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Mont Saint Michel is one of France’s most popular destinations thanks to its unique beauty, gravity-defying abbey, and magically historic charm. It’s also one of the most photographed islands in the world! This tiny island sits in a large bay one kilometer off Normandy’s mainland in northern France.
The abbey of Mont Saint Michel welcomes around 2 ½ million visitors every year and even more to the island itself. It is a once-in-a-lifetime experience and one of my favorite day trips in France. It is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site known as the “Wonder of the Western World.” Plus, the island is free to visit, making it a top location for travelers on a budget.
Whether you’re hopping across the country from Paris on a day trip or dedicating an overnight stay to the holy island, this guide is a must-read. With restricted times, a compact space, and so many visitors to contend with, it’s important to plan ahead. Below, we’ve outlined 15 things you need to know before visiting Mont Saint Michel. So, let’s take a look!
Read Up On The Island Before You Arrive
If you’re anything like me, you like to know about the place you’re visiting. Not only for the history but also for any tips and quirky hidden gems you might otherwise miss. But there is hardly any reception on the island, so whatever you want to know, you need to know before you get there.
That also goes for pre-booked tickets for the abbey or any restaurant or hotel reservations you might have on email. Download what you need before you arrive. Sure, you could connect to a restaurant’s wifi. But most visitors will be doing the same, so it’ll save you a lot of hassle if you’re prepared for your visit.
Check The Tidal Times
The island sits in a large bay, and it is what’s known as a tidal island. This means that when the tide is out, you can reach the island from the mainland by the causeway. But the old causeway was submerged when the tide came in, and the island was cut off. Thanks to the new bridge that opened in 2014, the island is nearly always accessible.
Checking the tidal calendar is crucial in the spring because the island becomes completely inaccessible for a few hours during the springtide. It only happens twice per month, but you don’t want to get caught out. It has one of the highest springtides in the whole of Europe. There’s also something called a “supertide,” but this only happens once every 18 years, and it last occurred in 2015.
Be Prepared For Mud On The Bay
If you plan on walking the breathtaking bay, you must be ready for mud, and LOTS of it. Sadly, I was unprepared for this and missed walking around the bay. And when I got on the returning shuttle bus, my fellow commuters said they got the best viewpoints of the mount from the bay.
It would be best if you had sturdy, weatherproof walking boots because flip-flops or your best sneakers won’t cut it. Unless, of course, you want to wander barefoot as many visitors do. And then you need to pack wipes and a towel.
Take Caution On The Bay
Medieval pilgrims nicknamed the bay “St. Michael in peril of the sea.” Still, to this day, the bay can be dangerous, and anyone walking across the flats must do so with caution. The tide comes in rapidly, cutting you off. And if you aren’t aware or prepared for it, you can find yourself in extreme danger. Plus, the surrounding grounds have patches of quicksand.
If you want to enjoy the spectacular scenery from the bay, I advise booking a guided walk with a local expert. Not only do they explain the fascinating secrets of the unique ecosystem, but they also explore the myths and legends that surround the holy island with you.
Choose from a selection of tours with different themes, including nighttime walks under the milky way, treasure hunting on the bay, and exploring the quicksand safely. There are even horse-riding tours too.
Make Use Of The Free Shuttle Bus
If you are visiting Mont Saint Michel yourself, the designated car parks are relatively cheap but incredibly effortless to use. The visitor car parks are around 1 ½ miles from the mount. Some people walk to enjoy the spectacular landscape at a slower pace. But most people take advantage of the free shuttle bus. Once you have parked up, head for the Place des Navettes, a ½ mile walk. The shuttle buses operate every day at regular intervals.
The car park has designated areas for cars, motorhomes, coaches, etc. The ticket is valid for 24 hours, so if you time it right, you can stay overnight in the car park. I traveled in March, and it wasn’t swamped. But in the summer, the car parks can fill up quickly, so be sure to get there early for a space.
You can park further away for free in a few unofficial places. However, they are on the roadside, and you risk receiving a fine. Plus, it’s insecure, and you’ll have to walk much longer and won’t obtain free use of the shuttle bus. For me, paying for parking is much more convenient and offers peace of mind.
Wear Comfy Walking Shoes & Be Prepared For Lots Of Steps
Wearing comfy shoes while traveling is a must, especially if you’re on your toes for most of the day. And in Mont Saint Michel, you definitely will be. It’s also important to wear comfy clothes that you can climb steep hills in.
The highest point of the mount is 302 feet above sea level, and there are many stairs to climb. The mount is steep, uneven, and harsh on your feet and knees. So do yourself a favor and wear comfortable, cushioned footwear and relaxed clothes.
Take A Jacket (Even In The Summer)
The weather is very different on the island compared to the mainland, and it has its own microclimate. The island is exposed to strong wind, even in the summer. Watch the weather forecast before you go, but the weather is very unpredictable.
If you go in the colder months, pack accordingly. Think hat, scarf, gloves, thick winter jacket, thermals, etc. And if you go in the summer, pack a light jacket and a summer hat. This will protect you from the wind and hot midday rays.
Take Sunscreen, A Packed Lunch, And Plenty Of Water
Talking of the sun, taking sunscreen is crucial. The walk to the mount and on the mount itself has almost no shade. And being an island, the price for sunscreen and other essentials is extortionate. Plus, the restaurants are overcrowded with crazy long queues, and the food is substandard at Michelin prices.
Unless you want to shell out all your spending money on everyday essentials, it’s wise to pack sunscreen, food, and water. Why not find a boulangerie on the way in, stock up on French cheese and bread, and have a delicious picnic on the island? Your picnic backdrop won’t get more Instagram-worthy than Mont Saint Michel.
Make Sure Your Camera Has Full Battery Power
This might sound like an obvious tip, but I have never taken so many photos as I did at the mount. It is full of treasures, pretty walkways, and unbelievable architecture. A photographer’s dream! I’d even go as far as suggesting a backup battery.
Unless you’re staying on the island overnight, there’s nowhere to charge your electronics. So if you’re snap-happy like me, a fully charged battery is one of the most essential items.
Arrive Early In The Morning Or Later In The Evening
As you can imagine, as one of the most breathtaking places in Europe, Mont Saint Michel gets really busy. The island starts to hum with visitors from 11 am, so try to get there earlier if you can. The first shuttle bus departs at 7.30 am and takes less than 15 minutes, giving you several hours of quiet time to explore the streets, abbey, and more.
In addition to avoiding the crowds and the cooler temperatures, you also get to see the holy island lit up in the night skies. Seeing the mount twinkling on the bay is a stunning sight. If you’re visiting in the summer, the parking rate is reduced from 7 pm, and the abbey stays open until midnight. Plus, you can watch the spectacular night show that lights up the abbey and the island from July to August.
Take A Tour Of The Abbey Of Mont Saint Michel
Accessing the island is free, but you have to pay a fee to enter the abbey. A few bloggers suggest not doing it to save money, as you can appreciate it from the outside. But you can’t understand its magic without stepping inside. It is full of stunning Roman and Gothic architecture, offers the best views of the bay from the fortified walls, and has chimneys larger than most living rooms! Take advantage of the audio tours that reveal many of the abbey’s secrets.
There are over 420 steps up to the abbey, and I remember it being a challenging climb. But wow, was it worth it! As you take your final step, you are greeted with the main entrance to the abbey and unparalleled views of the bay. On a clear day, you can see for miles; on a rainy day, you are treated to a moody atmosphere. Ensure you pre-book your tickets to avoid the long queues in busy periods.
Take A Tour Of The Abbey Of Mont Saint Michel
Visit anywhere worthwhile during the summer, and you can be sure you won’t be the only visitor. But visit one of Europe’s most breathtaking places, and it is sure to get busy.
I’m not going to sugarcoat it. Visiting Mont Saint Michel during the holiday season is a little overwhelming. The queues are long, the narrow streets are jam-packed, and the lack of shade and the extreme summer heat isn’t everyone’s cup of tea. If you want to visit during the summer season, it’s still worth it. And you are almost guaranteed lovely, sunny weather.
But saving your visit for the spring or fall makes for a more relaxing experience. Even in winter, the island is worth visiting. But you’ll have to prepare for the bitterly cold winds that sweep across the bay.
Remember To Soak It In
It’s easy to rush around and get sucked into the hustle and bustle of moving from one point to another. Walked the Grandue Rue? Check. Tried an omelet at La Mere Poulard? Check. Explore the abbey? Check. But it’s important not to fall into the trap of ticking off your travel tick boxes.
Take a few minutes to watch the island go by. Find a café and people watch. Soak in the island atmosphere. Breathe in the salty sea air. And enjoy your moment on the mount. There’s also a parish church for private worship or to take a peaceful moment for reflection away from the crowds.
See Mont Saint Michel From Further Away
Visiting the mount, wandering the streets, and soaking up the old-world atmosphere is a must. But you don’t get to appreciate the spectacular sight of the mount as a whole. The mount looks most impressive from further away.
When driving towards the car park, you can see the mount in the distance, surrounded by the sheep grazing the land. But the best views are along the coast of the mainland. From a distance, it looks like a floating mirage with a golden angel perched on top.
Stay Overnight
This isn’t necessary because this place can easily be discovered in a day, sometimes in half a day, if your time is limited. But, if your budget allows you to stay overnight on the island, stay. The island takes on a new atmosphere as the village empties its daytime visitors.
The island currently has fewer than 12 residents, mainly monks and nuns from the abbey. And for one night (or more if you like), you could be one of the privileged few to stay on the island. It’s an unforgettable experience.
Not only does it allow you to relax and soak into the way of island living, but you also get to appreciate the island during different times of the day. There are various accommodation options, including hotels, to choose from. An overnight stay also allows you to watch the sunset from the top of the mount or the bridge for a view of the mount on the bay. It’s a magical sunset you’ll never forget!