Top Things to do in Mont-Saint-Michel
10 Things to Do in Mont-Saint-Michel That You Shouldn't Miss
This island, with its fast and fickle tides, was a notorious prison during the French Revolution. Today, visitors arrive by choice, seeking to explore the 11th-century abbey, dine in fine restaurants and take in the impressive evening illuminations. Only a narrow causeway built in 1880 links the island to the mainland, although a bridge is due to be completed in 2012.
Restaurants in Mont-Saint-Michel
1. Abbaye du Mont-Saint-Michel
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 10 reviews
The Benedictine Abbey of Mont-Saint-Michel is one of the most remarkable examples of mediaeval religious and military architecture and was one of Christianity's most important pilgrimage sites from the 8th to the 18th century.The Abbey comprises a superb ensemble of clerical buildings including the abbey church, the cloister, the refectory, the monks' ambulatory and the Gardens of what has been known as the ""Merveille"" (Marvel) since the 12th century. In summer, the Abbaye du Mont-Saint-Michel is best seen in all its splendour after sunset during the special “sons et lumières"" shows. Designated world heritage site by UNESCO. Open: > 2nd May to 31st August: from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. > 1st September to 30th April: from 9.30 a.m. to 6 p.m. Last admission 1 hr before closing time. Closed: > 1st January, 1st May and 25 December. Admission fees: Adults : 9€; Concessions (18 to 25) = 5,50 €; Free admission: minors under 18*; Free admission: 18-25 years old* (citizens of one of the 27 countries of the EU or are non-European permanent residents of France) * excluding school groups
Reviewed By Tommyg2230 - Tysons Corner VA
My expectations of the abbey MSM were wildly exceeded. The tour is absolutely worth a couple of hours of your time, if not for the history then for the views across the channel on one side and the French countryside on the other.
2. Baie du Mont St Michel
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 344 reviews
Reviewed By ryandles - Salt Lake City, Utah
One of those picture postcard places that you dream of going. Small place that only requires about 1/2 day to visit, but oh so interesting and WORTH IT. The tides were out in April when we went, and it was drizzly, but the crowds were thinner. There were school children with their muck boots trekking out into the mudflats. We went first thing in the morning via shuttle bus from the parking lot across the causeway. Climb up to the abbey, go inside and appreciate the views and the excitement of being there! Food is marginal and pricey, plan to eat around the visit or grab a snack if possible.
3. Tour du Nord
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 271 reviews
Reviewed By Lynne A - Tywyn, United Kingdom
NIce spot to take a breather and look out across the sand flats (or water) to get a full sens of the scale of Mont St Michel. Although out of season this area was already fairly crowded so do not expect to be able to enjoy solitude.
4. Terrasse de l'Ouest
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 210 reviews
5. Fortifications du Mont-Saint-Michel
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1 reviews
Reviewed By Robyn B - United States
Since we visited in the off season and arrived early, there were few people on the island. It was quiet and beautiful and really FELT like the magical fortress it’s portrayed as. However as the day went on and more people arrived it became very crowded and lost that feeling. I can’t imagine what it would be like during the summer. The main streets are filled with souvenir shops and restaurants, but the ramparts offer an excellent view of the bay. My favorite part was walking the causeway, and admiring the island from afar.
6. Eglise Paroissiale Saint-Pierre
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 328 reviews
Reviewed By Elile I
The church is very old but well maintained You can feel the spiritual ambiance inside Nice painting and sculpture inside Must see when in mont saint michel
7. La Porte du Roy
Overall Ratings
4 based on 168 reviews
Reviewed By Scott D - Aberdeen, United Kingdom
We found this general area a very grand like entrance. Its feel transports you back in time with a lot more to follow as you enter the site.
8. Barrage sur le Couesnon
Overall Ratings
4 based on 272 reviews
Reviewed By Albywon - Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
Great spot to view the Mont with foreground river. Perfect at Sunset and into the evening - right until darkness allows the artificial lighting to illuminate the island. Unfortunately I didn't bring my DSLR so posted photos are with Galaxy S8 only. 1791.
9. Porte du Boulevard
Overall Ratings
4 based on 156 reviews
Reviewed By Carol S - Sydney, Australia
This seems to be a meeting point for school groups, tour groups and friends who lost each other in the abbey! But the architecture is interesting and walking through that arch you know you have made it to Mont St Michel. All you have to do is walk to the top! But it is worth every step.
10. Tour Gabriel
Overall Ratings
4 based on 94 reviews
Reviewed By Magellano81 - Tortona, Italy
This is certainly not one of my favorite attractions, I saw it more or less closely, it is a simple lookout tower located in a low area and outside of the fortress of Mont Saint Michel. From here you have a decent view, but nothing compared to the Terrace at the top.
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