Mont Saint Michel is among the most visited places in France. Every year, it welcomes 2.5 million visitors from different parts of the world despite its small size. Without a doubt, the island is one of the must-visit tourist destinations in the Normandy region for various reasons.

Visiting Mont Saint Michel is not a trip to a typical island. This captivating place has more than a thousand year’s history with a solid cultural base that satisfies its different visitors. And seeing that the island attracts millions of people every year, it is essential to be savvy with planning independent of the time of year you intend to visit.

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Here is What You Need to Know To Make Mont Saint Michel Worth Visiting:

You Should Stay in The Area Overnight

Even though it is possible to make a day trip to Mont Saint Michel from Paris, it can be a long, challenging, and exhausting trip. Instead, plan to spend a minimum one night. Mont Saint Michel is located on the border of the Normandy and Brittany regions. With proper planning, visitors can have the best of two great areas in one attempt.

You could be based in the city of Rennes, Brittany’s capital, which is about an hour and a half train ride from Paris to Mont Saint Michel and about an hour by bus or car. Saint-Malo is another brilliant alternative. It is a coastal town about an hour from Mont Saint Michel with a great setting to pass the evening by the sea.

Read Up The Tides

On the Channel, the tides are often changing, steadily falling and rising around Mont Saint Michel. Both cases have their advantages. In the course of high tide, the island appears to be marvelous, as though it were levitating above the water. Under the perfect light, it makes a mirror reflection.

In the low tide scenario, the island is surrounded by sand, allowing tourists to meander around its perimeter and watch it from another angle. Please note that this can be dangerous, but if you are interested, reach out to the professional guide for a tour. The guide is expected to ensure that every visitor is safe while out. For more information, check with the Tourism Office.

It Is An Incredible Village With Residents 

It is important to note that when visiting Mont Saint Michel, it is no myth that the village is a tourist destination that is home to about 44 residents, including the nuns and monks that live in the Abbey. Fortune might smile on you to hear the lovely sound of their choir when one enters the Abbey. Adore and respect their home and do not forget not to take photographs of the residents, especially in religious ceremonies.

Prepare to Walk and Climb the Stairs

Climbing the Mont Saint Michel is kind of challenging: the pathway that courses to the top is narrow, steep, and cobblestoned. There are also many stairs that visitors need to climb, especially when reaching the Abbey. That is why you should not forget your walking shoes.

Consider Your Lunch Options 

The island’s popular dishes comprise of crepes and omelets. La Mère Poulard is a popular spot situated close to the main entrance as visitors enter the King’s Gate. La Mère Poulard happens to be the most prestigious establishment in Mont Saint Michel, and it has been around since 1888. Renowned for its extra fluffy omelets that are supposed to be world-famous; however expensive.

For visitors who do not mind the special experience, they must be ready to dole out about a few euros for a local omelet. You should reserve a table in advance to beat the long queues. As for crepes, Crêperie La Cloche is the place to be. Regardless of where you go on the island, there is a great chance of paying a premium for dining.

Be Mindful of the Crowds

Owing to the tourist nature of the island, it tends to be very busy in the peak seasons (summer). And due to the steep steps that lead to the Abbey, visitors sometimes get tired, and many of them rest in the many gardens throughout the village. As a tip, just continue walking when other visitors are behind you. People tend to be annoyed at others who block the path.

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Below is What to See and Do in Mont Saint Michel:

Walk Along the Fortifications 

For satisfying views of the coast, proceed to the Porte Échauguette that is located to the left of the main entry gate for a nice walk along the Abbey fortifications. Ensure that you continue to the Terrasse de l’Ouest that also offers a beautiful panorama over the bay.

Adore the Abbaye du Mont Saint Michel

This is the biggest attraction in the small village. From the courtyards to the massive halls to the corridors themselves- this place is gorgeous, and it becomes even more attractive when the guided tour is introduced, and the history is told. Since the 8th-century, there has been a monastic outfit of some kind in the village; therefore, there is plenty to learn. Plan some time to take in the views, and walk around the Abbey when you are free.

Relax at Eglise Paroissiale Saint-Pierre – Le Mont-Saint-Michel

The Eglise Paroissiale Saint-Pierre is a little, beautiful chapel leading to the Abbey. It is a beautiful spot to take a breather and a getaway from the crowds. This place is quieter than its surroundings as it is a spot to relax and ponder for a while. This quaint chapel boasts of more sacred ambiance to it than the Abbey, and it evinces tranquility and peace. Go there, take a few soulful minutes, and stroll around, focusing on the little details. Then you can proceed to the Abbey. The opening hours here are between 9 am and 7 pm daily.

See the Beautiful Dam at Barrage sur le Couesnon

It might be unnatural to have a dam on the list of things to see and do in Mont Saint Michel, but this is quite an astonishing dam. A small extension of metal and concrete, it offers impressive views and is a lovely place to picnic. With few stair-chairs dividing the two sides of the dam, it is great to pause from the island’s crowds and just wind down with a tasty sandwich, as long as the weather allows.

Discover La Chapelle-Saint-Aubert

La Chapelle-Saint-Aubert is another hidden gem on Mont St Michel. It is more peaceful and hidden than others, as visitors will see. A small stone construction displaying paintings inside shows calm and quiet, even if the chapel appears empty. The views are some of the best things here at high tide. However, it can be incredibly dangerous if the wind matches the tide in height. For visitors, low tide is perhaps the best option as it is safer, especially when the elderly and children come around.

Shop at La Grande Rue

A street full of small stalls and gorgeous cafes, Mont Saint Michel’s major street appears like something from a fairytale. The street is mostly busy with visitors, but inviting in the evening or when it is calmer. That is why you should try to visit in the off-season. Also, wear good shoes when you visit because La Grande Rue is steep and crowded. You will find a lot of cafes that can fix the caffeine-loving desires of walkers.

Appreciate La Porte du Roy/Porte du Boulevard/Porte de l’Avancée 

Even though they are gateways that are difficult to miss on a visit to the island, it is thoughtful to take some time to adore them. Porte du Boulevard is an adorable archway. Porte de l’Avancee is no more than a stone brick door, and La Porte du Roy is a gorgeous arch-tunnel that bears a portcullis. Door is another word for porte, so be prepared to enter different areas when you walk through the gates.

Buy Souvenirs Off The Island

Among the lovely things that La Mère Poulard is revered for is their buttery cookies, which are excellent souvenirs. You can buy them wherever you are in the village, and they are also for sale at any grocery store in mainland France for affordable prices.

Is Mont St Michel Worth It? – Summary

For most tourist destinations like Mont Saint Michel’s magnitude is definitely worth visiting. In fact, it has an immense beauty that constantly appeals to millions from all over the world. Indeed, the island commune knows how to treat visitors right with its 240 acres area. This amazing place is full of interesting history and is one of France’s most adorable sites. With this guide, you will not miss a thing!

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