One of the most visited places in France, THE Mont Saint Michel welcomes around 2.5 million visitors per year. Who could blame anyone for wanting to discover this iconic island, with over a thousand years of history under its belt? With so many visitors, it's important to be careful in your planning. Here are a few things to know before visiting the Mont Saint Michel to make your trip smooth and memorable.
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Plan to spend the night in the area
Although it is possible to take a day trip to Mont Saint Michel from Paris, it is a long and exhausting journey. Instead, plan to spend at least one night in the area. THE Mont Saint Michel is located on the border of the Brittany and Normandy regions, both of which are worth exploring. Consider basing yourself on Rennes, the capital of Brittany. Rennes is 1h30 by train from Paris, with buses (or car rentals) to Mont Saint Michel about an hour's drive. Another option is Saint-Malo; this coastal town is also an hour from Mont Saint Michel and a great place to spend an evening by the sea.
Find out about the tides
The tides of the English Channel are constantly changing, constantly rising and falling around the island. Both scenarios have their advantages. At high tide, the Mont Saint Michel looks surreal, as if hovering over water and in the right light, creates a mirror reflection. Equally interesting is low tide, surrounding the town with sand, allowing visitors to walk its perimeter and observe it from a different perspective. This can be dangerous, so if you're interested, book a tour with a professional guide who knows the English Channel's moody ways to keep you safe. Ask the Tourist Office for more information; there is an office located just past the main entrance doors.
It's actually a village with inhabitants
It is important to keep in mind during the visit that the Mont Saint Michel is not a manufactured tourist destination and is home to 44 residents, including the monks and nuns who reside in the abbey. You may even be lucky enough to hear the haunting sound of their choir as you enter the abbey. Be respectful of their homes and do not take photos of citizens, especially during religious ceremonies.
Plan to walk and climb stairs
The climb up to Mont Saint Michel is considerable: the path that leads to the summit is steep, narrow and paved. There are also quite a few stairs to climb, especially to venture up to the abbey. Make sure you bring a good pair of walking shoes.
Consider Your Lunch Options
THE Mont Saint MichelFamous dishes include omelettes and pancakes. A remarkable place is Mother Poulard, located near the main entrance as you enter through the Porte du Roi. The island's best-known establishment, La Mère Poulard has been around since 1888 and its notoriously fluffy omelettes are said to be the best in the world. If you want the experience, be prepared to shell out at least EUR 28 for a traditional omelette and book a table in advance to avoid a long wait. For crepes, visitors' favorite place is Crêperie La Cloche. No matter where you go, you'll probably pay extra to eat in the village. A packed picnic is a great option.
Walk along the ramparts
For magnificent panoramas of the coast, go up Porte Échauguette, located to the left of the main entrance door, for a walk along the abbey ramparts. Don't forget to head towards the West Terrace which offers a breathtaking panorama of the bay.
There are a number of sites to visit
Enter the Mont Saint Michel is free and you can spend the day admiring the village and its surrounding views. However, there are many things to see and do including museums, churches and of course, the spectacular abbey perched at the top. Entrance to the abbey is paid (10 EUR) and it is worth exploring the historical monument. On the Grande Rue going up towards the Abbey, keep an eye out for the parish church of Saint-Pierre, surrounded by a cemetery (where Mother Poulard herself, Anne Boutiaut, is buried) and housing a silver statue dedicated to Saint-Michel. There is also the Maritime Museum, which offers insight into the island's environment and its ecology.
Buy souvenirs off-island
La Mère Poulard is also famous for its butter biscuits which make an excellent (and tasty) souvenir. They are on sale throughout the village, but can be found in almost every grocery store in France for a fraction of the price.
Would you like to discover more historic destinations in Europe? Join our Four-day mini trip to Spain and explore the palaces and forts of Andalusia. Or book our 10-day adventure in northern Italy and visit Rome, Florence and Milan – just to name a few.
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