Phylicia StitzelNormandy France! France is known for many things, and history is definitely one of them! This is why I am so excited to share this blog with you. I am going to share information with you for maximizing your Mont Saint-Michel experience while visiting the region of Normandy.
Perched upon a rocky islet amidst vast sandbanks exposed to tumultuous tides, the enigmatic Mont Saint-Michel emerges like a vision, cloaked in mystery and beauty. It offers more than just a peek into France’s heritage—it evokes a profound and inexpressible aura that enchants every traveler. This guide aims to take you beyond the ordinary, providing the insider tips you’ll need to truly capture the magic of Mont Saint-Michel.
- I. Embracing the wonders of Mont Saint-Michel 🏞️
- II. Plan Ahead to Stay Ahead 📝
- III. Where to Sleep During Your Visit to Mont Saint-Michel?
- IV. Explore the Unseen 🔎
- V. Tips to Visiting the Abbey
- VI. Dive into the Culture 🎭
- VII. Frame the Eternal 📷
- My Top Things Not To Miss at Mont Saint-Michel
- Conclusion 🌅
Have you ever visited a location that you thought was pure paradise? I just did! Now I’ve been to white sand beaches and places that are deemed to be paradise. When I went to Mont Saint-Michel, it was more of a paradise, to me, than sitting on a white sand beach.
Don’t stone me for that last sentence. Part of that statement is because, though I love the beach, I am not a beach bum. I enjoy going to the beach and warm crystal-clear waters (especially if I’m diving). However, when it comes to finding a location, I would call “paradise”, I enjoy finding locations that have history built, literally into the stones.
I. Embracing the wonders of Mont Saint-Michel 🏞️
Branded as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Mont Saint-Michel pays tribute to the confluence of the beauty of nature and the marvel of human craftsmanship. A majestic abbey that’s as breathtaking as the vibrant history it’s cradled through centuries, it stands fortified by stone ramparts against an ever-changing backdrop of sand and sea.
Before you visit Mont Saint-Michel, it is good to have a little history behind this beautiful island.
The island was originally called Mont-Tombe but became known as Mont-Saint-Michel in the 8th century, when St. Aubert, bishop of Avranches, built an oratory there after having a vision of the archangel St. Michael. It rapidly became a pilgrimage centre, and in 966 a Benedictine abbey was built there. In 1203 it was partly burned when King Philip II of France tried to capture the mount. He compensated the monks by paying for the construction of the monastery known as La Merveille (“The Wonder”).
II. Plan Ahead to Stay Ahead 📝
Early planning allows you to encompass the vast spectrum of experiences this surreal island has to offer. Staying on the island, though slightly pricier, gifts you the chance to absorb its nocturnal charm when the day-trippers have dispersed.
If you opt to stay on the mainland, acquaint yourself with the island shuttle bus timetable to avoid any last-minute hassles.
III. Where to Sleep During Your Visit to Mont Saint-Michel?
So, how can you navigate your way around this beautiful island without missing out or feeling overwhelmed? There are only two options that are available so that way you are covered either way!
Staying on the Island
There are a few, and I mean few, hotels and Airbnb options to sleep on the island. To me, this was the best option. When the afternoon crowds would jam the streets, we were able to escape to our room without dealing with the transportation to and from the island (I’ll explain this portion momentarily). It was easy and very convenient.
Plus, waking up in the morning to sound of delivery hand carts and forklifts making their daily drop offs before the streets become impassable and a view that can take your breath away just can’t be beat in my book. The evenings were my favorite! Most people had left the island for dinner and back to their hotels or campers, so it once again left the streets nearly empty and peaceful. We would finish dinner and go walk the ramparts of the city to enjoy the quiet and the view in peace!
I highly recommend this option, even if it was for one night. If you are driving your car or rental, very important *YOU CANNOT DRIVE YOUR CAR TO THE ISLAND*. The hotel you are staying at will give you access to parking lots 1-3. From the parking lot you will need to hop the shuttle.
You have three options for transportation to the island:
- Free shuttle
- Paid shuttle (same thing but it takes you slightly closer to the front gate)
- Horse drawn carriage (paid also)
Checking in to your hotel on the island:
If you are staying on the island with one of their hotels (not the Airbnbs) there was (2020) one central check-in location. You are going to walk over the draw bridge (I never thought I’d say that) and you will see the post office on the left side La Poste. If you keep walking you will see a narrow alley way up a set of stairs, at the first landing there will be an office where you check in! All of the hotels on the island use this location for a central check in to minimize on manning in the winter.
Staying on the Mainland
Staying on the mainland is much easier and very straight forward. Only a few of the hotels closer to the marshland and the bridge to Mont Saint-Michel you will need a special pass code to enter the gate but the hotel will provide that to you. No shuttle required.
IV. Explore the Unseen 🔎
Embrace the spirit of curiosity and venture into the hidden corners of Mont Saint-Michel. The fairy-tale-like Abbey, the meandering medieval streets, and the surrounding bay’s breathtaking vistas are worth every extra step you take. Just remember, wear comfortable shoes for those steep cobblestone paths!
V. Tips to Visiting the Abbey
Like most large tourist attractions, you will need to purchase a ticket to visit The Mont-Saint-Michel Abbey. The tickets aren’t expensive, but I would HIGHLY recommend also getting an audio guide. This totally made our trip to the Abbey; I also spent the extra 3 euro to get an audio guide for my toddler because it kept her entertained for the entire visit. I also would suggest purchasing the digital booklet for the Abbey. It gives you a lot of information and I printed off pages of it later to use for a scrapbook.
- Purchase your tickets at least one day before you want to visit. Tickets sell out fast and they don’t like selling tickets at the door. This isn’t like visiting Granada, where you need to bring your passport to match your name to your ticket.
- There are two lines going up to the entrance, be sure you are standing in the line that already has their tickets. I was a little confused when I got in line because I thought I was standing in the right one – I wasn’t. Thankfully I was with the first groups in the abbey in the morning so there weren’t AS many people.
- GO IN THE MORNING – the crowds get crazy in the afternoon and they only let so many people into the Abbey at a time. I even saw them turning people away that had purchased a morning ticket and didn’t arrive in time and tried to visit in the afternoon. You will have a much better time and not feel so rushed in the morning.
- DON’T BRING A STROLLER – I saw a lot of parents who brought their strollers struggling. The entire island is an incline and stairs. There is nowhere to “park” your stroller and if you are traveling with your children along (like I was) trying to enjoy yourself while hauling around a stroller will be impossible. My backpacker held my nearly 4-year-old toddler, and it was perfect!
5. Take a lot of pictures! When we were getting ready to head north I was looking up all the things to do around Mont Saint-Michel one tip I read is that the view changes with every new angle. As a photographer, I didn’t doubt it per say, but I didn’t believe that it was as grand as they were making it sound. I was wrong. I took almost 300 photo in the 2 days we were there just around the island, not even in the streets or the Abbey.
6. Bring an umbrella. Just because you are visiting France in the Summer (or whenever you visit) but you should be ready to face some rain just in case.
VI. Dive into the Culture 🎭
The sparsely populated island still thrums with the pulse of local life. A chat with a shopkeeper or monastic resident can lend riveting insights into the island’s vivid tapestry of tales. Savoring authentic galettes or locating an atelier crafting traditional copper pots adds a rich flavor to your voyage.
Be sure to check if your visit aligns with any of the celebrated cultural festivals, turning Mont Saint-Michel into a vibrant playground of art and music.
VII. Frame the Eternal 📷
Capture the timeless appeal of Mont Saint-Michel through your lenses. The mesmerizing sunset over the bay and the star-dusted night sky are coveted moments worth freezing in pixels. Tip: Early morning and late evening might offer the best light and the least crowds for the perfect photo.
My Top Things Not To Miss at Mont Saint-Michel
1. La Chapelle-Saint-Aubert
This chapel is a hidden gem from around the backside of the island walls. A tiny stone construction with paintings inside. It is serene and calm, even if there’s someone else in the chapel with you. The views are best at high tide, but it can be unsafe if the winds are as high as the tide. Low tide is probably the best option for people concerned about safety, or children and the elderly so pick whichever time and tide suits you best.
2. La Grande Rue
This is a one street town but it is a street full of tiny little shops and adorable cafés. Mont-Saint-Michel’s main street is more like something from a fairy tale than a French town. It can be extremely busy with tourists, but stunningly beautiful in the evening or when it’s quiet, so try and visit on the off-season. Also, the street is steep as well as busy, so wear good shoes. (And reminder to not bring your stroller for your kids).
My last tip is one that anyone can relate on – FOOD! I tasted a lot of delicious food during our visit to Mont Saint-Michel. My biggest suggestion is to try a little of everything on the menu. The food is a little more expensive on the island, but the quality is absolutely amazing! They even offer kid’s menu that comes with a starter, a main course and a dessert.
Conclusion 🌅
So, explorers, armed with these insider tips, you’re all set to transcend the typical visitor’s experience at Mont Saint-Michel. As you traverse the thrilling path between the customary and the novel, may you weave your unique tapestry of lasting memories.
