Top Tips for Visiting Mont Saint Michel

A visit to Mont Saint Michel is very popular amongst those holidaying with us at Normandy Farmhouses. We hear feedback from lots of groups that they have a wonderful experience visiting this iconic site so we thought we would share a little of what we know about the rocky island commune to make your visit even more enjoyable.

The bay around the island turns in to mud flats at high tide, aiding the islands seclusion over past centuries. Pilgrims would have had to cross the flats carefully and quickly, knowing that as high tide approached, they could be swept out to sea. The bay you can see from the peak of the abbey stretches from Normandy to Brittany. It is worth climbing the hundreds of ancient steps to take in the view.

The diverse architectural styles reflect construction methods dating from the 10th century when it was first built through to the 19th century restoration. The Abbey church is built on the summit of the Mount at an altitude of 80 meters and sits on an 80 meter long platform consisting of four crypts built into the spur of the rock. The abbey church is known as La Merveille; a thirteenth century addition regarded as its crowning glory. The abbey buildings have been transformed throughout the centuries. The conflicts of the Hundred Years War between France and England in the 14th century led to powerful fortifications being built. These additions included a wall flanked with defensive towers and enabled Mont Saint Michel to resist attacks by English troops. It remains the only place in Normandy not to have been conquered by the English and is a symbol of national identity. In 1421, during a terrifying siege, the Romanesque chancel of the church collapsed, and was not completely rebuilt until 100 years later, in a flamboyant Gothic style.

In the 1800’s a road or causeway was built connecting the island to the mainland.

During the 17th and 18th centuries the Mount lost its importance in both military and religious terms. Following the French Revolution the monks of Mont Saint Michel were driven away and the abbey became a prison until it finally closed in 1863. While the prison saved the Abbey from destruction this former religious monument was severely dilapidated. In 1874, the Abbey was classified as a historical monument and the long process of restoration began.

In 1969, a small community of Benedictine monks was established at the Abbey, who were replaced in 2001 by the Monastic Fraternities of Jerusalem.

The conservation work led to it being listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1979.

Mont St Michel was never conquered by the English, even though they conquered the rest of Normandy, so Mont St Michel is now a symbol of resilience and French national identity.

 The island now enjoys over 2 million visitors each year – proof that it is worth a visit. The Abbey is the key attraction, exploring a wealth of history across three floors of impressive architectural building.

On the island, a special type of omelet is the most specialty food but there are many many options for dining available. We would recommend spending a day at Mont St Michel to discover it thoroughly, so be prepared to make a pit stop of two to refuel with food and drink before further exploration. 

Entry to the abbey is free of charge on the first Sunday of the month, between November and March. Audio guides are an additional 3€.

There are scheduled guided tours throughout the year in French and English. There are usually two a day – one in the morning and one in the afternoon. You don’t need to book and there’s no additional charge on top of your admission fee. They last around an hour and a quarter. Ask at the ticket desk for information. There are additional tours and talks in French. You could also organise your own tour of the abbey and or the village with an English speaking guide, pick up the English version of the short leaflet in the ticket hall or buy an audio guide.