Mont Saint-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 against 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 residing, the famous abbey was turned into a prison. Thanks to the intervention of influential figures like Victor Hugo, the prison was closed in 1863 and the architecture of the place was declared a historic monument in 1874.
The island of Mont-Saint-Michel, or Mount Saint Michael, famous worldwide, is an absolute must-visit when you arrive in France. This UNESCO World Heritage site.
What to see and do at Mont-Saint-Michel
The answer is the abbey and the monastery. Once you conquer the 350 steps leading to the abbey and the monastery and purchase the entrance ticket, the magic begins. This mega structure boasts impressive Gothic and Romanesque architecture, and everything, from the great halls to the courtyards, has 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 well as audio tours and unguided visits with a guide booklet.
The abbey is generally open until 7:00 PM in summer and until 6:00 PM during autumn, winter, and spring, with the last entry allowed one hour before closing.
Tip: if you do not visit with a guided tour, make sure to purchase the 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 deserve your time.
- La Grande Rue: Yes, it is steep, but the main street of Mont-Saint-Michel looks like it came out of a fairy tale. As you walk along the street, you will be surrounded by cafes and characteristic shops.
- La Chapelle-Saint-Aubert: A charming hidden gem, this chapel is perfect if you are looking for a bit of serenity. Inside this stone chapel, there are paintings to admire.
- Barrage du Mont-Saint-Michel: Even if you probably never thought of seeing a dam, you will thank us 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 is also due to the tides which in this area of France, between Normandy and Brittany, are visible every day. And so I found myself arriving at Mont Saint-Michel with high tide but when I finished the visit I noticed that the island had become a peninsula thanks to the tide that had gone down.
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 added this restaurant to the hotel of the same name in 1888 to cater to the hotel’s guests.
Where to stay in Mont-Saint-Michel
Many people just take a day trip to Mont-Saint-Michel from Paris, but if you want to spend more time on this charming little island, we have listed some places to stay for you.
Mont-Saint-Michel is famous worldwide for a reason. Everything that is said about it is true, and it 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 about 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 Paris companies. Usually, these tours last a full day and include a guide who will provide information about the places you pass through and Mont-Saint-Michel itself. GetYourGuide offers tours from Paris to Mont-Saint-Michel and they are highly recommended.
- By car: For maximum freedom, you can rent a car and make the trip at your own pace. The drive takes about four hours, not counting traffic. There is a parking fee and, depending on your route, there may be tolls.
- Public transport: Take the TGV (French high-speed intercity train) from Gare Montparnasse in Paris to Rennes. The train journey takes about two hours and costs around €56. From Rennes, a regular bus goes to Mont-Saint-Michel in about one hour and 20 minutes. A one-way bus ticket costs about €15.
For more day trip ideas from Paris click here.
