A fortified village, an imposing abbey, an isolated island… visiting Mont-Saint-Michel is a unique (and somewhat magical!) experience.
We have visited it from top to bottom… and we bring you all our advice on how to visit the Mont-Saint-Michel:
- When to visit and for how long,
- How to get there, parking, access, shuttle,
- best things to do: abbeys, museums, ramparts…
- Sleeping and eating: best hotels
- Maps and plan…
We hope to answer all your questions and wish you an unforgettable trip!
Top 10 tips for visiting Mont-Saint-Michel
If you don’t want to read the whole article with all our tips for an unforgettable experience, here are our top 10:
- Visit early or late in the day to avoid the crowds. The main street is very narrow and it’s unbearable to not be able to move forward when it is full of people.
- Wear good walking shoes. It’s an old village on a rocky islet… there are cobblestones and many (many!) steps.
- Book your time to visit the abbey, it is a must and a beauty – book here
- Don’t take a big bag. Again, the streets are narrow and crowded.
- Consider spending a night on the mountain. It is a magical experience to explore the alleys after dark. The atmosphere is unique. See our article with the 7 hotels on Mont-Saint-Michel and our review of the experience.
- Spend more than 2 hours on Mont-Saint-Michel – the streets and ramparts are worth exploring. It takes a little time to soak up the atmosphere and visualize its history. It’s a shame to stay only 2 hours.
- Speaking of history, a guided tour can teach you a lot more about the mountain with fun anecdotes (like why the houses are narrower down there…) – see this tour
- Don’t miss walking on the ramparts. Everyone rushes up the main street to the abbey, but the ramparts offer exceptional views of the village, the abbey and the bay.
- If you want to discover local specialties, avoid the stores on the mountain. Stop by Maison Pélerin, a 5-minute drive away, for a wide selection of products and a more leisurely experience: caramels, black garlic from the bay, cookies from the sisters of the Abbey… We were pleasantly surprised by the presentation of the products (even if it remains a store for tourists).
- Take a breath! You are at the seaside, in a unique place in the world. Take your time, breathe the fresh air, listen to the stones and birds of the bay, admire the lights! Enjoy the magic of the place (with a Harry Potter twist, for the fans).
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 Mont-Saint-Michel worth it?
The Mont-Saint-Michel is one of the most visited places in France.
It is often the 2nd most recognized monument after the Eiffel Tower. Some call it the Castle of Mont-Saint-Michel.
But is the place overrated? Is it worth a visit?
Absolutely. Each time we visit, we are amazed by what has been built here.
The cathedrals of France are already impressive, but here, the abbey is built on top of a rather steep rocky island surrounded by a huge bay.
It is impossible to compare this place to any other!
A quick history
To give you some context, here are some highlights of its history:
Mont-Saint-Michel was originally called Mont-Tombe. Since the 6th century, hermits lived there with a small chapel.
According to a manuscript of the 9th century, the archangel Saint Michael ordered in 708 a bishop of Avranches to build a church there. It became a place of pilgrimage.
It developed strongly from the 10th century, when it was attached to Normandy. A monastery on 3 levels (because of the slope of the rock) was built.
Over the centuries, fires, the Hundred Years’ War, the Revolution and collapses have caused the abbey to evolve. The place was always rebuilt until the “Wonder” that we see today.
A few figures to put it into perspective
- The mountain is 900m in circumference
- Its highest point is at 80m
- The tides around can reach an amplitude of 15km
- The statue of Saint Michael slaying the dragon is 4.5m high
- It is perched at 156m high
- In 2019, the municipality counts 29 inhabitants per year
Best Time: when to visit Mont-Saint-Michel
The best time depends of course on what you are looking for: the absence of crowds, the sun, the high tides?
Don’t worry, no matter when you visit, you will be amazed!
1. Best months / season
There is really no better season as the winter lights, autumn colors and summer sun all bring something special to the views of Mont-Saint-Michel.
Finally you have to ask yourself:
If you want warmth, you should visit during the summer months.
If you want to avoid the crowds, visit during winter (November to March).
The main street is narrow and it’s one of the most visited places in France, so we’re not kidding when we talk about crowds!
Just be aware that some hotels and restaurants close during the winter season.
Personally, we particularly like the month of October. Beautiful colors, quite long days, and a little less tourists than in summer.
But avoid the French school vacations!
2. Best days
Similarly, if you want to avoid the crowds, don’t visit on a weekend.
On the days of the week, it is about the same in attendance.
The abbey is open every day of the year except January1st, May1st and December 25th.
The shuttle from the parking lots runs every day of the year.
3. Best hours – Opening hours
The Mont-Saint-Michel remains open at all hours.
The shuttle operates from 7:30 a.m. to at least 11:00 p.m. in summer and from 8:30 a.m. to at least 10:00 p.m. in winter.
The abbey is open at least from 9:30 am to 6:30 pm – reserve your entry slot
The museums are open at least from 10 am to 5 pm.
Parking is cheaper after 7pm, but the stores and the abbey are closed.
To avoid the crowds, it is best to visit early or late.
Even better, we recommend you to spend a night on the Mont-Saint-Michel.
Walking through the streets and ramparts at night is an entirely different experience, like traveling back in time. You will be able to better appreciate this historical site.
See our section below on where to sleep at Mont-Saint-Michel.
4. Sunrises and sunsets
For sunrises and sunsets, photographers will surely prefer not to be on the mountain. It is more interesting to take the mountain with the sun shaving!
Just be aware that it is not always easy to find a place with the right alignment depending on the season.
5. Visit during high tides
The mountain is known for its changes during the high tides.
At this moment the water rises of 15m on 15km and the mountain becomes again an island surrounded by water. It’s fascinating to see the place transform!
A coefficient of at least 110 is required.
They take place:
- end of March
- end of September
- and perhaps mid-April, mid-August and mid-October
And every twenty years or so the “tide of the century” takes place. The coefficient exceeds 118. The next ones will take place on Thursday, March 3, 2033 and Tuesday, March 14, 2051.
6. How much time should I allow for Mont-Saint-Michel
Contrary to some websites, we do not recommend 2 hours. The place is so unique that running to see a few streets and take a few pictures is not worth it.
Our advice is to plan for a large minimum of half a day.
A full day is preferable.
But our favorite choice is 1 and a half days with a night on the intramural mountain(see our article on our experience).
And 2 days if you also want to do a guided walk in the bay.
Some ideas of duration:
- 45min to 1h to reach the entrance of the abbey from the parking lots with the shuttle (depending on the number of people)
- Walk to the entrance to see the dam and enjoy the beautiful views: 40 to 50 minutes (worth doing once!)
- 1 to 2 hours to explore the abbey (depending on your interest in history and architecture
- 15 to 45 minutes to walk along the ramparts
- 2h to 3h to visit the 4 museums
- 1h to 8h for the different hikes in the bay
- …
For more info: see our article on the best period and duration
Do I have to make a reservation to visit Mont-Saint-Michel?
No need to reserve for:
- the parking lot
- the shuttle
- visit the village and the ramparts
- the museums
On the other hand it is necessary:
- Reserve a time to visit the abbey
– reserve your entry slot - Make reservations for restaurants on the mountain, especially in summer
- Book very early to get a hotel on or near the Mont-Saint-Michel (especially in summer)
– book your hotel
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
Understanding prices
7. The free part
Mont-Saint-Michel is a village in France. This is a non-paying venue. You can enter for free. Its access is free.
Stroll through the narrow streets, climb the ramparts, admire from the dam… it’s free.
The shuttle from the parking lots is also free.
8. What you can pay for at Mont-Saint-Michel
What pays:
- parking as close as possible to the mountain – then you have to walk or take the shuttle
- the visit of the Merveille (the abbey), a must – reserve your entrance time
- entrance to the museums – there are 4 museums in the village. They round out the experience a bit with history and artifacts. But they are small private museums… Buy a combination ticket
- And of course the restaurants that have higher prices, given their location in a tourist area.
How to get to Mont-Saint-Michel
Here is an introduction on how to get to Mont Saint Michel. To learn more see our dedicated article with all our more detailed tips.
9. How to get to Mont-Saint-Michel by car – Map
It is very easy to reach Mont-Saint-Michel by car: Motorway A84 from Caen or from Rennes, N176 from Saint-Malo.
Plan:
- Paris to Mont-Saint-Michel = 3h30 to 4h30 drive (depending on traffic jams)
- Caen to Mont-Saint-Michel = 1h20
- Bayeux to Mont-Saint-Michel = 1h20
- Nantes to Mont-Saint-Michel = 2h30
- Rennes to Mont-Saint-Michel = 1h
Be careful, there are a lot of radars at the approach of the Mont-Saint-Michel!
For parking see tip 11.
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.
10. Going to Mont Saint-Michel by train and bus
It is impossible to get to the foot of Mont-Saint-Michel by train.
Your nearest train station is Pontsorson (on the Caen to Rennes line).
Then you have to take the bus just at the exit of the station (just on the right when you go out) to connect to the departure of the shuttles of the Mont-Saint-Michel. The bus lasts 25 minutes. There are 3 to 7 trips per day. See the schedule.
It is quite easy from Caen or Rennes.
See available timetables and book your train and coach tickets now.
11. How to visit the Mont Saint-Michel from Paris
If you only have one day, the easiest way is to join an organized tour from Paris.
You can sit, watch the scenery or sleep on the bus, to make the most of your time there.
See tour options on Viator or Getyourguide.
If you are going for a longer period, we recommend renting a car. The road is easy. See the offers on our preferred car rental platform.
Otherwise, in summer there is a train that goes to Villedieu les Poêles with a shuttle included until Mont-Saint-Michel.
Or you can take the TGV to Rennes and then the shuttle to Mont-Saint-Michel.
See available timetables and book your train and coach tickets now.
More info in our article on excursions from Paris
Parking, access, shuttle, bicycle… how to visit the Mont-Saint-Michel
11. Understanding parking lots – parking on the mountain
Follow the arrows when you arrive at Mont-Saint-Michel. There are several parking areas surrounded by trees.
- P2 is for people with reduced mobility (with a card)
- P5, P6, P7, P10, P11, P12 and P13 are the parking lots. If they are not full, we recommend P10 and P11 for quick access to the shuttle.
- P8 is for motorhomes
- P9 for motorcycles
- P3 is for people who spend a night on the mountain (a code is given by the hotel.
The parking lots are all paid. Count 9 to 20 euros for a 24h package. See the prices.
More tips in our article on parking at Mont-Saint-Michel.
12. Take advantage of the free shuttle
The Shuttle is included with the parking.
To protect the bay, the parking lots are far from the island.
A shuttle has been set up to get you there easily.
It is called “Le Passeur” and is very practical.
In less than 15 minutes you reach the entrance of the mountain (after 2 stops).
Schedules:
- summer: 7:30 am to 1 am
- spring / fall : 7h30 to 23h
- winter: 8:30 am to 10 pm
13. Walking access – walk to get there!
We recommend that you walk there and return by shuttle bus.
The walk to the Mont-Saint-Michel is splendid with sometimes sheep in the fields, then the sand of the bay and sometimes some pools of water which offers reflections.
The path is well maintained and easy.
This step raises the anticipation!
It takes 40 to 50 minutes to walk to the entrance.
Here is a map to better understand the access to the village:
14. Bicycle access
You can also go to the Mont-Saint-Michel by bike.
The mountain is located on 3 major cycling routes in France:
– The Channel to North Sea Bikeway (EuroVélo4)
– The Véloscénie, 450km from Paris to Mont-Saint-Michel
– The Véloroute from the landing beaches to Mont-Saint-Michel
Hoops are in place near the entrance to the mountain and also at the dam.
15. The reality of visiting the Mount – accessibility
The Mount is not easy to visit. It is a very old village on a rocky islet. So there are old cobblestones, steep slopes and stairs.
Wear flat shoes. And if you have knee problems, take walking sticks.
Avoid strollers, prefer backpacks. We saw people really struggling with strollers.
Regarding the visit of the Mont-Saint-Michel in a wheelchair. We were able to talk to a lady who was doing just that. She was delighted with her experience. The shuttle is well adapted, she has already been able to appreciate the view on the Mount when she arrived.
And with someone to push her she was able to see the bottom of the main street (the gaps between the cobblestones have been filled in, so it is possible to drive).
On the other hand, it could not have access to the ramparts, the abbey or the rest of the village.
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Best things to do at Mont-Saint-Michel
Simply admiring it can be enough. It is really a fascinating place.
Here are our top 5 things to do at Mont-Saint-Michel – you will find more ideas in our dedicated article
Map of Mont-Saint-Michel
Here is an overview to help you find your way around. It includes the different sections of the village: Grande Rue, abbey, ramparts…
16. Visit the Abbey
It is really a must.
This structure built during the centuries on a small rocky island is an architectural marvel. It is called “La Merveille”.
Reservation of a time slot is required – choose here
Once there, we recommend the audioguide to better understand all the details around you (3 euros).
Learn more about the visit of the abbey.
17. Walking on the ramparts
We love ramparts and fortifications. And those of the Mont-Saint-Michel are no exception. They date from the 13th to 15th centuries.
They have the advantage of offering you views of the houses, the alleys, the abbey and the bay all around (including the rock of Tombelaine).
Some of the most beautiful views of the village can be seen along the ramparts.
Access is free, and it is a very good alternative route to go up to the abbey and avoid the crowds on the main street.
18. Explore the alleys, not just the main street
The main street is very nice with its tarabiscotated houses (granite or timber-framed from the 15th and 16th centuries) and its air of a street straight out of Harry Potter.
But many are content with crossing to the abbey and coming back down without exploring.
If you have the courage, there are many other alleys, passages and stairs to discover around the main street.
The smallest passage is the cuckold’s alley. Just the width of a person, the smallest in the village. It is said that one could not pass with horns.
At the bend of some you will discover small gardens or views of the bay with the roofs in the foreground.
Take the time to explore!
And don’t worry, you won’t get lost. It’s small, so all roads lead back to the main street!
Learn more in our article on the streets of Mont-Saint-Michel.
19. Choose a guided tour: village or bay
To understand more about the mountain and its history or the bay and its ecosystem, a guided tour is worth considering.
On the mountain, you will learn more about the different periods, its use and its architecture. The guides always have lots of fascinating details to tell, like why the houses are narrower downstairs… – see this guided tour
Or choose a guided tour of the bay of Mont-Saint-Michel to walk on the sand and discover, among other things, the quicksand! Don’t venture out alone though…
The walks last between 1 hour and 8 hours. To know more about it.
20. Search for all the most beautiful viewpoints
The dam, the meanders, the Roche Torin, the Pointe de Grouin du sud…
The mount and its abbey are visible from far away around the bay of Mont-Saint-Michel.
They are not always easy to find, but some views are fascinating.
Bring boots or shoes that are safe…
See our list.
21. Route advice
If you have limited time and strolling is not an option, here is our suggested itinerary:
Arrive early
Walk to the mount
Admire the fortified gates and the beginning of the main street (before the crowds arrive).
Turn to climb the ramparts
Go up to the abbey via the ramparts
Visit the abbey
Go back down through random alleys
Return to the parking lot with the shuttle
22. Museums and other activities in the bay
And of course if you stay longer there is much more to do in the bay of Mont-Saint-Michel: ULM, Scriptorial d’Avanches, Alligator Bay, Moulin, Ecomuseum of the bay…
See our guide to the museums of Mont-Saint-Michel.
Where to sleep at Mont-Saint-Michel
You have several options to sleep around the Mont-Saint-Michel.
Here is a summary.
But if you want to know everything with our hotel reviews, see our dedicated article with 12 hotels to consider.
23. Hotels on the Mont-Saint-Michel (intramuros)
Your first option is of course to choose one of the hotels on the mountain, within the fortified walls.
Just be aware that these are old houses. The rooms are therefore generally small, and you have to climb a lot of steps to get to them. It’s not for everyone.
And be careful not to take a big suitcase!
Our top 3 is :
- Auberge Saint-Pierre Hotel
– see prices, pictures and availability - Hotel La Croix Blanche
– see prices, pictures and availability - Hotel Les Terrasses Poulard
– see prices, pictures and availability
See our complete article on the 7 intramural hotels.
24. Hotel in La Caserne area
The area just before the footbridge, near the dam is called La Caserne.
You will find restaurants and hotels with more classic services, easy access to the mountain (shuttle stop in the middle) and easier access to the rooms.
For example:
- The Mercure hotel in 4 stars
– see prices, pictures and availability - The Relais du Mont-Saint-Michel, known for its views of the mountain
– see prices, pictures and availability - Hotel Vert in 2 stars
– see prices, pictures and availability
25. Near Mont-Saint-Michel
And in the surrounding countryside, you can find some really nice gites and B&Bs.
We really liked Le Clos Saint Gilles with its tastefully decorated rooms, an Alice in Wonderland style garden and breakfast with extra-local products.
See prices, pictures and availability
26. Luxury accommodations
If you’re looking for luxury or something really special, it’s up to a 30 minute drive.
Our tips are:
- Hotel Ermitage – 5 stars, the closest to the mountain
– see prices, pictures and availability - The Château de La Ballue with its beautiful gardens and views of the countryside
– see prices, pictures and availability - The Château de Boucéel and its large wooded park
– see prices, pictures and availability
For more tips, see our article on luxury accommodations near Mont-Saint-Michel.
27. Camping near the Mont-Saint-Michel
If you prefer to come with your own home (tent, camper, van…) there are several campsites not far from the mountain:
- Camping Mont Saint-Michel in the area of La Caserne itself!
- Camping aux Pommiers in Beauvoir (5min drive)
- Camping Saint-Michel in Courtils (5min drive)
- And many other options in the surrounding countryside
There are also a lot of camper areas in the area.
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…
Visiting Mont-Saint-Michel with children
Mont-Saint-Michel is a place that appeals to all ages.
Here are 3 tips to make the most of it.
28. Go through the tourist office for the routes
There are phone-based programs for children of different ages: treasure hunts, investigation games, time travel games…
29. Don’t take a stroller and don’t plan too much
The traffic is difficult with: narrow streets, crowds, cobblestones, stairs…
Therefore, we advise you to avoid strollers (we have seen couples having great difficulty.
And don’t plan too much, because it will become tiring for the children
30. Motivating young teens with Harry Potter
J.K. Rowling never mentioned Mont-Saint-Michel as an inspiration for Harry Potter.
However, fans of the wizard’s stories will appreciate the similarities, such as castles on rocky islets, old houses with narrower windows downstairs, narrow streets like in Traverse Alley…
You can make the parallel to motivate the younger ones to move forward…
See our article comparing the Mont-Saint-Michel and the Harry Potter universe.
How to dress and what to bring
31. Shoes
The most important thing is to have good shoes.
It is an old village, on a small rocky island. Therefore, there are old cobblestones, steep slopes and many steps.
Heels are strongly discouraged.
Choose stable and comfortable shoes.
And if you are crossing the bay, boots may be necessary. Follow the instructions of your guide.
32. Several types of clothing
The mountain is located in a bay open to the English Channel.
The weather is therefore changeable (and not tropical).
It can be sunny, then rainy and then be shaken by strong winds.
Bring different layers of clothing for wind, heat and rain.
33. Luggage
At the tourist office near the parking lot, there are lockers.
Unfortunately they are currently closed for security reasons.
Leave your luggage in the trunk of the car.
Avoid bringing a suitcase on the Mount, even if you are sleeping there. A small bag is much more practical.
Do not make
THE SAME MISTAKE WE MADE
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So our trip began with a “card blocked” call… Not funny at all!
Learn from our mistake, make a small VPN investment to surf without worry.
34. Can we take our dog with us?
Yes, you can visit Mont-Saint-Michel with a dog, like any other village in France.
However, dogs are not allowed on the shuttles or in the abbey.
Dogs in closed bags and guide dogs are allowed on the shuttles.
If you wish to visit the abbey, there is a kennel at the tourist information center near the parking lots (before the shuttle bus). It is open from 10am to 6pm.
Where to eat at Mont-Saint-Michel
Hummm it’s not easy to answer you.
The restaurants are not exceptional…
35. The classic dishes of the area
The traditional dishes of the region are:
- Salt meadow lamb (they are raised on meadows that are covered with water by the tides)
- Bouchot mussels
- Cancale oysters and seafood
- the Mère Poulard omelette with its traditional recipe
- Galettes and crêpes (because the mountain is on the border with Brittany)
- The blue lobster of the bay
36. Restaurants in the village and at the Barracks
In our opinion, none of the restaurants on the mountain or at La Caserne are really a must.
They take good advantage of their unavoidable location…
The best known are :
- The Restaurant du Relais du Mont-Saint-Michel for its view on the mount
- 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. And the price is high too!
- The restaurant La Vieille Auberge for its large terrace
- La Sirène creperie in a very old house
- The Dugesclin restaurant for its local products
37. Fast food
There are also several sandwich and other fast food vendors.
Just know that there are no places to sit, and no place in the village to sit and eat…
Learn more in our article on where to eat at Mont-Saint-Michel.
Other frequently asked questions
Brittany or Normandy
We don’t want to get into that debate.
Officially, Mont-Saint-Michel is located in the region of Normandy.
Geographically, it is located on the border between the 2 regions.
