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Plan Your Visit to Mont Saint Michel: Timings, Directions & More
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Mont Saint Michel, an islet linked by a bridge to the mainland, is an essential French destination. With a rich history and the iconic Abbey, it attracts millions of annual visitors for day trips due to its unique charm. Over 300 km from Paris, it makes for a wonderful day trip destination. Read on to learn more about visiting Mont Saint Michel.
Visitor Information At A Glance
- What are the Mont Saint Michel timings?
Mont Saint Michel is open from 9 AM to 7 PM. - Where is the Mont Saint Michel located?
Mont Saint Michel is a commune in France, which is 360 kilometres away from Paris. - How many visitors does the Mont Saint Michel see every year?
Mont Saint Michel sees over 2.5 million visitors yearly. - Does Mont Saint Michel have parking facilities?
Yes, Mont Saint Michel has parking facilities. - What is the best time to visit the Mont Saint Michel?
The best time to visit Mont Saint Michel is between May and September when the weather is beautiful and mild.
Mont Saint Michel Abbey Timings
- From May 1 to August 31:
Daily: 9 AM - 7 PM - From September 1 to April 30:
Daily: 9:30 AM - 6 PM - Last Entry: 1 hour before closing time
Note: Please note that Mont Saint Michel Abbey remains closed on 1 Jan, 1 May, and 25 Dec. The village of Mont Saint Michel is a commune that can be visited without the need for reservations, tickets, or specific time limitations.
Best time to Visit Mont Saint-Michel
Weekend vs Weekday
Mont Saint Michel is best explored on weekdays due to fewer crowds, offering a more tranquil experience. Weekends witness a surge in visitors, attracting both locals and tourists, resulting in overcrowding and potentially hampering the overall visit. Opting for a weekday visit ensures a more relaxed and enjoyable exploration.
Best Time in the Year
Mont Saint Michel is best experienced between May and September due to the idyllic weather and numerous events. The mild, beautiful climate enhances the visit, making it the peak season. During this time, various events add to the charm, making it an ideal period to explore the historical marvel amidst perfect weather conditions.
Best Time in the Day
The best time to visit Mont Saint Michel is in the early morning when there are fewer people, allowing you to enjoy the attraction without crowds. After noon, it gets more crowded, making it harder to fully appreciate the highlights. Another option is to go around lunchtime to avoid the rush and make the most of your visit.
Where is Mont Saint Michel Located?
Mont Saint Michel is a commune in France, which is 360 kilometers away from Paris. It consists of a tidal island and mainland both connected through a causeway. Visitors can use a shuttle bus to commute between the two. They can also cross the Mont Saint-Michel bay during the low tide.
The connection between the island and the mainland has changed throughout the years. Initially, pilgrims visiting the Mont Saint Michel abbey could only cross the bay at low tide, before the first raised bridge was constructed in 1879. In 2014, a new bridge was built connecting the two. A part of the UNESCO World Heritage Sites, the islet is situated between Normandy and Brittany, but is considered a part of the former.
Getting to Mont Saint Michel
Train
Take a TGV (Train A Grand Vitesse) from Gare Montparnasse in Paris to Rennes. Once at Rennes, you can take a Keolis bus to Mont St. Michel. The buses operate 4 times a day.
At Rennes, you can also change trains and head to the Pontorson-Mont St-Michel train station. Once you're at the station, you can either walk across Pont Passerelle (the causeway) or take the shuttle.
Car
You can drive down to Mont Saint Michel by car. There is a dedicated parking lot on the mainland, from where you need to walk 800m to Place des Navettes. At Place des Navettes, you can board the shuttle to the mainland or walk across the causeway.
Guided Tour
This is hands down the best way to visit Mont Saint Michel. A guided tour takes care of your transportation, and is especially convenient if you are visiting all the way from Paris. You will have round-trip transfers in a private air-conditioned bus, ensuring that you don't have to worry about transportation. You will also be accompanied by an expert guide will give you insight into the island.
Shuttle
Mont Saint Michel has a dedicated passenger shuttle that connects the island to the mainland. This free shuttle will drop you about 350 m away from the main island and operates between 7:30 AM - 8 PM. The shuttle is accessible with ramps on each entrance and dedicated wheelchair areas. It is only open to guide dogs and other assistance animals.
Know Before You Visit Mont Saint Michel
Eat
Stay
Rules
Events
Visitor Tips
- Du Guesclin: For regional specialties, visit Hotel Du Guesclin with a splendid bay view and a serene white decor. It offers three menu options catering to different tastes and budgets.
- La Sirène: Discover a hidden crêperie behind a souvenir shop. Accessible via a 15th-century staircase, it serves savory Breton galettes with various fillings, along with coffee, wine, and cider.
- La Mère Poulard: Dating back to 1888, La Mère Poulard is a renowned spot, frequented by famous personalities. Their open-fire omelet is globally celebrated and a must-try.
- Le Tripod: Nestled on the road from the abbey, Le Tripod is perfect for local dishes. Their seafood "with chips," accompanied by cider, and delectable crepes are noteworthy.
- Preserve the cultural and historical heritage by refraining from littering, defacing, or harming structures and artifacts.
- Stick to designated paths to prevent confusion and overcrowding.
- Large bags or backpacks are not permitted within the abbey.
- Only guide dogs and assistance animals are allowed; pets are not permitted.
- Smoking and e-cigarettes are prohibited inside enclosed areas, including the abbey.
- Obtain prior authorization before using drones or flying devices.
- Always heed the guidance of staff and security personnel.
- Run in Mont Saint Michel: This annual marathon takes place during summer. Run along the coast and take in the scenic beauty of the bay. You can choose from half-marathon, 10km Run, or the advanced Archange Trail.
- Jazz en Baie: An hour's drive from Mont Saint Michel is Jullouville, home to the Jazz en Baie annual jazz festival. This year's edition will occur between July 24 - August 1, 2021. Enjoy the soothing tones of jazz as you look out at the Atlantic Ocean.
- High Tide Evenings: As home to some of the highest tides in Europe, one can enjoy watching the English channel cover up the bay.
- Christmas Lights: Every year, visitors flock from across the country to watch the streets light up during Christmas in what can be described as a fairytale. Note that the dates vary each year.
- Wear comfortable shoes as Mont Saint Michel requires a lot of walking.
- Don't miss out on eating a delicious meal at one of the restaurants in La Grande Rue. You can also opt for a guided tour with an included lunch.
- When visiting the Abbey, ensure you are quiet and respectful.
- Purchase your tickets in advance to avoid disappointment, as tickets to this stunning venue are quick to sell out.
- If you are able to, walk across the causeway instead of taking the shuttle. The views are breathtaking.
- While the shuttle and causeway are accessible, do note that due to how old it is and the many steep steps, the island of Mont Saint Michel is not fully wheelchair-accessible.
Book Mont Saint Michel Tickets
All Your Questions About Visiting Mont Saint-Michel Answered
How can I get from Paris to Mont Saint Michel?
You can drive down there or take the train to the island. You can also visit in and see Mont Saint Michel from Paris as part of a guided tour where transportation is included.
What are the Mont Saint Michel Abbey timings?
The timings between May 19 to August 31 are 9 AM to 7 PM, and between September 1 to April 30 are 9:30 AM to 6 PM.
When is Mont Saint Michel Abbey closed?
Mont-Saint-Michel Abbey is closed on 1 Jan, 1 May, and 25 Dec.
What is the best time to visit Mont Saint Michel?
The best time to visit Mont Saint Michel is between May and September.
Is Mont Saint Michel wheelchair accessible?
While some parts of the island, along with the shuttle, are wheelchair-accessible, the rest of the island features steep steps and cobblestones streets, which are not wheelchair-friendly.
Can I park at Mont Saint-Michel?
While you cannot drive up to the island you can park in the mainland. A dedicated parking space is present about 1.5 miles away from the island.
Is there storage at Mont Saint-Michel?
Yes, storage is available near the car park area, near the Tourist Information Center.
How to get to Mont Saint Michel by train?
Take a TGV from Paris's Gare Montparnasse to Rennes, then catch a Keolis bus that operates four times daily to Mont St. Michel.
How to reach Mont Saint Michel by car?
Drive to Mont Saint Michel and park at the dedicated lot on the mainland. Walk 800m to Place des Navettes to catch a shuttle or walk across the causeway.
What are the best places to eat in Mont Saint Michel?
While Du Guesclin offers local specialities and a beautiful view, La Sirène is a hidden crêperie, and La Mère Poulard is renowned for its open-fire omelette. Le Tripod is great for local dishes.
Is it worth visiting Mont Saint Michel?
Absolutely! It's a stunning UNESCO site with unique architecture, history, and a breathtaking coastal setting, making it definitely worth a visit.