Mont Saint Michel is a breathtaking sight, as it appears to be located in the middle of the ocean. Located in Normandy, its architecture and bay make it one of the most visited places in France with more than 2.5 million people per year. Mont Saint Michel was originally just an abbey built in honor of the Archangel Michael on an islet surrounded by the sea, only accessible at low tide. Built in 708 and enlarged over the centuries, medieval architecture is carried throughout the town that grew up around the monastery.Guests can reach the island in several ways. When coming by car, you must park and can travel the rest of the way by a frequent bus. You can also go on foot, as the island is only 1 ½ mile from the car park. Or, go old-fashioned by horse-drawn carriage called "Maringote." A bridge has been built so visitors no longer have to wait on the tides to travel back in time.

Sights and Attractions

Abbaye du Mont-Saint-Michel

  • Admission fees: €11

The Abbey church, the cloister, refectory, the monks' ambulatory, and the Marvel “Merveille” gardens are some of the highlights when visiting Mont-Saint-Michel. Built in the 13th century, the historical pilgrimage is considered a World Heritage Site by UNESCO, and the best place to pay patronage and worship the Archangel St. Michel. Guests can explore medieval times through its gothic architectural design and get a feel for medieval villages.

The Abbey offers various activities along with its day tour package for visitors where different places are visited.

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St. Peter's Church Of Mont-Saint-Michel

Another notable place on Mont-Saint-Michel is the Saint Pierre church, a small 15th-century building dedicated to Saint Pierre, or Saint Peter. This is a wonderful place for tourists to visit before reaching the awe-inspiring Abbey. The stonework design and construction of the church give the visitor a breath of fresh air and a moment of peace from the busy streets of Grande Rue. The church currently provides scheduled masses that visitors may want to attend.

Alligator Bay Near Mont-Saint-Michel

  • Ticket Prices: Adult: €15: Children under 13 years old: €10.00

Not far from the tremendous bay that Mont-Saint-Michel offers, visitors can visit a unique wildlife park with over 800 reptiles. Built between 1990 to 1993, and beginning as a temporary exhibition site, it became one of the most visited reptile sanctuaries in Europe. Jean-Pierre Mace, together with his family, built the animal park that is now about 8500 square meters. The animal park showcases the wildest collection of lizards, tortoises, and alligators. The area has a kid-friendly zone with a children's playground where they can hang out in the dinosaur exhibit.

The Bay Of Mont-Saint-Michel

The bay is mostly popular due to the times when the area is “sinking” and Mont-Saint-Michel becomes an island during high tide. During high tide the water level can reach up to 15 meters deep, making it impossible to cross the area by foot or vehicle. Aside from guests enjoying low tide, local sheep come to the bay to eat the grass covered by the tide. The salty grass creates an extraordinary flavor of the “pre-salted” lambs, which is considered one of the specialty dishes of the city.

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La Grande Rue At Mont-Saint Michel

Considered the center hub for tourists, La Grande Rue is the place for visitors who want to feel a bit homey while at the same time touristy. It is considered the main street and is where guests will find local shops, and medieval signs, and can purchase souvenirs and it is central to many local eateries. Isn’t the point of traveling to absorb the local culture and learn while traveling? Here is where guests will find themselves indulging in the food specialties such as lamb from the salt meadows, as well as the bay's seafood, mussels, and oysters.

Restaurants Worth Discovering in Mont-Saint-Michel

Le Duguesclin

  • Location: Grande rue, 50170 Mont-Saint-Michel France

Starting in the 1980s, this family-owned restaurant started off from a small neighborhood bar to multiple cuisine restaurants that offer a cozy and modern ambiance. Awarded with a Michelin Star in 2022, the hotel and restaurant, Le Duguesclin, offers a variety of European, and French cuisines, the restaurant is also vegan friendly. Its amenities include a private room for special events and for perfect sunny days, a courtyard dine-in setup is accessible for all of its guests. They specialize in the use of local produce, meat, and seafood.

Le Pre Sale

  • Ala Carte Price starts at €38
  • Location: Route du Mont Saint-Michel Bp 8, 50170 Mont-Saint-Michel France

With its luxurious and very elegant vibes, the restaurant, Le Pre Sale is considered the “Tourist Restaurant.” Famous for its menu that offers salt-meadow lamb dishes, as well as a wide variety of French cuisine that would surely satisfy any tourist cravings. It is open 24/7, the restaurant caters to breakfast, lunch, dinner, and late-night snacking reservations.

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La Rôtisserie

Modernized and pop-art-themed restaurant, La Rôtisserie offers a wide variety of menus, from their specialty menu of salad, galettes (a filled crust), grilled meats, and light bites, to regional and local cuisines that can be enjoyed by all ages. The restaurant is also vegan-friendly, vegetarian-friendly, and has gluten-free dishes. The restaurant is the perfect place to be after a long walk around the Abbey and the main street with its appealing and relaxing ambiance, guests will surely have a great time.

La Siréne

  • Location: Grande rue, 50170 Mont-Saint-Michel France

Ranked the top 1 restaurant in Mont-Saint-Michel, La Siréne, is very popular among tourists and even locals. Best known for serving authentic French cuisines, from perfectly served galettes, and endless crepe fillings, to mouthwatering tapas that surely hits the spot. The restaurant is best reviewed for its friendly and accommodating staff and fast service. Noted for its authentic atmosphere and reasonable prices.

La Ferme Saint Michel

  • Location: Route du Mont-Saint-Michel La Caserne, 50170 Mont-Saint-Michel France

Located close to the entrance of the Mont-Saint-Michel, the La Ferme (The Farm) restaurant is quite popular for its authentic farm location that offers more than just the restaurant. Visitors can take a buggy ride or rent a bike to take in the sights. The barn-themed restaurant gives every guest a rural ambiance. The restaurant's specialties include soup, fish, sea snails, local lamb, beef, and chicken. They also offer a children’s menu and desserts. In addition, tourists can purchase a to-go basket to enjoy while touring Mont-Saint-Michel.