Mont Saint Michel guide 

Sights and attractions - What should you not miss in Mont Saint Michel? Abbey, monastery, museums,...

Accommodation - Tips for popular accommodation directly on the island and in nearby towns, from a luxurious 5* hotel to a nearby campsite.

Typical food and drink - What you should try here - fluffy omelette, lamb, seafood, cheese or apple products.

Practical tips - Here you will learn the best way to get to the island, what to watch out for, where to eat and the like.

Weather - Four seasons on the island of Mont Saint-Michel. When is the best time to visit?

Celebrities - What famous personalities lived and created here?

Mont Saint-Michel, an iconic tidal island and monastic complex, is located in Normandy in northwestern France. One of the most visited tourist attractions in the country, it has a rich history and cultural significance.

The first settlement on the island dates back to ancient times, when a Celtic sanctuary was built here. The island became an important place of pilgrimage in the 8th century when, according to legend, the Archangel Michael ordered Bishop Aubert of Avranches to build a church there.
In the 10th century, they founded a Benedictine abbey here. Mont Saint-Michel became an important religious and cultural center and also served as a fortified fortress during the Middle Ages.
The island played an important role during the Hundred Years' War between France and England. It was one of the few places that successfully defended itself against English attacks.

Mont Saint-Michel Abbey is an architectural gem with Gothic elements. The main church is located on the top of the island and offers a wonderful view of the surrounding countryside and the sea.

In the small town at the foot of the abbey, you will find a lot of narrow streets, historic buildings, shops and restaurants. The entire complex is surrounded by medieval walls.

Mont Saint-Michel experiences a dramatic ebb and flow. The water can rise and fall by up to 14 meters in a matter of hours, making the island an impregnable fortress at high tide. During low tide you can then get here via the sandy beaches.
Today, access to Mont Saint-Michel is made possible by a modern causeway that ensures safe access for visitors regardless of the tide.

Mont Saint-Michel attracts millions of visitors from all over the world every year.
Visitors can explore the abbey, walk the ramparts, visit the museums and enjoy the panoramic views. Various cultural events and exhibitions are also held here during the high season.

Mont Saint-Michel and its surroundings were inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List in 1979, which underlines its historical and cultural importance.

This fascinating place combines natural beauty, historical monuments and religious significance. A visit to this unique island offers an unforgettable experience and a glimpse into France's rich past.

Sights and attractions

There are many fascinating monuments and historical sites to explore in Mont Saint-Michel that offer visitors a glimpse into the past of this unique place.

Mont Saint-Michel Abbey (Abbaye du Mont-Saint-Michel) - This Benedictine abbey is the main landmark of the island and a key attraction. They founded it in the 10th century. It gradually grew and was rebuilt until the 16th century.

Abbot's Church - Located on the highest point of the island. They built it on a rocky spur of the mountain. It offers a wonderful view of the surrounding countryside and the sea. It combines various architectural styles from Romanesque to flamboyant, i.e. Gothic.

Monastery (Cloître) - The monastery is a beautiful and peaceful place with arcades and a garden where the monks meditated and prayed. You can walk here and admire this gem of Gothic architecture.

Merveille (Miracle) - A complex of Gothic buildings on the north side of the island comprising a cloister, refectory and other monastic rooms, built between the 13th and 16th centuries. The famous amphitheater is surrounded by a double row of delicately carved arches resting on granite pillars. The early 13th-century gabled dining room is lit by a wall of recessed windows – remarkable given that the steep fall precluded the use of flying buttresses. The Gothic guest hall with 2 huge fireplaces dates from 1213. One of the oldest rooms of the abbey, the "Subterranean Chapel of the Virgin Mary", was rediscovered in 1903.

Saint-Aubert Chapel - A small chapel located on the north side of the island, built on the spot where, according to legend, Saint Aubert received an apparition from the Archangel Michael.

Walls and Fortifications - Mont Saint-Michel is surrounded by medieval walls and fortifications that provided protection against invaders. A walk along the ramparts offers wonderful views of the surrounding sea coast and countryside.

Museums - Musée Historique - This museum offers exhibits on the history of Mont Saint-Michel, including ancient weapons and documents.

Archéoscope - An interactive museum that uses multimedia presentations to present the history and construction of Mont Saint-Michel.

Town of Mont Saint-Michel - At the foot of the abbey is a small medieval town with narrow streets, historic houses, shops and restaurants. A walk around the town will take you back in time and allow you to discover hidden corners and picturesque nooks and crannies.

Accommodation

If you want to enjoy accommodation directly on the island, you have to book it well in advance, because only 7 providers offer accommodation on the island, most of them 3* hotels. In the immediate vicinity of the island, however, you can choose from almost 300 different accommodations including hotels, guesthouses, apartments and holiday homes.

3* accommodation directly on the island Auberge Saint Pierre is located in a partially half-timbered house from the 14th century. Period architecture here is tastefully combined with modern room equipment. In the morning you can enjoy breakfast in the local restaurant, during the day it offers Normandy specialties and a variety of fish and seafood dishes.

You can indulge in luxury at the 5* Ermitage - Mont-Saint-Michel, less than 5 km from the island. You can relax here in the garden, on the terrace or in the hotel lounge. The hotel offers bicycle rental for active guests. The hotel concierge can arrange transportation to the airport upon request. In the hotel restaurant you can enjoy French cuisine and seafood specialties.

About 9 km from the island you can stay at the Hôtel Victor Hugo. In this hotel in the town of Pontorson, you can relax in the garden, on the terrace or in the bar. Some rooms have balconies with beautiful views of the city.

In the popular guest house 5 km from the island of L'Aurore de la Baie, vue sur le Mont-Saint-Michel you can stay in a room, apartment or cottage with 2 bedrooms. In addition to the garden and terrace in the guesthouse, you can also use free private parking or a game room with table tennis.

There are also several campsites in the vicinity of Mont Saint Michel. We can mention, for example, the 3* Camping Haliotis. Here you can stay in fully furnished tents with a kitchen. You can have fun at the heated pool, in the jacuzzi or at the bar. Your children will be busy, for example, on the children's playground or during the animation program.

For a complete offer of accommodation in Mont Saint-Michel, we recommend using A-HOTEL.com or Booking.com.

Typical food and drink

Mont Saint-Michel and its surroundings offer several typical dishes and drinks that reflect the culinary traditions of Normandy. Here are some of them:

Omelette de la Mère Poulard - The legendary omelet made famous by La Mère Poulard restaurant on Mont Saint-Michel. This fluffy and rich omelette is prepared according to a traditional recipe and is one of the most popular dishes among visitors.

Pré-salé Lamb (Agneau de pré-salé) - Lambs grazing on the salty pastures around Mont Saint-Michel have a unique taste thanks to the special environment. Their meat is highly valued for its delicate and delicious taste.

Seafood – In Mont Saint Michel you can taste a very varied selection of seafood. The most common here include:
Oysters - Normandy is famous for its fresh oysters, which are often served in local restaurants.
Mussels (Moules) - Mussels, often prepared in a variety of ways, including the traditional dish "moules marinières" (mussels cooked in white wine, garlic and herbs).

Cheeses - Camembert - This famous French cheese comes from Normandy. Gourmets loved it for its creamy texture and intense taste.
Livarot - Another typical Norman cheese with a strong taste and distinct aroma.

Apple products – you will find plenty of apple orchards in Normandy. What is made of apples?
Cider - Normandy is famous for its apple cider. It has a refreshing taste and is often served as an accompaniment to local dishes. The alcohol content ranges from 3 to 5%.
Calvados - A strong apple spirit made from local apples. It has an intense taste and aroma. It is often served as a digestive.

Apple desserts - but apples are also consumed here in a form other than liquid. ;)
Tarte Tatin - A traditional upside-down apple pie, popular throughout France.
Apple Tart - A variety of apple tarts and pies make use of the abundance of local apples.

Practical advice for the trip

If you want to avoid the tourist crowds, try to plan your visit outside the main tourist season (July and August) and on weekends. We recommend spring or autumn.

Be aware of the tides and follow safety instructions, especially if you plan to walk on the nearby sandy beaches. Tide information can be found online and on site.

The parking lot for visitors is located about 2.5 km from the island. From the parking lot, you can get to Mont Saint-Michel on foot, by bike or use the shuttle bus (passeur), which is included in the price of the parking fee.

Shuttle buses from the mainland run regularly from the square and stop at the bridge before the entrance to the fortress. Buses are free for all visitors.

There are several hotels directly on Mont Saint-Michel that offer a unique experience of spending the night on the island. Accommodation here tends to be more expensive and you have to book it well in advance.
In the surrounding towns, such as Beauvoir or Pontorson, you will find more accommodation options.

Mont Saint-Michel has steep and winding streets, so take comfortable and sturdy shoes.

Due to the changeable weather, layered clothing is recommended. Don't forget a raincoat or an umbrella.

There are several restaurants and cafes on the island, but you may be surprised by the higher price. Better to reserve a table in advance, especially in high season.
If you want to save money, you can bring your own snacks and find a quiet picnic spot on the island with a beautiful view.

You can buy tickets to the Abbey online in advance, saving you time in queues. Audio guides and organized tours are also offered in several languages.
Visiting the abbey early in the morning or late in the afternoon will minimize contact with large crowds.

There are a limited number of ATMs on the island, so bring plenty of cash.

Mont Saint-Michel is not only a tourist attraction, but also a religious place. Be considerate of locals and pilgrims.

Weather

Mont Saint-Michel is located by the sea, so it has an oceanic climate. You can therefore expect mild temperatures and relatively high humidity throughout the year.

In spring and autumn, the weather is rainy and changeable with temperatures between 10 and 20°C.

In summer, temperatures range between 20 and 25°C. From June to September, it doesn't rain that much, but there are occasional showers and thunderstorms.

In winter, the temperature rarely drops below freezing, and usually only at night. It hardly snows here, but it often rains. Daily temperatures are around 5-10°C, but the feeling of coldness is increased by cold winds.

Significant tides can affect temperatures and weather on Mont Saint-Michel, creating dramatic and rapid changes in the landscape.

Celebrities

Bishop Aubert of Avranches (? - 720) - Central figure in the legend of the founding of Mont Saint-Michel. After the appearance of the Archangel Michael in 708, he built the first church on the island, laying the foundations of the future abbey.

Richard the Lionheart (1157 – 1199) - King Richard I of England, known as Richard the Lionheart. He is one of the historical figures associated with Mont Saint-Michel. During his reign, he contributed to the defense and expansion of the abbey and castle.

Robert de Torigni (1110 – 1186) - Abbot of Mont Saint-Michel, important historian and chronicler of the 12th century. His works included extensive chronicles which provide valuable information on the history of the abbey and the region.

Bertrand du Guesclin (1320 - 1380) - French military commander and hero of the Hundred Years' War. His achievements against the English also included the defense of Mont Saint-Michel, which was never conquered.

Victor Hugo (1802 - 1885) - French writer, known for his enthusiasm for Mont Saint-Michel. He often mentioned its beauty and importance in his works and letters. His support helped raise awareness of this historic landmark.

Paul Gout (1852 – 1923) - Architect and restorer. At the turn of the 19th and 20th centuries, he participated in the restoration of Mont Saint-Michel. His work contributed to the preservation of this important cultural monument.