you have knee problems, the visit of the abbey is absolutely not adapted for you!
How many steps are there to reach the top of Mont-Saint-Michel?
In short, we counted nearly 150 of them from the beginning of the visit to the top of the abbey and you will have to climb another 200 before reaching the entrance to the Wonder! So 350 in total to reach the top of Mont-Saint-Michel.
Which shoes to choose to visit the abbey?
Take good walking shoes because the movements within this French village are done on foot, no car reaches the Mont-Saint-Michel intra-muros. To reach the top, you’ll have to climb 350 steps, so put on your shoes and good luck to you!
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
Advice on how to visit
The circulation within the Abbey of Mont-Saint-Michel is marked out, the direction of visit is one-way.
The Abbey of Mont-Saint-Michel with children
The abbey is of course accessible to children. However, if you plan to visit the Abbey of Mont-Saint-Michel with small children, opt for the baby carrier rather than the stroller because you will not be able to move between the many steps and cobblestones!
The Tourist Office organizes treasure hunts for all ages. See the activities dedicated to children on the Mont-Saint-Michel.
Is it possible to visit Mont-Saint-Michel Abbey with a pet?
Pets are not allowed in the abbey. Also note that the shuttle buses from the parking lot to the mountain only allow guide dogs and dogs in closed bags. Pets are of course allowed inside the Mont-Saint-Michel, like any other village in France.
Schedules and prices
Find below the detailed opening hours of the Abbey of Mont-Saint-Michel:
- From May 1st to August 31st: 9am – 7pm.
- From September 1st to April 30th: 9:30 am – 6 pm.
- Closed on January1st, May1st and December 25th.
As we said above, the Abbey of Mont-Saint-Michel is a very visited place. So we advise you to buy your ticket in advance before your visit. You can also opt for a ticket to avoid waiting in line when you arrive.
Also, be sure to check the official website for any updates to the abbey’s visiting hours.
You will find below the details of the rates:
To make sure you can visit, book your visit time here as soon as possible (limited places).
Full adult rate: 11€.
Free (except for groups) for :
- Children under 18 years old.
- 18-25 years old (nationals of European Union countries and regular non-European residents on French territory).
- Person with a disability and his/her companion.
- Job seekers and recipients of minimum social benefits (upon presentation of a certificate of less than 6 months).
- Education pass (valid for the current year).
A ticketing service is also available on site, subject to the availability of tickets and the queue on the day. So the queue of visitors can sometimes be very long and go down into the alleys of the village!
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Guided tours
We chose the option with an audio guide and it is really worth it! Several informative texts are associated with the audio guide and they are not too long to read. The explanations are clear and allow a better understanding of certain details. The whole thing is well balanced!
It takes 1 hour of audio guided tour, the last audio guide is rented at 4:45 pm.
The audio guides are available in different languages:
- French,
- English,
- German,
- Spanish,
- Italian,
- Japanese,
- Portuguese,
- Russian,
- Chinese,
- Korean.
When you arrive inside the abbey, pick it up at the dedicated desk for the price of 3 euros.
Details of the guided tour options are available on the official website of the Abbey of Mont-Saint-Michel.
Beginning of the visit: the Grand Degré staircase and the Terrace
We keep a beautiful memory of this visit because this monument is really unique!
The Grand Degré, a gigantic staircase with hundreds of steps
We start with the Grand Degré, this gargantuan stone staircase leads to the western terrace. You will be speechless once you get to the top. Not because of the many stairs but because of the great view of the bay from this terrace! You will notice the river Couesnon whose mouth is located near the Mont-Saint-Michel. In the distance, if the sky is clear, you can admire the cliffs of Champeaux and the rock of Tombelaine.
Don’t forget to look up, you will see the spire topped by the archangel Saint-Michel. We are fascinated by the statue which, alone, is 4.5 meters high with its wings and weighs more than 400 kg.
Then comes the “Wonder” of Mont-Saint-Michel
The abbey church nestled at an altitude of 80 meters
This church is a real architectural feat when you know that access to Mont-Saint-Michel is not so easy. Imagine the architects and workers in the Middle Ages drawing plans, transporting materials to the top of Mont-Saint-Michel and building this place of worship from scratch to welcome pilgrims!
If you look closely, you will see an old plaque preserved on which the names of the knights who defended the abbey during the Hundred Years War are mentioned.
The cloister and its remarkable architectural details
The cloister was above all a space for meetings and exchanges which was not subject to the rule of silence like certain other rooms of the sanctuary. The monks could also practice meditation or simply cross the cloister to go from one room to another.
In the Middle Ages, the cloister galleries were generally covered with lead, as were many of the abbey’s buildings. That of Mont-Saint-Michel will be the object of many changes through the ages. From the Middle Ages to the 20th century, several materials will support this framework until today: lead, glazed tiles or stone.
The originality of this cloister? It’s a rooftop! It is indeed at the top of the abbey. Walking through his gallery, you will feel as if you are touching the clouds and the sky.
The arcatures of the cloister are made of a fine limestone of a luminous white suitable for sculpture, called Caen stone. Look closely at the vestiges of polychromy still visible on these arches, proof that the rosettes and moldings were colored in red and green. In the 19th century, restoration work focused on replacing the most damaged stones and repairing some missing or missing motifs.
The monks’ refectory on the3rd floor: meals in silence
This room may seem rather insignificant, without any particular detail. However, it was a place to which only religious people had the right of access. The refectory is located on the upper floor and illustrates the place of the clergy in the social order of the time.
The monks were subject to silence during their meals as well, as in most of the rooms of the abbey. Only the weekly reader of the sacred texts was allowed to read aloud. Take the time to notice the ingenious structure of the columns and windows that give excellent acoustics to the room.
The suite of rooms in the abbey
The Crypt of the Big Pillars
This crypt supports the choir of the abbey church. The columns are much more imposing.
Did you look up at the ceiling? Now look at the floor and its patterns.
The Saint-Etienne Chapel
In this chapel, try to decipher the mystery of the fragments of wall painting still visible on the walls. Do you see them?
This fragment of a mural painting from the ruins of the abbey’s former medieval infirmary has been preserved in this chapel. The fresco dates from the 13th century and is entitled “The meeting of the three dead and the three living”.
The Sainte-Madeleine Chapel
The Chapel of Saint Magdalene was built in the 13th century along with the rest of the building called “La Merveille”. It is located to the southeast of the Salle des Hôtes. Take the time to look at the detail of the stained glass windows, the colors and the shapes. The orientation of the room allows it to enjoy a beautiful sunshine most of the day, the stained glass windows give it a real charm.
The monks’ walkway
The character of the monks’ walkway lies in its rougher appearance, carved out of stone damaged by time. The style of the vaults was a precursor to the Gothic style!
No manuscript detailed the purpose of this room. The walls have ears but unfortunately cannot tell us about the monastic life of the parkway since its creation. It’s fun to think that we still have a lot to learn about the history of this mythical place.
The guest room or the room known as the Knights’ room
As its name indicates, it is here that the knights, personalities of the medieval society, and valiant defenders of the abbey, were received. In the past, this room was also used as a scriptorium to write the precious manuscripts whose collection is preserved today in the city of Avranches.
Crossing through the Hall of Knights, you will find yourself just below the cloister gallery. You will notice that in each room, the columns and their moldings are different.
Closing the visit with the chaplaincy
This space was intended to accommodate the poor and pilgrims. The organization of the abbey’s rooms and the public it welcomed reflects the social hierarchy of the medieval period. Today, it has become the abbey’s bookshop.
Finally, the gardens of the abbey: a movie set
The medieval garden
Finally, from the balcony of the gardens, you will again have breathtaking views of the Bay of Mont-Saint-Michel.
These landscapes, seen from the gardens, will never be the same from one day to the next, shaped by the movement of the tides.
So all this made you want to visit the Wonder? Don’t wait any longer and reserve your slot!
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
A little history
As early as the 6th century A.D., ancient writings mention hermit monks living on Mont-Saint-Michel, formerly known as “Mont Tombe”. Under the reign of Childebert III, king of the Franks in the 7th century, Aubert, bishop of Avranches, undertook the construction of a sanctuary dedicated to the archangel Saint-Michel. It is only in the 10th century that Richard Ier, third Duke of Normandy, re-established monastic life in the region and entrusted the construction of a Benedictine abbey to Maynard, first elected abbot of Mont-Saint-Michel.
The origins of the Abbey of Mont-Saint-Michel
First of all, several Latin manuscripts dating from the 10th century tell the story of the creation of this abbey. From the 11th century onwards, the art of writing reached its peak on Mont-Saint-Michel: Carolingian and Anglo-Saxon influences shaped the creation of the Norman Romanesque lettering. A magnificent collection of manuscripts is kept in the library and the Scriptorial Museum of the city of Avranches. Discover our article what to do in Mont-Saint-Michel: 15 ideas.
Then, the reform of the Order of Benedictine monks (or Order of Cluny) in the tenth century placed the abbots under the direct authority of the Pope and gave an important place to liturgical processions. The construction of a Romanesque church began on Mont-Saint-Michel in 1023 and lasted until the end of that century. The chapel of Notre-Dame-sous-Terre, the oldest part of Mont-Saint-Michel, supports the nave of this new church.
The abbey during the wars
Throughout the ages, Mont-Saint-Michel has remained independent, despite the conquest of Normandy (which became French) by Philip Augustus in the 13th century. About twenty decades later, the Hundred Years’ War broke out but the English did not manage to occupy Mont-Saint-Michel, an emblem of fighting spirit during more than a century of confrontations. The archangel Saint-Michel is then erected as the patron saint of the kingdom of France, a figure of national identity and resistance.
In 1421, in the middle of the Hundred Years’ War, the beleaguered Mont saw the choir of its Romanesque church destroyed. This one will be rebuilt only ten decades later but this time in a gothic style. The abbey was then refurbished after the abbots had deserted Mont-Saint-Michel, weakened by these conflicts. In the 17th century, monastic life resumed and pilgrims were less rare on Mont-Saint-Michel. This island fortress became the “Bastille of the Seas” or place of imprisonment under the guard of monks.
How the storming of the Bastille in the 18th century shook the power of the Church at Mont-Saint-Michel
During the Revolution of 1789, the Mont-Saint-Michel and its abbey, property of the Church, were declared “national property”. Renamed the “Mont Libre”, the Mont-Saint-Michel became a prison which was only definitively closed in the second half of the 19th century, just before its abbey was classified as a historical monument in 1874. Then began its restoration and the construction, little by little, of access roads to simplify the reception of visitors.
Its abbey being classified as a historical monument, is the Mont-Saint-Michel a wonder of the world?
Indeed, the Abbey of Mont-Saint-Michel is the first French national property to be included in the UNESCO World Heritage List.
The canonical list of the 7 wonders of the world, built between the 3rd millennium BC and the beginning of the 3rd century BC, includes :
- the Pyramid of Cheops,
- the hanging gardens of Babylon,
- the statue of Zeus,
- the Mausoleum of Halicarnassus,
- the Temple of Artemis,
- the Colossus of Rhodes,
- and the Lighthouse of Alexandria.
The Mont-Saint-Michel and its bay are not part of this list but are qualified as “wonder of the West”.
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
Nearby restaurants
As for the accommodations, you have the choice to eat in Mont-Saint-Michel or in the surroundings. We have tested a few restaurants for you. Our TOP 3:
- The Restaurant Auberge de la Mère Poulard for its omelette, an institution since the 19th century – nice to see the preparation. The texture is interesting but it remains an omelet in terms of taste. See our article on this restaurant here.
- The restaurant la Table de l’Ermitage for its authentic and family atmosphere close to the Mont-Saint-Michel and its bay. See our article on this restaurant here.
- The Restaurant du Relais du Mont-Saint-Michel for its view on the mount.
See the 12 best restaurants in Mont-Saint-Michel. This selection is completely independent, we ate there anonymously and paid our bill in full.
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
Frequently asked questions
Films, series and broadcasts shot at the Abbey of Mont-Saint-Michel
Many films have been shot at Mont-Saint-Michel, a unique place of inspiration for its magic, its splendor and the mysteries that surround it.
To begin with, the first film shooting in the Channel dates back to 1907, L’Enlisé du Mont-Saint-Michel directed by Albert Capellani, a pioneer of international cinema.
But Mont-Saint-Michel and its abbey are not always chosen as the main filming location; for example, in Armageddon, an American film directed by Michael Bay and released in 1998 with, among others, Liv Tyler, Bruce Willis and Ben Affleck, three French characters watch over sheep in front of Mont-Saint-Michel.
In 2011, director Terrence Malick chose Mont-Saint-Michel to shoot A la merveille, whose first scenes of romance with Ben Affleck and Olga Kurylenko begin between the capital and Mont-Saint-Michel.
Then in another register, the Disney film adaptation Rapunzel is inspired by the Wonder, the Abbey of Mont-Saint-Michel.
And the novels in all this?
Finally, some scenes in Harry Potter recall the alleys or the spectacular views of Mont-Saint-Michel, but J.K. Rowling did not indicate that she was inspired by this high place of worship. You wonder why the Mont-Saint-Michel and its abbey would have inspired Harry Potter? Our article on the subject here.
La Merveille never ceases to animate artists of all kinds. It has been a source of inspiration for many famous writers such as Victor Hugo, Gustave Flaubert, Guy de Maupassant or Stendhal. But also to draw the silhouette of the wonderful Disneyland castle, or several monuments in video games like Pokémon, Castlevania or Assassin’s Creed.
Do you also feel inspired by the magic of this place? So don’t wait any longer and book your ticket in advance!
The Mont-Saint-Michel Abbey’s night-time events in summer
Every summer in July and August at sunset, you can also discover the Abbey of Mont-Saint-Michel in a different way. A magical moment where sounds and lights come to dress the Wonder on the rock! You will discover the different rooms of the abbey in the evening with incredible views on the bay and the surroundings.
It’s also fun to visit the abbey while listening to the story of the place commented by the famous history buff Stéphane Bern!
The exact dates of the evening events are available on the official website of the Mont-Saint-Michel Tourist Office.
Where to admire the sunset at Mont-Saint-Michel ?
From the Pointe du Grouin, you will be able to admire the sun setting on the Mont-Saint-Michel: a very beautiful viewpoint!
On the heights of the city of Avranches, the view is also breathtaking on the bay of the Mont-Saint-Michel, especially at sunset. The end of day colors will lull you to sleep as you face the sumptuous immensity of the bay.
What shoes to wear to cross the Mont-Saint-Michel bay?
Ideally, opt for river shoes or sea shoes in good condition if you plan a visit to the Mont-Saint-Michel bay. Quicksand can be found everywhere, be careful and prefer guided tours. Depending on the theme of the tour, rubber boots may be useful. Ask for information when you make your reservation.
Who lives in the Abbey of Mont-Saint-Michel?
The Abbey of Mont-Saint-Michel is currently inhabited by a community of 5 monks and 7 sisters. They rented the abbey to the State, which had become state property since the Revolution of 1789.
Are there masses at the Abbey of Mont-Saint-Michel?
Yes, masses are still celebrated at the Abbey of Mont-Saint-Michel. They take place:
- from Tuesday to Saturday at 12:00,
- Sundays at 11:15 a.m. (also for All Saints’ Day, Christmas, Ascension and Assumption).
Mont-Saint-Michel: Breton or Norman?
Because of the proximity of the two regions, the question has indeed often been asked… The border between Normandy and Brittany is located 6 km west of the mouth of the river Couesnon in the bay of Mont-Saint-Michel before 2015. After having been unsubdued for several centuries, then Breton before the arrival of the Vikings in the region in the 9th century, the Mont-Saint-Michel then officially became Norman.
