The Mont Saint-Michel and its Gulf are among France's most beautiful views, with a picturesque island capped by a gravity-resistant cathedral. This sacred island, which was once one of Europe's most important pilgrim sites, is now a World Heritage Site, as is its gorgeous harbor. The hill is located in a captivating bay bordered between Normandy and Brittany and catches the attention from afar.
This breathtakingly lovely area has captivated visitors for a long time. The tale of how the peak became a major Christian holy site traces back to the early eighth century, when Aubert, pastor of the neighboring hillside village of Avranches, declared that the Archangel Michael directly forced him to build a church atop the surrounding island.
Top Things To Do On The Island
Mont Saint-Michel is a cultural symbol of French history, known for its high tides. The tides follow each other throughout the day, creating an endless and strikingly beautiful waltz.
However, tides are not really the only draw. The location has a distinct visual and historical significance as a medieval Christian site.
Since Mont Saint-Michel is a significant landmark, visitors can get the most of their tour by learning about the history of the island through its churches and charming alleyways.
Visit The Abbaye Du Mont Saint Michael
Abbey Mont-Saint-Michel is the top tourist attraction. There is something for everyone from the patios to the big halls to the passageways within.
The abbey is lovely and gets more interesting when the guided tour begins, and the heritage of the place is unfolded to visitors. The monastery has had a foundation on the isle since the eighth century and offers a lot to learn. Take some time to take in the sights and stroll around the convent.
- Admission Ticket for Adults 10€. Children under the age of 18 are free.
- Between September to April, the museum is open between 9:30 a.m. to 6 p.m., and from May to August, it is open from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m.
- In the summers, a sound and light show takes place in the abbey gardens from 7 to 10:30 p.m.
Explore La Chapelle-Saint-Aubert
Chapelle Saint-Aubert is perched atop a rugged ledge projecting from Mont Saint Michel's mainland and exists due to an allegedly holy rock. The modest chapel, which dates from the early eighth century, provides a respite from the island's activity.
Visitors should climb the flight of steps linking the chapel to the remainder of the island to reach the chapel, which is built inconspicuously out of granite. Visitors can enter the structure and take in the basic interior, including a little chapel and a few bay windows.
- The views are finest during high tide, however, if the winds are just as strong as the tide, it can be dangerous. For those worried about safety, low tide is perhaps the best option.
Take A Stroll In La Grande Rue
Mont-Saint-main Michel's street looks more like something out of a storybook than a French village, with its tiny little stores and lovely cafés. It can be highly crowded with tourists during the day, but it is breathtakingly gorgeous in the evenings or when it is calm, so go during the off-season.
- Wear sturdy footwear to save your feet because the alley is hilly and congested.
- Keep an eye out for the many cafés that appeal to caffeine-depleted pedestrians.
Check Out The Ramparts
Visitors should not miss Mont-Saint-spectacular Michel's ramparts when touring the island. While it was initially built for spiritual reasons, the struggles of the century-long war among France and England necessitated the construction of additional and formidable defenses on the mount from the 1400s onwards.
These ramparts still encircle the ancient town today. The fortifications are well-preserved and may be accessed from a variety of locations. Visitors can stroll along the walls for fantastic pictures and unrestricted bay views.
Try The Local Restaurants
La Mere Poulard
The most well-known eatery on the island is La Mère Poulard. The omelet is the most favorite meal on the menu. While the formula is kept a secret, it calls for a lot of butter and eggs. Guests can actually witness the omelets being prepared in long-handled copper casserole dishes over an open flame. There are savory and sweet alternatives offered, such as an omelet with toasted apples and salted butter crème, all of which are classic Normandy food.
La Sirene
This lovely quiet crêperie, tucked away in the back of a gift shop, is well worth listening to the siren's ring and climbing the 15th-century stairway. Guests could have a variety of things on their savory Breton croquette, a buckwheat crepe, such as cheddar, ham, salmon, eggs, or veggies.
Fruits, chocolate, almonds, crème, or caramel are all options for the sweet crêpes. Salads, espresso, wines, and Norman cider, are provided in the charming tiny dining hall.
Du Guesclin
At the Hotel Du Guesclin, local delicacies, breathtaking sights, and elegant ivory décor all come together to create a fine dining experience. Three set options are available to accommodate a wide range of preferences and budgets.
Chicken with Valée d'Auge gravy and fish fillets with Saint-Malo gravy, both from neighboring Normandy and Brittany, are on these platters.
Another local delicacy is the Far Breton, a prune-and-raisin-filled flan pudding cake that is Brittany's hallmark dessert.
Getting To The Island
Via Air
- Nearest Airport: Rennes Airport - 76.9 Km
- Visitors can hire a taxi which takes around 55 minutes to reach the island.
Via Train
- Nearest Train Station: Gare Pontorson - Mont-Saint-Michel Train station- 5.8 Km
- It is an 8-minute to the island from the station.
Via Bus
- Nearest Bus Stop: Mont-Saint-Michel Bus stop - 6.5 Km
- It is a 15-minute drive to the island from the stop.
The Mont Saint Michel is a lovely place to visit. Its attractiveness is enhanced by the high tides, but it also provides beautiful attractions to accompany the tidal waves. It is unquestionably worthwhile to pay a visit.