Mont St. Michel, originally called Mont Tombe, was founded by an Irish hermit. According to legend, the archangel Michael appeared to the bishop of Avranches in 708 and ordered him to build a church on the islet. Its imposing fortifications made it impregnable, even in the face of the power of the English. In 933, thanks to William Longsword, second governor of Normandy, Mont Saint-Michel officially became part of this region.
At the beginning of the French Revolution, with few monks still resident, the famous abbey was transformed into a prison. Thanks to the intervention of influential figures such as Victor Hugo, the prison was closed in 1863 and the architecture of the place was declared a historical monument in 1874.
The world-famous Mont-Saint-Michel Island, or Mount St. Michael, is a must-see when you come toFrance. This World Heritage Site of theUnesco.
What to see and do in Mont-Saint-Michel
The answer is the abbey and the monastery. Once you conquer the 350 steps leading to the abbey and monastery and monastery and purchased the entrance ticket, the magic begins. This megastructure boasts impressive Gothic and Romanesque architecture, and everything from the great halls to the courtyards have such a regal aura.
The abbey and the monastery
Some of the main attractions Inside the complex include the view from the west terrace and the cloisters with double-row columns. Guided tours are available, as are audio tours and unguided tours with a guide booklet.
The abbey is generally open until 19pm in summer and 00pm during autumn, winter and spring, with last entry permitted one hour before closing.
Council: if you don't visit with a guided tour, make sure to purchase your entrance ticket in advance here to avoid waiting in line.
Other attractions
The abbey is what everyone comes to see but there are other attractions that are worth your time.
- The High Street: Yes, it's steep, but the main street of Mont-Saint-Michel looks like something out of a fairy tale. As you walk along the street, you will be surrounded by quaint cafes and shops.
- La Chapelle-Saint-Aubert: A lovely hidden gem, this chapel is perfect if you're looking for a bit of serenity. Inside this stone chapel there are paintings to admire.
- Barrage du Mont-Saint-Michel: While you probably never thought you'd see a dam, we'll thank you for visiting this one. The metal and concrete structure offers an incredible view, and the site is perfect for a picnic.
- The tides: the peculiarity of Mont-Saint-Michel it is also due to the tides which in this area of France, between Normandy and Brittany, is visible every day. And so I found myself arriving at Mont Saint-Michele at high tide but when I finished the visit I realized that the island had become a peninsula thanks to the tide that had gone out.
Where to eat in Mont-Saint-Michel
If you ask anyone where to eat in Mont-Saint-Michel, the answer will be La Mère Poulard. Annette Poulard he added this restaurant to the hotel of the same name in 1888 to cater to hotel guests.
Where to stay in Mont-Saint-Michel
Many only take a day trip to Mont-Saint-Michel from Paris, but in case you want to spend more time on this charming little island, we have listed some places to stay for you.
Mont-Saint-Michel is world famous for a reason. Everything we talk about is true, and must absolutely be experienced in person. It's time to make your dreams come true with a visit to Mont-Saint-Michel.
How to reach Mont Saint-Michel from Paris
Paris is approximately 362 kilometers from Mont-Saint-Michel. There are several ways to reach Mont-Saint-Michel from Paris:
- Guided tour: Book a tour with one of the companies in Paris. These tours usually last a full day and include a guide who will give you information about the places you visit and about Mont-Saint-Michel itself. GetYourGuide offers tours from Paris to Mont-Saint-Michel and they are highly rated.
- By car:: For maximum freedom, you can rent a car and take the trip at your own pace. The drive takes about four hours, without considering traffic. There is a fee for parking, and depending on your route, there may be tolls.
- Public transport: Take the TGV (French interurban high-speed train) from Gare Montparnasse in Paris to Rennes. The train journey takes about two hours and costs around €56. From Rennes a regular bus takes you to Mont-Saint-Michel in about an hour and 20 minutes. A one-way bus ticket costs around €15.
For further ideas for day trips from Paris click here.
