Mont Saint-Michel

The Monte Saint Michel is one of the most visited sites on the Normandy coast. This incredible structure, built atop a rocky island, is one of the most breathtaking landscapes in France. It has rightly been declared a historic site and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

It is one of the day trips from Paris you can take during your trip, and one that will absolutely not disappoint you. Read on to find out more! 

The Legend of Mont Saint-Michel

It comes as no surprise that a place as enigmatic as Mont Saint-Michel in France has an origin steeped in legends that give meaning to its beauty. 

Another part of the legend of Mont Saint-Michel tells that in 709 a tsunami destroyed the forest surrounding the mount, and from that point on it became a rocky island, with a spectacular display of tides rising and falling at certain hours of the day.

How Was It Built?

Since Mont Saint-Michel had been considered a place of worship since the Early Middle Ages, it was gradually expanded over the centuries.

First came hermitages and chapels, then a small enclosure, and so, little by little, that great rock began to be carved in terraced steps until the main structure was reached: the abbey, widely known as "La Merveille" (The Marvel), for the architectural achievements of its medieval builders on such an irregular terrain.

What to See at Mont Saint-Michel

On the Grande Rue, the main street, you will find bars, restaurants, souvenir shops, and hotels. Yes, it is possible find hotels at Mont Saint-Michel!

Although the best option is taking a guided tour to Mont Saint-Michel, here we share some of its most essential highlights: 

Abbey of Mont Saint-Michel

It is the only place where you need to pay an entrance fee (€11) and it is well worth it. With the arrival of the Benedictine monks in 966, the site became a place of pilgrimage, with the abbey as its main centerpiece.

The church, which rises 80 meters high, is built on a rock and features a remarkable variety of highly complex architectural styles. The terrace and the open cloister draw the most attention, and while it may appear to be a place of modest decoration, its Gothic style and how it has withstood the test of centuries are truly impressive.

La Barrage

This is the dam over the Couesnon River, notable for its hydraulic function, which is essential for keeping sediment away from the structure. Built in 2005, it was conceived as a work of art. It can be admired before entering the walls of Mont Saint-Michel.

Church of Saint-Pierre

Although the abbey gets all the attention, this small medieval church is surrounded by a cemetery and inside features a 13th-century baptismal font and a silver statue of the Archangel Saint Michael.

How to get to Mont Saint-Michel from Paris

The easiest and most comfortable option for visiting Mont Saint-Michel is to take the guided tour from Paris with transport included. You will travel with a Spanish-speaking guide, visit the abbey, and discover the stories behind its construction. So you won't miss a thing.

Keep in mind that the closest airport to Mont Saint-Michel is Rennes, and from there you need to take a train to reach Pontorson station. So it is not the most economical or straightforward option, but it is possible!

Here are other ways to travel from Paris to Mont Saint-Michel:

By train

You can take the train from Paris Montparnasse station to Rennes. The journey takes 2 hours. From there, take a train to Pontorson station, the closest to Mont Saint-Michel. Then take a bus to La Caserne.

Once there, you can take a free shuttle bus or walk along the marked pedestrian path while enjoying the views.

By car

You can drive from Paris by taking the A13 motorway toward Caen, then the A84 toward the sanctuary. The journey takes nearly 4 hours. You will need to park at La Caserne, which has space for 4,000 cars, and continue on foot or by free shuttle bus. 

Tides at Mont Saint-Michel

The tide schedule can be checked here.

Practical information, prices, and opening hours 

The guided tour from Paris lasts around 14 hours, includes a Spanish-speaking guide (optional), round-trip transport, and admission to the abbey. It's the best way to make the most of your trip!

Prices

The parking fee at La Caserne depends on the type of vehicle. It can range from €5 to €15 depending on the season. 

Access to the site, its walls, and village is free. You only pay for the abbey, where general admission costs €11. An audio guide is available for an additional €3.  

Opening hours

The car park at La Caserne is open 24 hours, but the free shuttle buses run every 10 minutes from 8:30 AM to 10:00 PM.

The abbey is open every day from 9:00 AM to 7:00 PM in Spring and Summer, and from 9:30 AM to 6:00 PM in Autumn and Winter. 

Curious facts about Mont Saint-Michel

• In 1789, the last monks living on the mount were expelled by a decree issued at the outbreak of the French Revolution, which declared Church properties to be national assets.
• From that point on, the abbey was converted into a prison, and although this left it in a state of disrepair, it also prevented its destruction.
• After being restored, it was declared a historic monument of France in 1874.
• It was a key hub of medieval culture and came to be known as "The City of Books" for the large number of manuscripts that are still preserved there.
• It welcomed pilgrims and historically significant figures such as Joan of Arc, who arrived at Mont Saint-Michel during the Hundred Years' War. 

Without a doubt, it is one of the most visited attractions in France, beyond the Eiffel Tower.

While you explore what to see in Paris, take the opportunity to make a day trip to the Palace of Versailles or the renowned Château de Chantilly, two of the most important palaces closest to Paris.