Plan Your Visit to Mont Saint Michel

About Mont Saint Michel

Nestled in a stunning Mont Saint Michel bay shared by Normandy and Brittany, Mont Saint Michel and its bay are among the most picturesque sites in France. This mediaeval architectural marvel was constructed in the 8th century in a Romanesque style and was later rebuilt in a Gothic style in the 13th century. Mont-Saint-Michel was counted among the most important pilgrimage destinations in Christendom during the mediaeval era.

It also functioned as a military base during the Hundred Years War and a prison during the French Revolution. Later, the property was designated as a national landmark and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Today, Mont-Saint-Michel is a major tourist site, attracting millions of people each year due to its aesthetic and religious significance.

Access to Mont-Saint-Michel and hence to the abbey of Mont Saint Michel can be hampered for several days at a time during high tides.
The walk to the abbey consists of 350 steps, and there is no elevator.
Suitcases, luggage, and even a carrying bag are not permitted inside Mont Saint-Michel.
Knives and scooters are not allowed at the monument.
Except for guide and assistance dogs, no animals are permitted.
It is prohibited to smoke or eat at Mont Saint-Michel.
Site entry can be challenging for persons with limited mobility.

Explore Now: Places to Visit In Mont Saint Michel

Events in Mont Saint Michel

High Tide Evenings

High tide evenings at the Mont Saint-Michel are a must-see! If you get to Mont Saint-Michel in time, you can see the mount turn into an island as the English Channel reclaims the harbour.

Christmas Lights

Mont Saint-Michel looks especially magnificent during Christmas when the streets are lined with radiant Christmas trees. On the festive occasion, almost seven kilometres of lightbulbs are strung along the island's and abbey's walls to commemorate the event.

The Christian Art Festival

The Christian Art Festival is held every summer on the square in front of the Jerusalem Cross. It is among the free events at Mont Saint-Michel that is open to the public and provides a chance to discover artists who are inspired by the mystical ambience of Mont Saint-Michel.

Jazz on the Bay

Jazz on the Bay is a spectacular music festival featuring concerts, masterclasses, film screenings, and workshops for people interested in learning about music.

The Mont Saint-Michel Bay Marathon

The Mont Saint-Michel Bay Marathon is one of the most popular annual events in Mont Saint-Michel. The race comprises athletes from thirty different nationalities and traverses the English Channel coastline, allowing them to appreciate their natural surroundings while sprinting for first place.

You Must Also Read:

Know Before You Go

Mont Saint Michel Location & Timings

Best time to visit Mont Saint-Michel

How to Reach Mont Saint Michel

Location:

The tidal island is located approximately 1 km off the Normandy coast at the mouth of the Couesnon River, a few kilometres north of the Normandy/Brittany border in northwestern France.

Opening times of the Abbey of Mont Saint Michel:

Between May 19 and August 30, Mont Saint Michel timing is 9 AM to 7 PM.
From September 1 and April 30, Mont Saint Michel timing for visitors is 9.30 AM to 6 PM.
Mont Saint Michel remains closed for visitors on January 1 (New Year), May 1 (Labour Day), and December 25 (Christmas).

Explore Now: Mont Saint Michel Planning Your Visit

The finest seasons to visit Mont Saint-Michel are spring (March-May) and summer (June-August).
The peak season for visiting Mont Saint-Michel is from September through November. You are welcome to visit the monument around this period if you wish to witness the rare yet fascinating event of the new bridge getting totally submerged due to heavy rain.
Temperatures drop below freezing points during the winter season, from December to February. Hence, it is not the best time to visit Mont Saint-Michel.

Do Checkout: Mont Saint Michel In February

By Train:

You can reach Mont Saint-Michel from Paris by taking a direct train to Rennes. At Rennes, you can board a direct shuttle coach bus to Mont Saint Michel. If you are travelling from other directions, Pontorson is the nearest train station from where a direct shuttle bus will transport you to the island in roughly 20 minutes. If you are travelling from Normandy, Mont Saint Michel can be reached from the towns of Bayeux and Caen.

By Car:

Cars are the quickest way to go to Mont Saint-Michel. The island is only a few kilometres from the A84 Caen-Rennes highway. Either arrive in the early morning or late at night to escape the huge parking line. The well-known sanctuary is located on the English Channel in the department of Manche, 66 kilometres north of Rennes and 52 kilometres east of Saint-Malo. A day journey to Mont Saint Michel from Paris will take approximately four hours. When you arrive, you will be directed to the paid private parking lot.

By Shuttle:

Passeurs, a dedicated passenger shuttle, connects the island of Mont Saint Michel to the mainland. This free shuttle service operates from 7:30 a.m. to 8 p.m. and takes you approximately 350 metres away from the main island. The shuttle has ramps at each entrance and designated disabled spaces.

Suggested Read: Beaches Near Mont Saint Michel

FAQs

While some areas of Mont Saint-Michel, including the shuttle, are wheelchair accessible, the rest of the island has steep steps and cobblestone streets that are difficult to access on a wheelchair.

Yes, storage facilities are available at Mont Saint-Michel which are located near the car park.

The Mont Saint Michel Abbey opening hours are From May 19 to August 30, Mont Saint Michel remains open between 9 AM to 7 PM and From September 1 and April 30, its timings are from 9.30 AM to 6 PM.

Mont Saint Michel is closed on January 1 (New Year), May 1 (Labour Day), and December 25 (Christmas).

The best time to visit Mont Saint-Michel is between the months of May and September, as the weather is pleasant during these months.

Mont Saint-Michel is renowned for its marvellous architecture and rich cultural heritage. It is among the most picturesque locations in Europe and looks straight out of a fairytale. Various music and art events are also held here every year and attract a large number of tourists.

Mont Saint Michel in Normandy is definitely worth a visit due to its breathtaking beauty and religious and cultural history. Moreover, it hosts a variety of fascinating events that are a must-see!

The construction of Mont Saint Michel began in 708 when the Bishop of Avranches, Saint-Aubert, chose to build a tomb in honour of Archangel St. Michael following a divine vision.

Plan Your Visit to Mont Saint Michel

About Mont Saint Michel