On an isolated tidal rock in the Gulf of Saint-Malo, on the French coast of Normandy, lies one of the wonders of the world, Mont St. Michel. Reached by a causeway, the lower towers and the medieval boardwalk protect a small town, magnificently crowned by the abbey dedicated to Archangel Michael. An abbey in Mont was mentioned for the first time in a 9th century text. This holy place had always been an attraction for religious devotees and hermits.
Get there
There are a few options to get to Mont St. Michel:
- By train: From Paris, you can take the TGV to Rennes, about 55 km south of Mont St. Michel. The Keolis Emeraude bus runs the 75-minute transfer to Mont-St-Michel several times a day. The Rennes train takes you to Pontorson, 9 km from Mont St. Michel. You can take bus # 15 to Saint Michel from the station.
- By car: from Caen, use the A84 to Le Mont Saint-Michel. From the A11, exit Chartres-Lemans-Laval en Fougeres and go in the direction of Le Mont Saint-Michel.
- By air: there are airports in Rennes and a very small one in Dinard (Dinard Pleurtuit).
What to see
Today, the 11th-century Romanesque abbey is the first of the visible buildings. The center of the abbey is located directly on the pinnacle, about 80 meters from the surface of the tidal basin.
Due to the historical importance of the monument and its unique setting, the entire bay together with the mount is classified as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
When you visit, one of the first things you see when you start to climb is the Burgher Guard Room, now the Tourist Office. Stop and get a map and any other information you may need. There are many restaurants as you go up the Grand Rue towards the top and the Abbey.
Museums
There are 4 museums on the way:
- Archeoscope – You may want to stop here to watch the show on the history of the place.
- History Museum: ancient artifacts plus the 19th century periscope showing the bay.
- Maritime and Ecology Museum: Here you will learn about what is happening in the unique environment of Mont St. Michel.
- Tiphaine’s House – The 14th century residence that Bertrand Duguesclin had built in 1365 for his wife.
If you are a follower of mysteries, you may want to consider La Linea de San Miguel, the lineup of major monuments in France and Italy dedicated to the Archangel Michael.
Where to stay
If you want to stay in the city after the tourists leave, make sure your hotel is located in Le Mont-Saint Michel and not just ‘close’ to it.
Nearby places to visit
- St-Malo in Brittany is a port city and walled town named after a Welsh monk named Maclow.
- Mont-Dol, near Col-de-Bretagne in Brittany, has great 360-degree views of the coastline.
- Dinard , opposite St. Malo, the main resort along Brittany’s Emerald Coast, boasts a beautiful coastline and is home to many summer art festivals.
- Dinan appeared in the 11th century Bayeux Tapestry and has its own unique architecture. See the castle and its oval houses from the 14th century.
