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Book Your Mont Saint Michel Abbey Tickets & Tours
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- Built on a tiny island just off the coast between Normandy and Brittany, this monastery is impossible to miss.
- The Gothic-style abbey has a tall spire and is located on the already 92-meter-high peak of a natural granite island.
- With your explanatory booklet, discover why in 708 the Mont Saint Michel became one of the largest medieval pilgrimage centers.
Inclusions
- Entry to Abbey of Mont-Saint-Michel
- Self-guided information booklet
Exclusions
- Round-trip transfers
- Lunch
- The booklet is available in 12 languages (French, English, German, Italian, Spanish, Russian, Chinese, Dutch, Japanese, Polish, Portuguese, and Korean).
- Please note that there is free admission during the following days: European Heritage Days on the third weekend of Sep, and every first Sunday of the month from Nov to Mar.
- Entry is free for anyone under the age of 18 years, and for European Union nationals or non-EU residents in France aged between 18 and 25 years (an ID is necessary).
- Entry is free for disabled guests with an accompanying adult, jobseekers (on presentation of a certificate less than 6 months old), and holders of a valid education pass.
- Folded strollers are allowed inside the monument.
- Facilities: Restroom
- Assistance devices for visiting and adapted tour options are available.
- Guide dogs and assistance dogs are allowed inside the monument.
- The site is very challenging for people with reduced mobility
- Note that the following are not allowed on this tour: Pets, Carrier bag, Knives, Scooters, Smoking, Eating.
- The monument does not provide baggage storage.
- Access to the abbey is not allowed with suitcases or large hiking bags. Small bags (smaller than cabin size) are accepted.
- Some outdoor areas may be closed in case of bad weather conditions.
- These tickets can't be cancelled or rescheduled.
Full-Day Guided Tour of Mont Saint-Michel with Round-Trip Transfers from Paris
- Visit the fortress island of Mont Saint-Michel from Paris, a must-visit UNESCO World Heritage site, with an expert multilingual guide.
- Admire the Benedictine abbey in all its glory, and observe the majestic columns of the Salle des Hotes and monk living area.
- Learn all about the history of the abbey, its many rooms spread over 3 floors, and how it was an important pilgrimage point.
- Make your way to the unique vantage point of the island for striking views of the bay, and enjoy some free time in the charming village.
Inclusions
- Full-day guided tour of Mont Saint-Michel
- Multilingual tour guide
- Round-trip transfers via AC coach from Paris
- Admission to the abbey
- Tip: Capture scenic bay views from the Abbey's remodeled garden with geometric patterns and stone pathways.
- This tour is available in English, Spanish, Chinese, Portuguese, and Italian.
- Note that the schedule can be modified according to Mont Saint-Michel's access.
- The experience is not accessible for wheelchair users.
- You can cancel these tickets up to 72 hours before the experience begins and get a full refund.
Tickets to Mont Saint-Michel Abbey with Round-Trip Transfers from Paris
- Visit Mont Saint-Michel, one of France’s most iconic sites, with round-trip transfers from Paris in an air-conditioned bus.
- Explore this UNESCO World Heritage at your own pace as you visit the Gothic abbey, dedicated to Saint Michel.
- Immerse yourself in the medieval grandeur of the cloisters, halls, and artwork and uncover the history of monks who resided there.
- Enjoy free time in the charming village and be sure to capture exquisite views of the bay from the island's highest vantage point.
- To upgrade your experience, choose the option with the in-depth audio guide available in 10 languages.
Inclusions
- Entry to the Mont Saint-Michel Abbey
- Round-trip transfers via AC coach from Paris
- Audio guide in 10 languages
- Tip: Climb to the top of the abbey's terraces for panoramic vistas of the surrounding bay, tidal flats, and the charming village alleys below.
- The audio guide is available in French, English, Spanish, Italian, Portuguese, Japanese, Chinese, Korean, German, and Russian.
- The abbey experience is not accessible for people with mobility issues.
- Please note that the last admission to the Abbey is 1 hour before closing time.
- You can cancel these tickets up to 72 hours before the experience begins and get a full refund.
One of the most scenic sites in France, Mont Saint Michel is known for its rich historical and religious significance. Initially founded by an Irish hermit, it quickly became one of France’s most important island fortresses. The island remained safe during the Hundred Years’ War and was briefly turned into a prison by Louis XI. Upon the completion of the Abbey in 1523, it also gained religious importance, and today, it is one of the most-visited cultural sites in the country. Visitors are encouraged to explore this stunning island and soak in its natural beauty and captivating architecture.
Distance from Paris: The distance between Paris and Le Mont Saint Michel is 360 kilometers.
Best time to visit: Between May to September.
Why Visit Mont Saint Michel
- Often called the "Wonder of the West", Mont Saint Michel is a picturesque islet in France.
- While it is best known for its abbey, with its impressive Gothic architecture and rich history, it also offers a beautiful tidal spectacle when the tides rise high enough to make it inaccessible by land.
- Among Europe's top pilgrimage destinations, the glorious abbey is a symbol of French heritage.
- The Abbey's cloisters and surrounding buildings will transport you back in time.
- The island, with its quaint streets and charming buildings, is even more gorgeous during sunset. Every view of the island is different depending on where you are.
- The unique experience of crossing the bay is what draws visitors from around the world.
Mont Saint Michel Tickets and Tours
The iconic heritage site of Mont Saint Michel is an experience not to be missed when in France. This rocky islet is visited by three million people annually, who look forward to crossing the bay, exploring the abbey and its cloisters, and soaking in the scenic beauty. To experience the rich heritage, you can choose from four ticket options: Admission Tickets, Guided Tours, Day Trips from Paris, and Crossing of the Bay.
Admission Tickets
Your admission tickets give you skip-the-line access to the Mont St. Michel Abbey. Once you bypass the queue and enter, you can check your self-guided information booklet to discover the story of the Abbey and its importance. An alternative is to opt for tickets with an audioguide to give you information about the monument.
Guided Tour
To explore the islet in its entirety, take a guided tour of Mont Saint Michel. An expert guide will take you around and give you insight into the history, along with facts and trivia. Your tickets also get you entry into the abbey of Mont Saint Michel. You will also have an audioguide to get more knowledge about this Gothic marvel.
Day Trip from Paris
If you're in Paris, you can visit the islet as part of a day trip, where your transfers to and from the city are included.
A knowledgeable guide will take you around Mont Saint Michel and give you information and show you hidden gems. You will also get to visit the famous abbey and its cloisters.
Crossing of the Bay
As part of this tour, you get to cross the bay between the mainland and Mont Saint Michel. The bay is home to an extraordinary number of species, and as part of this tour, you get to see the biodiversity up close.
It is advised that the crossing be done with a guide, as it can be dangerous to do by yourself.
Guided vs. Non-Guided Tours at Mont Saint Michel
Guided tours
- You will be accompanied by an expert guide throughout your trip to Mont Saint Michel, right from pick up to drop off.
- In a guided tour, you will usually be a part of a larger group, and get to meet people from across the world.
- Your pick up, drop off, and transportation will be included in your tour.
- Your tour has a set schedule with a fixed itinerary to ensure you can see as much as possible in a fixed timeframe.
Non-guided tours
- You can explore Mont Saint Michel at your own pace, and pick and choose which sites and locations you want to explore.
- A non-guided tour is not usually done as part of a group.
- Transportation is not included in non-guided tours. You will have to arrange it on your own.
- Non-guided tours are flexible - you can explore whichever part of Mont Saint Michel you want to at your own pace.
Explore Mont Saint Michel
Mont Saint Michel
Mont Saint Michel Abbey
Crossing the Bay
Must-do
The tidal island of Mont Saint Michel was once just dry land before rising sea levels eroded and reshaped the land. Originally called Mont Tombe, it was renamed Mont Saint Michel in the eighth century when Bishop Aubert erected an oratory for Archangel Michael.
The entire island was fortified so well in 1256 that it was able to fend off multiple sieges from the Kingdom of England during the Hundred Years’ War.
Located between Brittany and Normandy, the islet is a granite outcrop that rises above the bay. While it is surrounded by sandbanks, it also becomes an island when the high tide comes in, with a tidal range of up to 14 metres. While the abbey is the most famous attraction, the island also consists of many restaurants, museums, and chapels.
Mont Saint Michel History
Made primarily in Gothic architecture style, the Mont Saint Michel abbey originated in 708 AD, when Bishop Aubert erected the first oratory on Mont Tombe in honor of the Archangel Michael. 200 years later, Benedectine monks settled there and it soon became a major place of pilgrimage for Christians in the West. At one point, it had so many manuscripts stored within the venue that it was called the “City of Books”.
The abbey features different architectural styles, such as the stunning Merveille building, which was made in Norman Gothic style in the 13th century. As the years passed by, the abbey kept getting increasingly dilapidated. In 1874, when the Abbey was classified as a historical monument, restoration work began. Today, visitors come from all over the world to marvel at its resplendent beauty that remains the same to this day.
Mont Saint Michel AbbeyWhile Mont Saint Michel is famous for its abbey and rich history, its surrounding bay is known for its impressive tidal range, which can go up to 14 metres during spring tides. It is possible to cross this bay on foot and explore this natural environment and its exceptional biodiversity.
You can cross the bay when the tide is low — you will get to walk across sand and water, and even experience quicksand! However, please note that it is strongly advised that you do not cross the bay by yourself.
This is because when walking on the bay, you are completely surrounded by the sea, and the tide can come in very fast, which can be dangerous. Thus, to experience this, you must do it in the company of an experienced guide.
Mont Saint Michel Bay
When in Mont Saint Michel, here are some things you must do to enrich your experience:
- Admire the gothic architecture of the Mont Saint Michel abbey and walk along its ramparts.
- Explore the quiet and pristine La Chapelle-Saint-Aubert.
- Discover the rich history behind this UNESCO World Heritage Site.
- Try local cuisine at one of the many eateries dotted on La Grande Rue.
- Visit the four informative and impressive museums of Mont-Saint-Michel.
- Experience high tide and see Mont Saint Michel completely surrounded by the sea.
Plan Your Visit
Timings
Getting there
Best time to visit
Camping
Restaurants
Day Trips
Hotels
- June 15 to August 31: 9:30 AM to 6 PM
- September 1 to December 31: 9:30 AM to 6 PM
- Last entry: 5:30 PM
Please note that Mont-Saint-Michel remains closed on 1 Jan, 1 May, and 25 Dec.
Visiting Mont Saint Michel- Train: You can take the train from Paris Montparnasse station to Villedieu-les-Poêles station, then a luxury coach to reach Mont-Saint-Michel. You can take a train from Paris’ Gare Montparnasse to Rennes. From here, Keolis buses go to Mont-Saint-Michel up to 4 times a day. You can also change trains at Rennes and head to the Pontorson-Mont St-Michel train station. Once you're at the edge of the mainland, you can either take a free shuttle or walk across the 900 m long causeway to the island.
- Car: One can also drive from Paris to Mont Saint Michel on the A13 (Paris-Caen) and A84 (Caen-Rennes) highways. You will have to park at the dedicated car park on the mainland, and take a shuttle to the island, which will drop you about 450 m away from the island. The shuttles operate every day from 7:30 AM to midnight.
- Guided tour: As part of a guided tour, your transportation from Paris to Mont Saint Michel is arranged in a private air-conditioned coach.
The best time to visit Mont Saint Michel is between May to September. This is when the weather is pleasant, and it is also the time when the spring tides are the strongest. When these tides occur, the sea level rises between 12-14 meters, briefly making Mont Saint Michel a proper island, as it is completely surrounded by the sea.
The best hour to visit is in the morning, when there are fewer people around and you can explore at your own leisure.
Facts about Mont Saint Michel
Spend a night under the stars in Mont Saint Michel. With a number of camping sites in the vicinity, you can take your pick and find yourself a cosy spot. Some camping sites include:
- Camping Saint Michel: Close to the islet, this camping space is open to travellers of all ages. Be it with family or on your own, the many amenities and facilities offered to guarantee a great time!
- Huttopia Baie du Mont Saint Michel: About half an hour away from Mont Saint Michel, the Huttopia Baie du Mont Saint Michel is perfect for those that want to cover all of Normandy.
- Camping le Balcon de la Baie: Open from April to October, this campsite is very close to the heart of Mont Saint Michel Bay. You can access locations across Brittany and Normandy from here.
There are many great places to grab a bite at in and around Mont Saint Michel, such as:
- La Mère Poulard: This quaint restaurant has been serving up delicious fare since 1888. They are best known for their open-fire omelette.
- La Sirène: This gorgeous crêperie offers both sweet and savoury versions of this French delicacy, alongside a variety of drinks such as Normandy cider.
- Au Pèlerin: This bar and pizzeria is a must-visit when on the island. Don't miss out on their Normand Chaud!
- La Ferme: Enjoy traditional French delicacies, cheese, and desserts at this charming restaurant.
The best way to visit Mont Saint Michel is on a day trip from Paris. There are many ways to get to the islet from the city, each of which offers stunning views.
You can use a train or bus to get to Mont St. Michel, or you can drive down. Note that parking is on the mainland, and the only way to get from the mainland to the island is to take the shuttle or cross the bay.
If you're on a budget, you can take a bus from Paris to Mont Saint Michel, but if you're looking for the fastest way to get to the islet, take the train.
Day Trip from Paris to Mont Saint Michel
- Luxury Hotels: La Mère Poulard, Château de Boucéel - Mont Saint Michel, and Ermitage - Mont-Saint-Michel
- Mid Range Hotels: Le Mouton Blanc, Les Terrasses Poulard, and La Vieille Auberge
- Budget-Friendly Hotels: Hôtel Vert, Le Relais Du Roy, and Hotel Gabriel
Things to do in Mont Saint Michel
Mont Saint Michel Tickets: Frequently Asked Questions
What is the ticket price for Mont Saint Michel?
Tickets for Mont Saint Michel start at €11. Please note that entry is free for EU citizens or permanent residents of France up to age 25. Those under 18 can visit for free, while those aged 18-25 get a discounted price of €8. Please ensure you carry a valid ID.
What are the best tours of Mont Saint Michel?
While slightly expensive, a guided tour of Mont Saint Michel is a great option for visitors. It ensures your transportation is taken care of for a hassle-free experience. Additionally, you will be accompanied by an expert guide who will give you insight into the history and answer all your question, thus enriching your experience.
Is audioguide included on Mont Saint Michel tours?
This depends on the sort of tour you pick. You can check in advance whether or not your tickets also give you access to audioguides.
Can I cancel my Mont Saint Michel tour tickets?
This, too, depends on the tour you pick. While some tours offer free cancellation, others have a strict policy where tickets cannot be cancelled, changed, or refunded. Please ensure you check the cancellation policy of your ticket prior to booking.
Should I buy Mont St. Michel tickets in advance?
Yes. While tickets can be purchased on site, it's best to purchase tickets in advance to ensure you can visit on the sate of your choice.
What is the best time to visit Mont Saint Michel?
The best time to visit is between May to September, when you can experience the spring tides in all its glory.
What are the best things to do at Mont Saint Michel?
When in Mont Saint Michel, you must experience the spring tides, walk on the cobbled streets around the island, and visit the marvellous abbey.
What is the validity of my Mont Saint Michel ticket?
Your ticket is valid on the date and time chosen.
Can I stay overnight at Mont Saint Michel?
Yes, you can either stay overnight in a hotel in the island or enjoy a camping experience close by.
What's the best way to explore Mont Saint Michel?
A guided tour is the best way to explore Mont Saint Michel as you will get to visit the best attractions and learn the secrets of this historic island.
Is Mont Saint Michel worth visiting?
Yes, apart from its historic and cultural significance, Mont Saint Michel is known for its gorgeous vistas and it's unique tidal show. When visiting France, Mont Saint Michel is definitely a must-see!
Is Mont Saint Michel Abbey included in my ticket?
Yes, your ticket includes entry into the Mont Saint Michel Abbey.
Can I cross the Mont Saint Michel Bay?
Yes, but please be advised that it must be done under the supervision of a guide.