Mont Saint Michel | Island Abbey Marvel

Magical island that is blessed with a gravity defying Abbey, tourists visit Mont Saint Michel and its bay due to its popularity as one of the most stunning sights in France. This place has been Europe’s major pilgrimage destination for centuries and now is a UNESCO world Heritage site. The holy island and the breathtaking bay are unforgetful sites and have long captured the imagination.Built between the 11th and 16th centuries the abbey is an artistic marvel and a technical feat that attracts thousands of visitors from around the world.


The architecture is inspired by Gothic style and one can also see some influences of Roman architecture. Being a unique combination of a natural site and architectural marvel, this place has set itself among the popular tourist destinations with its unique aesthetic. Visitors get to explore the unique features that complement each other in this wonderful location. The abbey, the fortified village with its large walls and the uniquely placed buildings - all together give the Mont Saint Michel its amazing character and silhouette. The Mont Saint Michel also has become one of the most important pieces of medieval history and the Christian civilisation. Its beautiful layout and historical importance are two major reasons to visit the amazing island.


You can also Checkout: Mont Saint Michel Abbey Tickets

Mont Saint Michel Abbey Tickets

Abbey of Mont Saint-Michel: Priority Entrance
i4.75 Stars| Rated By 102+ Customers
Abbey Of Mont Saint Michel Priority Entrance
highlightMobile Voucher
View More Details
Starts at
22.8
Saving 5%
21.6
/per adult
Highlights
  • Visit the Abbey of Mont Saint Michel, also known as 'The Wonder of the Western World', and get to know about the rich history of France

  • Roam around this famous medieval fortress and enjoy exploring its 20 rooms, spires, and beautiful gardens

  • Be amazed by the panoramic views of the beautiful surroundings as you reach the summit of the abbey

  • Book Abbey of Mont Saint Michel tickets and explore one of the UNESCO World Heritage Sites situated on an island in Normandy

  • Stroll through the 13th-century religious compound and get to know about the place where the worship of Archangel Michel was done since 708 AD

Scroll down to read more
Must Know Before You Go
  • No smoking or consumption of alcohol at the premises is allowed.
  • Any personal expenses or items of personal nature will not be included in the package.
  • Kindly dispose of plastics in an appropriate manner.
  • All foreign nationals must share their passport and visa details at the time of arrival.
  • ID proof is mandatory for each individual guest at the time of arrival.
Scroll down to read more

Know before you Go To Mont Saint Michel

Essential Information
Camping near mont saint michel
Where to eat
Essential Information

1. Timings:

  • From November to March - Monday to Sunday 10 AM - 5 PM
  • From July to August - 9:30 AM - 7 PM, Monday to Sunday
  • In March - 9:30 AM - 6 PM, Monday To Sunday

2. How to reach

  • By Shuttle: The island of Mont Saint Michel is connected to the mainland by a special passenger shuttle. This free shuttle runs from 7:30 AM to 8 PM and drops you off 350 meters from the main island. With ramps at each entrance and designated wheelchair spaces, the shuttle is handicapped accessible.

  • By Guided Tours: The ideal approach to explore Mont Saint Michel is without a doubt this. If you are traveling long distances from Paris to visit, a guided tour takes care of your transportation. You won't have to worry regarding transit because you'll get round-trip transfers in a private, air-conditioned bus. A knowledgeable guide will also be with you to provide you with information about the island.

Explore Mont Saint Michel

Abbaye du Mont Saint-Michel
Abbaye du Mont Saint-Michel

Visits to the abbey is unquestionably the best activity on the island of Mont-Saint-Michel. Nowadays, more tourists visit the abbey than pilgrims do, despite it being a glorious location for worship, prayer, and pilgrimage for centuries. It has beautiful architecture and has been formally recognised as a historical landmark since 1874. There is a lot to learn as the island has housed a benedictine institution of some sort since the eighth century. The abbey is actually the main focus of Mont-Saint-Michel, so if visitors don't go there, they’re really missing out. Visitors will be mesmerised by the grand halls, passageways, and gardens.

Ramparts
Ramparts

The island is encompassed by old walls (ramparts) and watchtowers that were built to ward off invaders, as was typical of the middle ages. In fact, the fortification walls on the island of Mont Saint-Michel made it an impregnable fortress even during the Hundred Years War. For beautiful vistas, visitors can stroll along the "Chemin des Remparts" (Ramparts Pathway). The Tour du Nord (North Tower), a 13th-century watchtower, also has an observation deck where guests can get out and observe the tide come in and go out of the Bay.

Also Checkout: tickets Louvre Museum

Grand Rue
Grand Rue

The island of Mont-Saint-principal Michel's main street is called La Grande Rue. It starts not long after visitors pass through the island's main gate, so one simply wouldn't be able to miss it. Because most of the island's eateries and gift shops are located here, it is frequently packed, and for justified reasons. They will be transported to the Middle Ages by strolling down this winding, cobblestone street as Structures from the 15th and 16th centuries line the avenue! If visitors wish to explore this area with fewer people, then it is advised to visit preferably early morning or plan to remain till late afternoon.

Checkout & Book: tickets Musée d'Orsay

Mont Saint-Michel Pilgrimages
Mont Saint-Michel Pilgrimages

Since the eighth century, Christian pilgrims have endured the grueling journey to Mont Saint-Michel. The Abbey of Mont Saint-Michel, also referred to as the "Wonder of the West," is still revered by contemporary pilgrims. A certified guide can be hired by pilgrims to take tourists across the Bay of Mont Saint-Michel. Due to safety concerns, it is not suggested to try the excursion sans a guide. On Saint Michael's Day, which honors the Archangel Michael, around the end of September, numerous pilgrims embark on their spiritual pilgrimage. A somber mass is said in the Abbey Church on the Sunday that is closest to Saint Michael's Day.


Also Checkout and Book: tickets for Arc de Triomphe

Mont Saint Michel Video

Explore Mont Saint Michel

Mont Saint Michel stands as a remarkable testament to medieval architecture and natural beauty. Situated on a rocky islet off the Normandy coast, the abbey crowns the landscape like a beacon of history. Accessible by causeway during low tide, the journey offers captivating views of the surrounding bay. Inside, the abbey's labyrinthine passageways and ornate chambers evoke a sense of awe and reverence. Exploring this UNESCO World Heritage site unveils a fusion of history, spirituality, and stunning coastal vistas.

History of Mont Saint Michel

Mont Saint Michel History dates back to 708, when the Bishop of Avranches founded the place. It is believed in legends that the Bishop had visions of the archangel Saint Michel, and after this he decided to honor the divine power. He created the religious spot at the Mont Saint Michel, the abbey then later on processed to become a place of worship, pilgrimage and religious importance. The abbey’s strategic location made it a great defense point in addition to its spiritual significance. Therefore with time, the construction added to the island included fortification which extended the abbey and its original structure. The abbey was attacked by power hungry rulers over different periods of history, including during the one hundred year war and by the Breton Knights under the rule of Guy de Thouars.


Later under the rule of King Louis XI, the Mont saint Michel was turned into a prison and detention center. The French Revolution saw locked up dissidents and the holding cells of the abbey were filled with them. It was later in the year 1922 that the worship grounds of the Mont Saint Michel were restored, but the pilgrims came back from the year 1966. Today the Mont Saint Michel and its bay are renowned UNESCO world heritage sites and are visited by around 3500000 visitors every year.


Book Now: Eiffel Tower Tickets

Architecture of Mont Saint Michel

Architecture of Mont Saint Michel

The stunning architecture is one of the main reasons to visit Mont Saint Michel and its Bay Area. As the place became a popular religious destination in the medieval ages, the architecture of the abbey and the surrounding village evolved along with its importance. The architecture of the stone and timber frame houses is among the reasons to visit this site, as they are now classified as historical landmarks. The houses in the east and south areas of the Mont Saint Michel are stacked together in tiers and are enclosed by steep embankments of rocks.

The Mont Saint Michel Abbey was first built in 966, inspired by Benediction style of architecture and was nestled on the top of the sanctuary dedicated to the archangel Michel. Due to this the Abbey includes some influence and details of the Romanesque architecture. In addition to these remnants, the abbey also houses a small pre-Romanesque church which has a double nave built with granite and flat bricks. As the Gothic period approached, new additions and changes were made to the architecture of this Abbey. The great artists and creators of the period added high walls, high masses, pinnacles and sharp silhouettes to the marvelous structure. Since then the Mont Saint Michel has withstood many attacks, but the main site and Abbey have maintained their original structure. The building undergoes periodic restorations to maintain its structure and beauty, which attracts all visitors who visit Paris.


Also Checkout: Moulin Rouge Paris Tickets

FAQ's of Mont Saint Michel

Who built Mont Saint Michel Castle ?

    In the year 708 CE, Saint-Aubert, the Bishop of Avranches, constructed Mont Saint Michel. This was after he had visions of the archangel Michel, and he wanted to create a place to honor the divine power.

What Mont Saint Michel Tickets Includes?

Is it possible to cross Mont Saint Michel Bay?

Which are the best camping sites near Mont Saint Michel?

What are the best things to do at Mont Saint Michel?

Is Giverny a day trip from Paris?

Explore Paris