Mont-Saint-Michel is a beautiful, magical castle that looks like it could star in any Disney movie. I was amazed that my experience at Mont-Saint-Michel was exactly as I expected. Built in 1523, it is listed as a UNESCO site for its architectural heritage. It is just as beautiful as the pictures and I felt like I was in a fairytale. On top of that, the changing tides make this place even more magical. Depending on the time of day, this city on a hill becomes an island.
A Spiritual City: The Benedictine Abbey
The Benedictine abbey is one of the main tourist attractions at Mont-Saint-Michel. This abbey, which is dedicated to Saint Michel the Archangel, offers amazing panoramic views of medieval religious architecture. If you can time it right, arrive before the tide comes in, go to the top of the abbey, and watch as Mont-Saint-Michel becomes an island.
Since the abbey is one of the main draws to the island, I recommend that you buy tickets online ahead of time to skip the line at Viator.com. If you are able to arrive at Mont-Saint-Michel before all of tour buses show up, you should make a beeline to the abbey to avoid large crowds.
Enjoy the Views
I arrived at Mont-Saint-Michel very early in the morning, so I could find as many places to enjoy the amazing views from the city with as few people around as possible. If you time your visit right, you can arrive at low tide and over the course of a couple of hours watch Mont-Saint-Michel become an island. It is really amazing to watch.
How To Prepare
1. Dress in layers: Due to Mont-Saint-Michel’s location, the weather can change quickly. Even during the summer, temperatures can be cooler than other parts of France. I recommend carrying a light rain jacket or travel umbrella even if the forecast does not call for rain.
2. Watch the tides: It is wonderful to watch this place transform into an island. However, several times a year, the tides rise so high that the bridge becomes engulfed. During those times, Mont-Saint-Michel impossible to access. Make sure you check out the tide tables before your trip.
3. Wear comfortable shoes: From the moment you enter Mont-Saint-Michel you will be climbing your way up to the Abbey. Make sure to wear comfortable shoes.
4. Where to eat: I find the food on the island to be a tad expensive, but people say you must stop by La Mère Poulard for their infamous omelet. It will cost you more than $40. Make reservations if you want to indulge yourself.
How to Get There
I think the best way to get to Mont-Saint-Michel is to drive because it will give you the most flexibility. Most tour buses start arriving around mid- to late morning. At that point, the city becomes almost impossible to navigate. Arriving early will allow you to see what you want with a little more ease. It is only about a two hour drive from Paris, Caen, or Bayeux. Parking is easy and will cost about $15. Once you park, you can either walk or take the free trolley to the Mount. The walk will take you about 30 minutes from the car park but it is a beautiful walk as you will have great views of the Mount as you approach it.
If you do not want to or cannot rent a car, then join a tour group is the next best way to go. There are generally daily tours from Paris to Mont-Saint-Michel.
Finally, you can also take the train and bus from Paris. Travel from Paris to Mont-Saint-Michel has become relatively easy and there are multiple options.