Mont Saint-Michel
★ 4.9🇫🇷 Mont Saint-MichelSuggested visit 1 dayBest season May to September, with better tides and weather
World HeritageReligious siteCoast
A tidal island abbey in the bay, cut off by the sea at high tide — medieval architecture shaped by nature.
Overview
In the bay between Normandy and Brittany, Mont Saint-Michel is a rocky islet about 900 metres around, crowned by an abbey founded in the 8th century. At high tide the sea rushes in at speed and the island is briefly surrounded, with a tidal range reaching 14 metres. Stone lanes spiral up the village, and the abbey's soaring halls and cloister are masterpieces of Gothic building. It joined the World Heritage List in 1979.
History
A chapel was founded in 708 after a reported vision of the archangel Michael, the abbey was extended from the 10th to the 16th centuries, and it became a conservation and tourism site in the 19th.
Highlights
- •The island surrounded by the tide
- •The abbey halls and cloister
- •The stone lanes up the hillside
- •The causeway and free shuttle
Practical tips
- •Check the tide tables — high tide gives the best views
- •The bay sands are dangerous; never cross the flats alone
Practical information
- Best time
- May-September
- Tickets
- Abbey about EUR 13; the village is free
- Opening hours
- Abbey 9:30-18:00
- Local food
- Normandy seafood, Breton crêpes, cider
- Getting around
- Train from Paris to Rennes or Pontorson then a bus, about three hours.
- Visa
- A Schengen visa is required; apply about one month in advance.
Traveller reviews
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