The Mont-Saint-Michel Abbey & Bay in Normandy, France, were among the first French sites to be added to UNESCO's World Heritage list due to its stunning natural beauty and rich architectural history. These buildings are a shining example of the UNESCO-recognized universal principles and visiting them is one of the things to do in Mont Saint Michel. The monastery of Mont-Saint-Michel is a remarkable example of mediaeval architectural skill, as it is a gorgeous Romanesque church built in an unfeasible situation. Particularly impressive is La Merveille, which is a prime example of Norman Gothic design. Because of its strategic location, the island was soon a hub for Christian pilgrims as well as a cultural and academic centre where priceless manuscripts were created and housed.
In the middle of the ascent to the abbey, there is a small, charming chapel where visitors can rest from the throngs. The relative calm here makes it a good spot to step away from the world for a few minutes. It exudes a sense of peace and sanctity that is even more profound than the abbey. Thus stopping by, looking around for a while in peace, and savouring the little things before continuing on to the abbey are just some of the things to do in Mont Saint Michel.
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Another chapel; another secret treasure has to be the La Chapelle-Saint-Aubert and visiting this chapel is one of the classic things to do in Mont Saint Michel. But this one is even stealthier and more discreet. Even if you enter the tiny stone building with another person, you will feel a sense of peace and tranquility due to the artwork inside. When the tide is high, the views are spectacular, but it's not a good idea to go out there if the winds are strong. Low tide is the best time for families with young children or the elderly, but you can go at any time you like.
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There are many restaurants at Mont Saint Michel, and they all seem to try to outdo one another. Thus, dining at Auberge Saint-Pierre for delicious Italian cuisine, Du Guesclin for regional specialties, or La Mère Poulard for world-famous omelettes, are some of the things to do in Mont Saint Michel. The Hotel Du Guesclin is the place to go if you want to try some authentic regional dishes. This restaurant boasts one of the best settings in this tiny island mediaeval town, thanks to its stunning views of the bay and its tasteful, all-white decor. Then there's the restaurant La Terrasse Du Mouton Blanc, which has a great kids' menu in addition to its adult fare and bistro standards like their galettes.
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It would be a shame to miss out on seeing Mont Saint Michel Bay. Due to its high tides, this area is only accessible at low tides, but crossing it is one of the truly magical things to do in Mont Saint Michel. You will also get to see some of the local wildlife and vegetation, such as ospreys, salicornia, and oysters. You should probably cross the bay with a guide if you're not familiar with the area.
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Strolling through the mediaeval Mont Saint-Michel village on the cobblestone path, the only street on the island that is perpendicular to the ramparts is one of the perfect things to do in Mont Saint Michel. To reach the Grand Rue on Mont Saint-Michel, visitors must first pass through the Boulevard Gate, then the King's Gate, which was formerly the Burgher's Guardroom. You'll also pass the Eglise Saint-Pierre, a parish church built in the 15th century, as you stroll down this picturesque street lined with tightly packed stone houses dating back to the 15th and 16th centuries and home to snack bars, souvenir shops, restaurants, cafés, and hotels.
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La Grande Rue is lined with stores and shops for tourists, and shopping here is one of the prime things to do in Mont Saint Michel just to peruse in addition to some of the best eateries in the area. In addition to the regional specialties sold in other stores, this one is a good place to pick up a variety of souvenirs.
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There is no way around these entrances on your way to Mont-Saint-Michel, but pausing to appreciate them is one of the perfect things to do in Mont Saint Michel. The stone and brick Porte de l'Avancee, the beautiful arched Porte du Boulevard, and the beautiful arched tunnel Porte du Roy, complete with a portcullis, are all examples of the architectural styles of the period. You can think of these entrances as portals rather than doors, and feel free to let yourself be teleported through them.
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The inclusion of a dam on a list of potential threats to Mont-Saint-Michel is certainly out of the ordinary, but this one certainly isn't weak. The concrete and metal walkway is only a few yards long, but it offers spectacular panoramas and is an ideal spot for a picnic. Depending on the weather, pausing from the island's hustle and bustle and relaxing on the stair-chairs that separate the dam's two levels, are some of the best things to do in Mont Saint Michel.
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As the sun sets over the horizon, Mont Saint Michel becomes even more breathtaking as there is a warm golden light that illuminates the entire area. Therefore spending the night in this charming town to see it transform into a mystical wonderland is one of the best things to do in Mont Saint Michel. There is a wide variety of hotels in the Mont Saint Michel area, so you're sure to find the one that's just right for you.
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Camping at Mont Saint-Michel is one of the unforgettable activities to do in Mont Saint Michel as there are numerous campgrounds located both within and outside of town, so you can easily find one that suits your needs. Camping in the vicinity of Mont Saint-Michel is highly recommended for those seeking closeness to nature.
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How long should I spend in Mont Saint-Michel?
You must spend at least a night in Mont Saint-Michel because the exhausting and long journey from Paris to reach here might make you exhausted.
What activities things can you do in the village of Mont Saint-Michel?
You can find a wide variety of outdoor pursuits to partake in around Mont-Saint-Michel if you are an active or adventurous traveller. Several different bay hiking and biking tours can be found on the web and can be booked in advance. In addition to biking, visitors can enjoy the bay's unobstructed views while strolling along the ramparts, exploring La Grande Rue, and dining at La Mère Poulard. Camping, shopping, and an overnight stay are all some of the enchanting activities to do in Mont Saint Michel.
Is Mont St Michel worth visiting?
Yes, Mont St Michel is totally worth visiting after all located on a small, rocky island between the Brittany and Normandy coasts, Mont St. Michel is undeniably one of the most photogenic historical sites in the world. The abbey complex, with its mixture of Romanesque and Gothic architecture, is a popular tourist destination and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
What is the best time to visit Mont Saint-Michel?
You won't regret a trip to Mont Saint Michel any time between May and September, when the temperature is reliably mild and the scenery is at its most stunning. This is also the busiest time of year for tourism, and with good reason: many major events are held during this time. To avoid the bulk of the tourist population, plan your trip for either side of this time frame.
How long does it take to walk around Mont-Saint-Michel?
It takes 3-5 hours to walk around Mont-Saint-Michel.
What is Mont St Michel famous for?
Mont Saint-Michel is known for its Romanesque Abbey Church, which was built in the 11th century and sits on top of the Mont. Additional monastic structures, including cloisters and a refectory, were constructed over the subsequent two centuries. It was declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1979 because of its historical and cultural significance.
Is Mont St Michel open now?
Yes, Mont St Michel is open now. It stays open from November to March and July to August.
Can you get to Mont St Michel at high tide?
No, there is no way to get across Saint Mont Michel Bay on foot or via shuttle bus when the tide is high. Yet, whether you're on the island, the mainland, or the bridge, you can observe the incoming tide.
How crowded is Mont St Michel?
When you have 2.5 million people coming through your doors every year, it's safe to assume that most days will be quite crowded.
What time does Mont Saint Michel open?
Mont Saint Michel opens at 9:30 AM and stays open till 7 PM during July-August.