While studying abroad, I enjoyed traveling to so many beautiful places in France. I must say, I would 100% recommend the trip to see the stunning landscape of Mont Saint Michel as it is so unique and truly something out of a fairytale.
Planning a trip to see the magnificent Mont Saint Michel can be somewhat daunting and confusing, which is why I created this guide for you! The information below will give you all the information on how to visit Mont Saint Michel.
Common Questions and Initial Planning
Brief History and Background of Mont Saint Michel
Mont Saint Michel is so famous because it was once a large rock formation in the English Channel within the Mont-Saint-Michel Bay. In 708, Saint Aubert received a vision from archangel Michel to build a structure in his name.
It wasn’t until 966 that the church at the tip of the rock formation was built. Around the same time, the village at the base of the rock was also being built. For more historical background, visit Mont Saint Michel’s historical site.
Is Mont Saint Michel worth visiting?
100% I mean, just look at the pictures. Have you seen anything else like this?
When and How To Visit Mont Saint-Michel, France
The best month to visit?
To avoid crowds, the best time to visit is between March and October. Of course, the Normandy region gets pretty chilly, so you may be dealing with colder temperatures, especially in early March and late October.
How Much Time Do You Need?
A whole day is necessary to explore everything Mont Saint Michel has to offer.
Getting to Mont Saint Michel
Depending on where you are coming from, there are several ways to get to Mont St. Michel. Because it is in a more secluded area in France, it isn’t as straightforward as a simple train ride, like other major French attractions. Listed below are some common routes and modes of transportation:
Because transportation is so great in France, and in Europe in general. You can find several different day trip options from various cities. Listed below are some popular options that can help you decide if you want to add additional places to your itinerary.
How to Visit Mont Saint Michel from Paris
- Depending on the time of year, there are two ways to get to Mont-Saint-Michel from Paris.
- June-September: Take the train from Montparnasse Station to the town of Pontorson. From there, a bus will take you to Mont Saint Michel. For more shuttle information, visit Mont Saint Michel’s visitor website.
- October to May: From Montparnasse take the train to Villedieu-les-Poêles. From there, you will be able to take a bus.
How to Visit Mont Saint Michel from Caen and Other Nearby Towns
- Day trip from Rennes
- Rennes is another option to get to Mont Saint Michel through public transportation. You will take the train to Potorson and take a bus from there.
- To get to Rennes from Paris, take the train from Montparnasse Station.
- Day Trip from Caen
- This option is a little bit trickier, but is actually how I decided to visit Mont Saint Michel. I suggest combining Caen and Mont Saint Michel into the same trip because they are both magical places in France.
- From Caen, I took Flix Bus to get to Mont Saint Michel.
If you are looking for more Normandy towns and attractions to your itinerary (which I highly recommend), check out my guides to Caen, Rouen, the beautiful white cliffs of Etretat, and Honfleur.
Other Modes of Transportation
- Flixbus
- Flix bus is a convenient and affordable way to travel around Europe if train routes aren’t as direct. Depending on your destination, I would check Flixbus as it takes you directly to the parking lot of Mont Saint Michel without a lot of headaches.
- Blabla Car
- This option is more risky and I only recommend it if you are with a small group. This is a rideshare app that people use to get to the same destination to save on gas. Can be less reliable as it is up to the independent driver to get you where you need to be.
Parking
If you arrive at Mont Saint Michel by car, there is ample parking by the visitor’s center. Keep in mind you are still a 2.5 km walk to get to the base of the island. There is also a dedicated shuttle every 15 minutes from the parking lot to the base.
Note: During high tides, the walkway is covered in water. The only way to get around this is to be patient and wait for the tide to go down.
Mont St Michel Things To Do
Walk Along the Boardwalk
The walk along the boardwalk is stunning! If you are capable, opt to walk the boardwalk rather than taking the shuttle. By doing so, you will get a different perspective of the structure as it grows closer.
Walking to the Top of Mont Saint Michel
If you walk straight up to the top without stopping at any shops or historical sites, then it will take roughly 30 minutes. There are plenty of shops and restaurants to stop at while you ascend to the abbey, so you can truly take your time to reach the top.
Make your way to the Abbey
Abbey Tickets
There are various ticket selections to enter the Abbey, depending on how you want to experience the monument. I would visit the Abbey of Mont Saint Michel’s site, so you can plan accordingly.
Take a Tour
I highly suggest at least purchasing an audio guide. There is so much history packed into this little island, it will give you so much more perspective as you wander the streets and explore the Abbey.
Wander the Medieval Streets
Strolling up to the Abbey of Mont Saint Michel is like a maze with beautiful medieval buildings. Once you finish your tour of the Abbey and surrounding areas, descend by taking the path less traveled.
Eating in Mont Saint Michel
You will notice on your walk up to the Abbey that the shops and restaurants are very touristy. Because of this, food is VERY expensive and they take advantage of the fact that you are on an island at least 2.5km away from any transportation.
I would pack a lunch or come with a full stomach so you don’t have to spend an arm and a leg on food.
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Thank You
Thank you for reading my post. I would appreciate your thoughts about Mont Saint Michel, France, and how this blog post helped you plan your trip.
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