2.1 Getting to the Island of Mont Saint Michel. The Tourist Information Centre (located at the shuttle departure point) can lend you a wheelchair to make your visit as comfortable as possible. You might feel a bit rushed doing a day trip from Paris given the travel time each way making it a long day, but if thats your one chance to see the Mont Saint-Michel and its on your bucket list, absolutely do it. Mont Saint Michel is situated on a tidal island off the northwest coast of France, in the Normandy region. Mont Saint Michel is incredibly stunning and worth visiting. Mont Saint-Michel also has some of the most dramatic tides in the world, and knowing the best tide times can make or break your visit. The coffee is pretty good and the pastries as well. They are both fantastic for the striped Breton shirts, la marinire, weve all come to know and love. It takes around 2 hours 30 minutes drive to reach Mont Saint-Michel from Le Havre (223 km; 139 mi), whereas from the town of Cherbourg (another port where cruise ships sometimes dock) it takes a bit less, up to 2 hours (178 km; 110 mi). If youre looking to make a day trip in peak summer season, the crowds might make it difficult to see everything comfortably. At the bend in the forest or in the fields, pretty villages with beautiful buildings transport you to another world, or even another era. Mont-Saint-Michel in one day how to organize your day? Also as an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. More information on :www.bienvenueaumontsaintmichel.com. Thank you for the tips, hope to make it there some day! This outing in the bay, accompanied by a guide certified by the prefecture, can be proposed in several ways:. This is not the place to wear your new platform shoes, heels, or ballet flats because the streets are cobblestone and can be uneven and steep in some places. Mont Saint-Michel Complete Guide - All You Need To Know Good to know, because I havent been to the Mont St Michel yet. It is known for its iconic location on a small tidal island, surrounded by a bay with one of the highest tidal ranges in the world. Theres no bad time to see the Mont Saint-Michel, but be prepared for rain and wind in cooler months and general crowds. A tour of the ramparts of Mont Saint-Michel (free, take the staircase on your right close to the entrance) When we returned in April, the fields had been harvested and the photo wasn't as nice. It is considered a delicacy and there is an annual festival in the spring where they grill the lamb and celebrate. There is a handrail available to assist you up the first 30 steps. The path is flat. You can stay on the island itself, right outside it so you get the view, or a short drive away. And every twenty years or so the tide of the century takes place. Whether you like panoramic views, history, or just small-town ambiance, Mont Saint-Michel has something unique to offer any visitor. just how busy it gets. Parking is cheaper after 7pm, but the stores and the abbey are closed. How can you best prepare your visit to Mont Saint-Michel? As others have mentioned, Im stunned that 8,000 people visit Mont St Michel in a day thats nuts! From a classic crossing of the bay to a more extraordinary one (at sunset or through patches of quick-sand), there are many different guided walking tours for you to choose from. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. This can be inconvenient if you just want to run a quick errand. Mont St Michel France - Go Before 10 am or Don't Go at All! Opinions are always my own and Ill never promote something I dont use or believe in. Cant make it at a very high tide? The sheep graze on the high salinity grasses giving their meat a distinctive taste. They are awesome! Youll also see some of the years highest tides during fall. It was a Tuesday in October. We recommend that you use the toilets at the Tourist Information Centre, which are the most suitable. For the fewest crowds possible, explore the town before the abbey opens or stay through the evening after it closes. How to access this entrance to the GR-22/GR-34: the sheep farm is in Pontorson, along the D275 (departmental road 275). Unveiling the Best Routes to Mont Saint Michel, Abbey Of Mont Saint Michel Priority Entrance. Id love to visit here someday. Amazing photos as always. Best time to visit: The best time to visit Mont Saint Michel is during the shoulder seasons of spring (April to June) and fall (September to November). and visit the Biscuiterie de la Baie du Mont St Michel, a cookie and souvenir shop right down the street from either the sheep farm or Beauvoir. Buses run daily and provide a convenient and affordable option for visitors. But in terms of getting to and from the Mont Saint-Michel itself, Ive found that renting a car is the most convenient. Self-driving is definitely the easiest way to get to Mont Saint Michel from Paris. An advantage of staying on the island is if you want to take photos very early or very late, youre already there. Good thing that I love mornings and sunrises way, way more anyway so this is perfect for me. If youre visiting the area in the dead of winter when temps are an average of 6 C/43 F, expect rain and chilly wind that could put a damper on your trip. When is the best time to visit the Mont Saint Michel Mont St Michel France - Go Before 10 am or Don't Go at All! Location: Mont Saint Michel is situated on a tidal island off the northwest coast of France, in the Normandy region. That takes away all the headaches and hassle! Plus their customer service cant be beat. Beautiful colors, quite long days, and a little less tourists than in summer. Weather: Spring at Mont Saint-Michel warms up slowly, with March temperatures in the low 50s (F) (10C), April in the mid-50s (F) (13C), and May finally breaking into the 60s (F) (16+C). What to Wear: While temperatures dont get too low during the day, youll want to protect yourself against Mont Saint-Michels ever-present wind. Or sleep in the part called La Caserne which is between the parking lots and the footbridge to Mont-Saint-Michel. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Bienvenue! In the morning you will be able to take shots of empty streets. Getting to Le Mont Saint Michel If you have a car it's an easy drive from Rennes or from the car ferry port at nearby St Malo. And to have even less people, avoid the French school vacations! Parking 15 euros for 24 hours in high season and 9 euros in low season (for a classic car). Readers ask: How Far Is Mont Saint Michel From Paris? The best tide schedule: There are many tide schedules and planners out there. It is a UNESCO World Heritage site, basically a monastery and an abbey built on an island that was cut off from the mainland at high tide. My recommendation to you is that you pre-purchase your tickets online and be there before opening to pass with ease and have an opportunity to see the church before the majority of the crowds descend. The museums are open at least from 10 am to 5 pm. Compare prices on our preferred platform: and perhaps mid-April, mid-August and mid-October. The landscapes here tell a story of their own but your guide will reveal the fascinating secrets of the unique ecosystem of the bay. Additionally, visiting early in the morning or later in the evening can also be a good option to avoid the crowds. For people with reduced mobility, it is possible to visit the abbey with a Jolette one-wheeled chair. Will also pack some snacks to avoid paying big bucks for breakfast. Its best to walk out on the sandbanks with a guided tour, as some areas of the shore have quicksand. However, be careful if you venture out there alone, it can be a risky journey. Specially designed paths for pedestrians. It is an easy day trip from Paris and easy to fold into a weekend trip or road trip to either Normandy or Brittany (it is right on the border of the 2 regions). From Paris, there are direct trains to Pontorson that run several times a day, and the journey takes around 3 to 4 hours. 3 Visiting Mont Saint Michel Abbey. They are breathtaking! Alternatively, you could observe the enormous forces of nature in a safe location near one of the river mouths. Services for persons with reduced mobility and the disabled. 15 to 45 minutes to walk along the ramparts, 1h to 8h for the different hikes in the bay, All our best advices to visit the Mont-Saint-Michel , Visit the Scriptorial Museum of Avranches , Discover the most beautiful views of Mont-Saint-Michel , Hotels on the Mont Saint-Michel intramuros , Luxury accommodations around the mountain . He is quite attentive and guides you through the milling process like a proud papa! But there are only a few trains a day. Fall: September to November is fall . The streets are paved (some areas with uneven cobblestones). Visitors can explore the narrow streets and alleys of the village, climb to the top of the abbey for breathtaking views, and take a guided tour to learn about the history and architecture of this incredible site. I have to say I still would love to visit (although I would go at sunrise !). The abbey was built in the 8th century and has been a place of pilgrimage for centuries. Yes, sometimes youll catch an amazing sunset that actually looks like these photos to the naked eye! So here is what we did do. Check out all the accommodation options and reviews on TripAdvisor here. What to Wear: While it is much warmer, its still advised to bring a jacket to protect against the wind. But unlike some websites, we do not recommend 2 hours.It is an exceptional place and to only see it is really a shame.From the parking lot between the queue to take the shuttle and the shuttle, it takes 15min to 30min to reach the village and to return to the parking lot.You have between 1 and 1.5 hours left. I always thought it was a monastery on a rock! Personally, we particularly like the month of October. I know! There's a huge, new car park about a 10-minute drive from the island as you're no longer able to drive right up to its entrance. What a gorgeous place to visit, the pictures are amazing! And if you are looking for luxury, check out our article dedicated to luxury hotels near Mont-Saint-Michel. Follow the signs and ring the bell at the entrance to the P2 car park reserved for people with disabilities upon presentation of your disabled parking permit. June to August is the best time to visit Mont Saint-Michel for pleasant weather. May and September are also great times to visit, with slightly cooler but still mild temperatures. So pretty! Visitors can drive and park in the designated parking lot, take a bus or shuttle from nearby cities like Rennes or Saint-Malo, or walk across the bay during low tide with an experienced guide. Once you reach Pontorson station, you can take a . Congrats for impressive photos, Andi! To see Mont Saint-Michel as a true island during those very high tide times (also called spring tide), you must visit at full or new moon. Straight from a bottle. Access to the village is free.What pays is: The shuttle is free.It is in fact included in the price of the parking.But if you come on foot or with a bus tour, the shuttle is free for you too. About 50 steps to reach the abbey. If you need help to carry the Joelette, please contact the sportsclub Le Cercle Jules Ferry Handisport at least 1 month and a half before your visit. It leads up to the abbey the back way along the ramparts instead of all the steps. 1. However, July and August are very busy months. You do the math. I honestly never thought it was THAT popular of a destination that you need to plan to go so early. Its really too bad that places like this become over-saturated with people. Temperatures remain mild until November when they drop into the low 50s F (10C). La Mre Poulard, a property located on the island and in the village of Mont-Saint-Michel, comprises 27 rooms in a beautiful historical home. We sat there and admired the view for quite a while. Visiting Mont Saint-Michel: 35 tips (2023) - Normandie Lovers In my opinion, if you are planning to stay in Normandy/Brittany for a couple of days on your own and are debating over whether or not to rent a car, I highly recommend it for the convenience factor. By Andi Fisher Updated on August 27, 2022 Mont St Michel France is a beautiful island off the coast of Normandy. Thats why we collected the highest tide dates for 2023: Update 2023: This is one of the better tide tables we found: Tide Times Mont Saint Michael Tabelle. The price includes breakfast, and the person who answered the phone spoke wonderful english. Like spring, youll also see fewer rainy days during the summer. Ive always wanted to go to Mont St Michel, but alas, I guessed it would be this way. Life is meant to be lived. Andi, I really loved this post! These will drop you off about 350 metres from the Mont Saint-Michel. You can only buy tickets the day of the trip so make sure to arrive early. Visit on April 26 Apr 18, 2023 A statue of Saint Michael is at the very top of the abbeys spire if you look all the way up. There are pros and cons to each. However, they are also worth visiting during other seasons, of course. At the Tourist Information Centre: Adapted accessible toilets, open 7 days a week, 24 hours a day. They have a full line of men and womens wear thats high quality, luxurious, and makes a great souvenir. Or else youll have a dreadful experience. You can also ask the driver if you want to stop to the hostel before Mont St Michel. For the other disabilities please contact Mrs Bierjon-Gerbaud. Id definitely take your advice and be early to visit Mont St. Michael. Something that doesnt attract quite as many people is to do a guided tour of the mudflats at low tide, but be sure to not roam too far on your own if youre not familiar with the area. Get in first thing and get out. You may also see clearer skies during the spring, making it one of the best times to visit. Further information on how to get there can be obtained from the Tourist Information Centre : www.bienvenueaumontsaintmichel.com or at +33 (0)2 14 13 20 15 or keolis.montsaintmichel@keolis.com. The Mont St Michel Shuttle is called 'Passeur', and it starts from Pontorson Mont Saint Michel train station and can take you 350 m from the island on the bridge. With so many visitors, it's important to be savvy with your planning. Get my newsletter plus a FREE guide of DOs & DON'Ts for tourists! You May Like: Mont Saint Michel Travel Tips. Don't stay on the island, don't eat on the island, don't shop on the island. Legal notice / Terms of use / Privacy policy Normandielovers.fr is a participant in the Amazon EU, US, UK and Canada Partner Programs, affiliate programs designed to allow sites to earn money by linking to Amazon. Can we visit the Mont-Saint-Michel in 2 hours? A medieval castle - that floats? - BBC Travel Through the main entrance, you will have direct access to the villages main shopping street. Who could blame anyone for wanting to experience this iconic island, with over one thousand years of history under its belt? To visit the village of Mont-Saint-Michel, there is no need to reserve.However, to visit the abbey, it is necessary to reserve your time in advance.Book here. Your photography skills are awesome! Your email address will not be published. Opening hours are 9:30 am to 6 pm from September to April and 9 am to 7 pm from May to August. There are several car parks available on the mainland, which provide shuttle services to the island. The walk to Mont St Michel from the parking lot is about 2km/1.25mi. You have a lot of options when deciding where to stay when visiting Mont St. Michel. Please consult the current rates. Is Mont Saint-Michel accessible to everyone? Its best to visit in June, as in July and August, the crowds can be overwhelming. In winter, it is possible to see it under a thin layer of snow, some years.Some months the sunsets are just right so they dont interfere with your dinner.And even in the fog, the fortified village is beautiful! These photos are absolutely incredible! The path is flat and suitable for pushchairs and wheelchairs., Vloscnie from Paris to Mont Saint-Michel, Mount accessibility : Prepare your visit to Mont Saint-Michel, discover how to get to Mont saint-michel: ACCESS MAP and services, www.bienvenueaumontsaintmichel.com/fr/interactive-map, Removable access ramps positioned at each door, Six spaces reserved for people with reduced mobility, Sound and visual support inside the vehicle throughout the journey. We had our choice of spots. the walk in the bay (1h30/2h) to discover the quicksand, the discovery of the islet of Tombelaine (3h/3h30), or the great 13km crossing: round trip from the Bec d'Andaine (Gents) or the Grouin du Sud (Vains/Sains-Lonard) to Mont Saint-Michel, to experience the ancestral custom of . Those are such surreal photos of Mont St Michel!!! The bay of Mont-Saint-Michel is one of the crowning glories of France, a great outdoor adventure to share with your family and your loved ones, suitable for all ages. Once you reach Pontorson station, you can take a shuttle bus or a taxi to reach the island of Mont Saint Michel. Your photos are breathtaking. My recommendation for an apartment rental is Plum Guide. If you are coming from Paris, you need approximately 4 to 4 hours 30 minutes to get to Mont Saint-Michel (see . The busiest peak of the day is usually between 11am and 3pm. One Day: While 3-5 hours is the minimum you should plan for, its possible to spend a whole day exploring Mont Saint-Michel. To reach Mont Saint Michel by train, the nearest station is Pontorson-Mont Saint Michel, which is about 9 km away from the island. You have a good eye for photographs. See our 35 tips for visiting Mont-Saint-Michel. The Mont-Saint-Michel is known for its changes during the high tides.They take place: Why is this?At this moment, the water rises of 15m on 15km!During your stay you will see the rock surrounded by sand and then completely surrounded by water. Explore hotels at Mont Saint-Michel (via booking.com with price match). It is also fairly chilly in the morning, so dress in layers and be prepared. You will be ripped off and disappointed. Walk a little on the footbridge to admire the illuminated mountain. Question: How To Get To Mont Saint Michel? - St Maurice Parish Thanks for these helpful tips, though, I will definitely use them. You will be asked to show your card to the camera to gain access to this car park. On your way, you will probably come across the Rocher de Tombelaine bearing many myths and legends. Best viewpoints to observe the magical tidal bore? It includes a little village built on the route leading up to the 8th-to-13th (parts, pieces, and fires) century religious compound. Access through the main door or on the side of the building outside the opening hours of the building. Mont Saint Michel - Wikitravel Such beautiful pictures Andi. 8,000 people. Both vlogs were so informative, interesting, & I felt as if I was walking alongside you in the 1st vlog. Itineraries: Mont-Saint-Michel in 4 hours, 1 or 2 days, Duration of the visit to Mont-Saint-Michel. Visit the island. Tip: A truly marvelous time of day is after dusk when the Abbey of Mont St Michel is illuminated. Your email address will not be published. Information : +33 (0)2.14.13.20.15 or keolis.montsaintmichel@keolis.com. How To Reach Mont Saint Michel. The best time to visit Mont Saint Michel is during the shoulder seasons of spring (April to June) and fall (September to November). Will save my omelette needs for Paris or elsewhere Your photos of Mont St Michel are gorgeous and I bet people would buy them, too! Visitors can park their cars and take a shuttle bus to Mont Saint Michel, or they can opt to walk the 2.5 kilometers to the island. Wheres the best place to stay when visiting the Mont Saint-Michel? Hopefully soon, and definitely in off season! While there, be sure to support local brands like Armor Lux and Saint James. Being kind, always. When the tide comes in, depending on the time of day, the water looks like a mirror and you can get some cool shots. The tourist office has four different sets of opening hours. This is the hiking path that I have frequently mentioned in posts about places along the Brittany coast, like Saint-Malo and Cancale. The best and safest way to explore is to book a guided walk with a local expert. This island is home to a towering medieval abbey and a picturesque French town. It's important to note that due to the high volume of visitors, traffic can be congested during peak season. Here there is a sheep farm, the famous pr-sal sheep. Best time of day to visit Mont St. Michel? - Tripadvisor I never heard about it until today. The shuttle bus is accessible to people with reduced mobility: The driver or stop attendant will operate the removable ramps upon request. Weve stayed at Ibis hotels all over France and have found them to be comfortable, clean, and affordable. While the winter months are pretty crisp and cold, its a gorgeous time to see the abbey slowly disappearing in the rising fog. With your own vehicle, you arent reliant on public transportation schedules and can go off the beaten path and also visit nearby towns like Cancale, Dol-de-Bretagne, etc. . Visitors have questions that how to Get to Mont Saint Michel, the answer is it relatively easy, with several transportation options available. However, dont worry if you cant make it during a full moon, as the water still floods quite close to the island during regular high tides. Thanks for sharing! With 4 hours at Mont-Saint-Michel, we recommend the following program: If you have 2 full days, consider a 1.5 hour guided walk on the sand to discover the ecosystem and the quicksand. Visit the 4 museums We mainly recommend the historical museum and the Logis Tiphaine. Good to know: Regardless of the tide, you can always reach Mont St. Michel without getting wet feet via the causeway. Keep in mind that no matter where you stay, theres no longer any issue with accessing the monument due to the tides because a permanent bridge was built in 2014 making it easy to get on and off the island no matter the water level. Making time for your pet. Its in German, but you can easily select the month and spot very high (spring) tides. Dinner and explore the streets and ramparts by night (take a flashlight). Yes, you can visit Mont-Saint-Michel with a dog, like any other village in France. Forget the rest. At the top of the main street, there are 139 steps to reach the abbey. Time of Day: During the summer, youll likely find large crowds at any time of day. I believe in not rushing through the week just to get to the weekend. If I could take pictures as stunning as yours and beat the crowds by getting there early, thats all I need to know. What is the best time to do this? Remember this . You dont need more than a day to see the monument itself and could get it done in a half day if you dont spend time in a restaurant. The trip into Mont Saint Michel in the morning can be jammed up with traffic. Mont-Saint-Michel is one of the most iconic places in France, a must-see in Normandy. It makes a huge statement (in addition to the, you know, 8,000 people!! I live so close to here and still havent got to Mont St Michel! If you go early as we did, you have the walk all to yourself and you have plenty of opportunities to take photos as you head into the island. And gorgeous shots of the bay that you don't have to stand in line for. I knew it was famous, but had no idea it was that crowded! This is a live walk where I show you around the monument right after travel restrictions were lifted. !If you really want to live an exceptional moment, spend a night on the Mont-Saint-Michel and discover it with the changing light at the end of the day and early in the morning. Weather: Fall brings some of Mont Saint-Michels rainiest weather. The best time to visit Mont Saint-Michel for watching the tidal bore spectacle is at full moon or new moon. The shuttle stops 400 m from the entrance to the Mont and the main street is 200 m long, mostly up hill. Crossing the Bay of the Mont-Saint-Michel on foot, Arts, crafts and products Made in Normandy, The Tourisme & Handicap label for disabled visitors, List of accredited professional guides of the Bay, Meditative walking in the Bay of the Mont-Saint-Michel. That said, if you have reduced mobility, are in a wheelchair and/or are elderly and cannot walk comfortably unassisted, I think its a safer option to stay at the base. The best time of day to visit Mont Saint-Michel is in the early morning or early afternoon. Sadly thats a trend Ive noticed in many major sights in Europe (Barcelona coming to mind as having the most growth in tourism since my first trip 10+ years ago). Yes! To reach Mont Saint Michel by bus, you can take a regional bus from nearby cities such as Rennes, Saint-Malo, and Pontorson. I honestly didnt know anything about this place but after seeing your pictures, Id love to visit. Hope you get to see some better service soon it exists, I promise you! Crowds: Spring is the second busiest season, but the cooler temperatures still keep many tourists at bay. The island can be reached by foot during low tide from the mainland via a well-marked trail, called the "Chemins de la Baie" or "Bay Trail," which takes about 3-4 hours. Preferably park at the back of the car park to be as close as possible to the departure of the shuttle buses. It takes about 50 minutes to walk from the shuttle bus stop to Mont - Saint - Michel. The bus from Rennes to Mont Saint-Michel takes about 1:15. Can we leave Mont-Saint-Michel when the tide is high, We share everything with you: our favourite places, our tips, our good plans and without invading you.