The magical Mont-Saint-Michel island is one of Europe’s most stunning sights, and ranks as one of the top most visited landmarks in France. Discover why as you read our list of the top things to do in Mont-Saint-Michel!
Pro Travel Tip: Interested in learning more about Normandy? We recommend joining our Day Trip from Paris to Normandy Beaches and WWII Memorials to discover more about World War II history and the sights of the region
The Top 9 Things To Do In Mont-Saint-Michel
Mont-Saint-Michel’s history dates back to 708, when a sanctuary was first erected. Soon after, Bishop Saint Aubert built an oratory there after having a vision of the archangel Saint Michael (Saint Michel translates to Saint Michael). It quickly became a major pilgrimage center, and in 966 a Benedictine abbey was built there. Today, most people head to Mont-Saint-Michel to admire its outstanding views and majestic setting. It’s located in a bay that’s shared by France’s Normandy and Brittany regions, a detail that’s caused a playful feud over the years. Read on to find out what Mont-Saint-Michel has to offer!
9. Eat Oysters in Cancale
An amazing array of cities and sights are located near Mont-Saint-Michel. Cancale, a picturesque fishing port in the Brittany region, is famous for oysters and perfect for seafood lovers. Saint-Malo, an incredibly breathtaking walled city, is within a one hour drive from the island. The World War II D-Day landing beaches are also within a two hour drive from Mont-Saint-Michel. If you have time while traveling, we recommend trying to combine Mont-Saint-Michel with another one of these treasures to get the most out of your visit.
8. Grab a bite to eat at La Mère Poulard
La Mère Poulard is undoubtedly the most famous restaurant on Mont-Saint-Michel. Built in 1888 by Annette and Victor Poulard, it was (and still is) both an inn and restaurant serving visitors. The most popular dish on the menu is their omelette. While the recipe is a secret, we can tell you there’s a lot of butter involved, and of course eggs. The omelettes are made in long-handed copper skillets over an open fire, and customers can actually watch them being made. Savory ones are available as well as dessert options, like an omelette with roasted apples and salted butter caramel (both ingredients are traditional Normandy fare). While an omelette may sound like an ordinary dish, these are truly the most famous omelettes in France – they are a must try!
Address: BP 18 Grande Rue, 50170 Le Mont-Saint-Michel, France
7. Walk along the Baie du Mont-Saint-Michel
Walking across the Bay of Mont-Saint-Michel might just be one of the most magical strolls along the beach that you’ll ever take. If you want to explore a large portion of the bay, we recommended taking a guided tour. However, many visitors opt to take off their shoes and go barefoot on the bay just below the entrance to Mont-Saint-Michel. The tides change on a daily basis, so if this is something you’re set on doing we suggest researching the tide hours online before going.
6. Check out La Grande Rue
La Grande Rue is the main street of the island of Mont-Saint-Michel. You won’t be able to miss it, since it begins soon after entering the island’s main gate. It’s often crowded, but for good reason, since many of the island’s restaurants and souvenir shops can be found here. Walking along this narrow, cobblestone street will take you back to medieval times. The buildings lining the street date from the 15th and 16th centuries! We recommend arriving either early in the morning or planning to stay until late afternoon if you want to explore this street with less crowds. Be warned that there is also a an incline to the street, so gear up for a bit of a steep climb.
5. Walk the Fortifications
While touring Mont-Saint-Michel, make sure you don’t miss the mount’s impressive fortifications. While it was originally built with religious purposes in mind, from the 14th century onwards the conflicts of the Hundred Years War between France and England required new and powerful fortifications to be erected on the mount. The abbey and island were protected by a wall flanked by several defensive towers to guard it from English attacks.
Today, these fortifications still surround the historic town. They are very well preserved and the ramparts are accessible from several points. Visitors can walk along the ramparts for excellent photography opportunities and to get great, unobstructed views of the bay. The most remarkable remains of walls and towers are to the south and east of the island.
4. Bike around the Baie du Mont-Saint-Michel
If you consider yourself an active or adventurous traveler, Mont-Saint-Michel offers plenty of outdoor activities. Multiple bike tours are available online, as well as hiking tours of the bay. It’s also possible to rent bikes in a nearby town and do some exploring on your own. The bike route around the bay is easily one of the most spectacular bike routes in France. The Tour de France has even passed by here multiple times. If you’re a serious biker with days to spare, there’s even a Veloscenic bike route all the way from Paris to Mont-Saint-Michel, stretching more than 250 miles!
3. Try the Prés-salés du Mont-Saint-Michel
You’ve likely seen pictures of Mont-Saint-Michel with lambs grazing in the foreground (if not, we added one for you above). The pré-salés are salt-meadow lambs. What does that mean exactly? These lambs are reared in coastal meadows which are covered by the tide and give the lamb meat a unique salty flavor. Mont-Saint-Michel salt-meadow lamb has AOP (Appellation d’Origine Protégée) status, or protected designation of origin, meaning it can only be produced in a limited area. There are multiple qualifications for the pré-salés, including the number of days they need to graze and age requirements. Over the years, this lamb meat has become a true delicacy. If you’re touring Mont-Saint-Michel or the surrounding areas, make sure to keep an eye out for “pré-salé” lamb (agneau in French) on the menus!
2. Alligator Bay
Traveling with kids who are tired of learning about medieval history? Located only five minutes from Mont-Saint-Michel is Alligator Bay, a zoo specializing in reptiles. It’s home to the largest collection of alligators in Europe, including some rare white alligators. There’s over 700 animals to keep everyone occupied, including turtles, lizards, snakes and more. While this doesn’t necessarily have anything to do with France, it’s still a fun option to add to your travel itinerary, especially for a family trip.
Admission: 14€ for adults, 11.5€ for 13-18 years, 9.5€ under 13
Hours: April – Sept 10AM – 7PM Daily | Oct, Nov, Feb, Mar 2PM – 6PM Daily | Dec – Jan 2PM – 6PM Weekends Only
Address: 62 Route du Mont Saint-Michel, 50170 Beauvoir, France
1. Abbaye du Mont-Saint-Michel
By far the best thing to do on the island of Mont-Saint-Michel is visit its abbey. A stunning place of worship, prayer, and pilgrimage for centuries, today the abbey receives more tourists than pilgrims. It’s been officially declared a historical monument since 1874 and boasts incredible architecture. Remember, there’s been a monastic establishment of some kind on the island since the 8th century, so there is a lot to learn about! If you don’t visit the abbey, you really aren’t seeing the heart and soul of Mont-Saint-Michel. The great halls, corridors and courtyards will leave you spellbound.
Admission: 10€ for adults, Free for under 18s
Hours: April – Sept 10AM – 7PM Daily | Oct, Nov, Feb, Mar 2PM – 6PM Daily | Dec – Jan 2PM – 6PM Weekends Only
Address: 50170 Mont Saint-Michel, France
Leave a Comment