Mont Saint Michel Day Trip from Paris

Mont Saint Michel Day Trip Description

This full day adventure includes:

• Round trip transport in climate controlled bus

• Admission to Mont Saint Michel's Abbey with audioguide

• Free time to explore at your own pace

• Fun & Knowledgeable, English Speaking Guide

The Adventure Begins

Rise early to board your private bus from Paris. Once you’ve settled into your seat in the early-morning, you’ll have the chance to catch up on sleep, before we stop for a mid-route pit stop during which you can stretch your legs and pick up some breakfast should you wish.

As we approach the magnificent island, which depending on the tides is either encircled by water or by mud flats, your knowledgeable guide will prepare you for what is to come by providing some background information on the awe-inspiring UNESCO-listed island. Listen to interesting anecdotes about the history of this abbey, the island and the surrounding region of Normandy, whose stunning scenery should be visible through the windows of the bus.

Medieval Island Mont Saint Michel

The island is strategically placed between Normandy and Brittany. Due to the hundred years war between England and France, the island's importance became even more prominent as a stronghold and defensive structure. The island would serve as a military stronghold for the region, warding off British attackers during recurrent sieges.

Upon arrival on the island, your guide will show you around during an orientation tour that will ensure you manage to see all the most important attractions, leaving you outside the most famous of them all, the hilltop Abbey of Mont Saint-Michel. After getting to grips with the layout and major points of interest, you will have a few free hours to explore by yourself at a sightseeing pace that matches your desired speed and stamina. You might want to soak up the splendor of the abbey interior with an audio guide tour or simply stroll the wonderfully picturesque streets in search of the perfect photo opportunity.

Mont Saint-Michel Abbey

Mont Saint-Michel abbey began humbly enough in the eighth century, when – citing orders from Archangel Michael himself – bishop Aubert built a church on this small and secluded rock island. The church was later expanded during the medieval era, becoming more and more vertiginous with every addition, and attracting an increasingly large number of pilgrims.

During the French revolution, the monks were kicked out of the monastery and the area became a prison for refractory priests. In 1811, a decree declared that the abbey would hold common law prisoner and some political prisoners like Armand Barbés and Auguste Blanqui.

Sit-down or Lunch on the Go

You may also want to sit down for lunch at an establishment of your choosing. Options range from wooden rafter-adorned dining rooms serving rustic meat-focused fare to sophisticated restaurants with bay-view terraces where seafood from the surrounding waters takes center stage. For a more casual and characteristically Breton meal, stop by one of Mont Saint-Michel’s crêperies and feast on galettes (buckwheat pancakes) paired with Normandy cider. Your guide will recommend restaurants to quell your cravings and match your budget.

In late afternoon, re-board the bus for the return journey to Paris, which will see passengers back in the City of Lights well in advance of bed time. This fabulous tour of Mont Saint-Michel offers a hassle-free way to explore the island during a day trip from Paris with plenty of free time ensuring you don’t have to adhere to a rigid sightseeing schedule.