Mont Saint Michel guide 

The tidal island with its magnificent abbey lies in a bay between Normandy and Brittany. The tides here change at the speed of a “galloping horse.” The place is so magical that the Archangel Michael himself is said to have visited Bishop Aubert in his dreams three times to convince him to build a shrine here. And so began the history of this fascinating place in 708. Mont Saint-Michel withstood English attacks during the Hundred Years’ War, served as a prison under Napoleon, and today attracts millions of visitors a year. Prepare for steep streets lined with shops, breathtaking views from the abbey, and the chance to witness one of the highest tides in Europe.

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 visitors from all over the world, with around 3 million tourists visiting it 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.

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 island’s main landmark and key attraction. Its architecture resembles a medieval social pyramid: God and the abbey at the top, the monastery below, halls and warehouses even lower, and the houses of fishermen and farmers at the very bottom. At the top of the tower shines a gilded archangel Michael, who was taken down by helicopter in 2016 to repair a lightning rod – a rarity in the world of monasteries!
Address: Abbaye du Mont-Saint-Michel, Le Mont-Saint-Michel.

Abbot's Church - It is located at the highest point of the island. It was built on a rocky spur of a mountain. It offers a magnificent view of the surrounding landscape and the sea. It combines various architectural styles from Romanesque to flamboyant, that is, Gothic. If you want to feel like a medieval pilgrim, prepare your muscles - there are 350 steps to the top, which is cardio like from a fitness center, only with a better view. :)
Address: Abbaye du Mont-Saint-Michel, Le Mont-Saint-Michel.

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 cloister is surrounded by a double row of finely carved arches resting on granite piers. The early 13th-century dining room with its barrel-vaulted roof is lit by a wall of recessed windows – remarkable given that the steep drop made the use of flying buttresses impossible. The Gothic guest hall with its 2 huge fireplaces dates from 1213. One of the oldest rooms in the abbey, the “Subterranean Chapel of Our Lady”, was rediscovered in 1903.
Address: Abbaye du Mont-Saint-Michel, Le Mont-Saint-Michel.

Saint-Aubert Chapel - A small chapel built on the spot where, according to legend, Saint Aubert received a vision from the Archangel Michael. Most tourists miss it because it is hidden on the northwestern ledge of the rock and can only be reached by stairs that start below among the stones. So if you are looking for a place where you can take a break from the crowds and at the same time feel like an adventurer and discoverer, you have come to the right place!
Address: Chapelle Saint-Aubert, Mont Saint-Michel.

Walls and Fortifications - Mont Saint-Michel is surrounded by medieval ramparts and fortifications that provided protection from invaders. A walk along the ramparts offers magnificent views of the surrounding coastline and countryside. And why has Mont Saint-Michel never been conquered? Because the best ramparts are those that nature itself builds for you – and when you add a few towers and strong walls, you have a winner!
Address: Mont Saint-Michel.

Museums - Musée Historique - The museum features exhibits on the history of Mont Saint-Michel, including ancient weapons and documents. You’ll experience the Middle Ages firsthand (and, if you’re unlucky, maybe even in an iron cage). The museum will take you through 1,300 years of the legendary island’s history – from monks to prisoners to the famous “slots” in the shifting sands.
Address: Les Remparts / Grande Rue, Mont Saint-Michel.

Archéoscope - An interactive museum that uses multimedia presentations to present the history and construction of Mont Saint-Michel. When the lights go out and the audiovisual show starts, even the most hardened audience members sit with their eyes wide open like children in front of a Christmas tree. In just a few minutes, Archéoscope can explain why Mont Saint-Michel has become one of the most iconic places in France – without a single boring lecture or long texts on the walls. So if you want to understand how an ordinary island became a fairy-tale wonder, here you will get it served with effects worthy of a Hollywood blockbuster.
Address: Grande Rue, 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 through the town will take you back in time and allow you to discover hidden corners and picturesque corners. Imagine that in this town, visited by millions of tourists every year, there are only 30 permanent residents!
Address: Mont Saint-Michel.

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. For traditional French cuisine with a breathtaking view of the bay, try Restaurant Du Guesclin. Panoramic windows allow you to watch the tides rise and fall right from your table.
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.