When planning my honeymoon to France, I knew that I wanted to make a stop at Mont Saint Michel. I have desired to explore this charming historical marvel for quite some time. We only had about a day to spend at the Mont, but luckily, that is about all you need to fully take it in. Allez, on y va! Read on for the top tips and info that will help you maximize your time on the Mont.
Hotels
The first thing to consider when booking your trip to the Mont is your hotel. You can choose to stay within the confines of the Mont, or just off the island.
I wouldn’t recommend staying further away and driving each day if you do plan to get a hotel. Staying in the localized area provides you easy access to the shuttle system, and can allow you to easily adjust your plans in the event of inclement weather.
Although staying on the Mont can offer dreamy nighttime opportunities to wander the island and get lost when crowds are low in the summertime, many reviews of these hotels are poor. Visitors complain of outdated rooms, uncomfortable beds, moldy smells, and other issues.
I thoroughly enjoyed our stay at the Mont Saint Michel Hotel Mercure. The shuttle stop was located just across the street, the included breakfast the next morning was quite good, the rooms were clean and comfortable, and parking was available right outside.
Note: make sure you have your hotel access code prior to driving to the Mont. We did not receive ours and had trouble getting past the gated area as we did not have phone service.
Activities and Experiences
Mont Saint Michel has a fair amount to offer, but you can probably complete your visit within a day, two days max.
Many people visit Mont Saint Michel so they can take in the beautiful abbey. Once you climb up to the abbey you can choose to take a guided tour or explore at your own pace. Check out the abbey’s website to see if a tour is right for you!
In addition to the abbey, there are four small museums on the Mont that focus on the long and rich history of the Mont and its people. Admission is currently 9€ for a single museum, and you can purchase an 18€ pass for access to all 4 museums.
Explore the winding ramparts and passageways. It is easy to picture yourself back in time, keeping watch during a siege, or watching as pilgrims cross the quicksand.
Speaking of quicksand, if you are adventurous considering booking a guided tour of the perimeter of the Mont where you can see the quicksand up close. Be careful if you venture out on your own, the tide can come in quickly and it is quite easy to get stuck! Wash your feet off afterwards at the fountain just past the gate as the pilgrims do.
Restrooms
There are limited restrooms open to the public on the Mont, and in some locations, you will have to pay in order to use them! So make sure you have a few Euros in your pocket. Before your visit, check out this map from Destination Mont Saint Michel to get your bearings. Especially if you have small children who may not be able to wait easily until you track down a bathroom!
Shopping
Your walk up to the abbey will be filled with souvenir shops. Although you may think these are out of place, and ruin the vibe of the historical Mont, you would be mistaken! Stretching far back in history when pilgrims came to Mont Saint Michel they would buy souvenirs from shops like these to prove they made it. Be aware that the shops tend to close without warning and not follow the hours they post online or in the window front if business is slow. Especially in bad weather as I will explain more about below!
Rain and Snow
If your visit to Mont Saint Michel happens to line up with some damp weather, do not be dismayed. You can still visit the Mont, however, you should be aware of a few things. Firstly, things can be a bit slippery. If you have trouble with mobility already, adding in worn slick stone stairs may not be a great idea. Secondly, I would recommend bringing an umbrella. Although the walkways can be narrow and you will have to raise and lower your umbrella at times, there aren’t many places outside of the abbey to hide out from the rain. And lastly, many shops and restaurants close down in inclement weather. We found that when looking for somewhere to eat, many places chose not to open in the rain even though they were scheduled to.
Seeing and Photographing the Mont Saint Michel Sheep
If you have been on Pinterest or Instagram you may have seen videos of influencers running along the winding channel that leads to the Mont, or posing in front of a flock of sheep. I chose not the head out to the infamous winding channel as it is fenced in, muddy, and I did not want to risk trespassing onto a local’s property. If you want to see the sheep however, you are in luck, and won’t need to hop any fences!
Your best bet to see the sheep is to head out in the morning before the crowds start to arrive. Around 8-9am. As you start walking to the Mont there will be a large field on your right. The sheep often graze here in the mornings but move on as the area becomes more crowded. The sheep are not fenced in and move about as they please so if you don’t see them right away, search around! They may have crossed the road or might be further down the dirt path you will pass on your way.
In conclusion, a day at Mont Saint Michel is a memorable experience that combines a rich history, stunning architecture, and the charm of a unique storybook like town. Whether you choose to explore the abbey, visit a museum, or simply wander through the picturesque streets and ramparts, there is something for everyone to enjoy on the Mont. Be prepared for stormy weather and carefully choose your hotel. With thoughtful preparation, you can make the most of your time at this incredible destination. Bon voyage!