Top Things to do in Mont-Saint-Michel
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10 Things to do in Mont-Saint-Michel That You Shouldn't Miss
This island, with its fast and fickle tides, was a notorious prison during the French Revolution. Today, visitors arrive by choice, seeking to explore the 11th-century abbey, dine in fine restaurants and take in the impressive evening illuminations. Only a narrow causeway built in 1880 links the island to the mainland, although a bridge is due to be completed in 2012.
Restaurants in Mont-Saint-Michel
1. Abbaye du Mont-Saint-Michel
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 14,053 reviews
The Benedictine Abbey of Mont-Saint-Michel is one of the most remarkable examples of mediaeval religious and military architecture and was one of Christianity's most important pilgrimage sites from the 8th to the 18th century.The Abbey comprises a superb ensemble of clerical buildings including the abbey church, the cloister, the refectory, the monks' ambulatory and the gardens of what has been known as the ""Merveille"" (Marvel) since the 12th century. In summer, the Abbaye du Mont-Saint-Michel is best seen in all its splendour after sunset during the special “sons et lumières"" shows. Designated world heritage site by UNESCO. Open: > 2nd May to 31st August: from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. > 1st September to 30th April: from 9.30 a.m. to 6 p.m. Last admission 1 hr before closing time. Closed: > 1st January, 1st May and 25 December. Admission fees: Adults : 9€; Concessions (18 to 25) = 5,50 €; Free admission: minors under 18*; Free admission: 18-25 years old* (citizens of one of the 27 countries of the EU or are non-European permanent residents of France) * excluding school groups
Reviewed By F1750XYsharonl - Hobart, Australia
The Abbey at Mont Saint Michel is one of the most impressive locations I have visited in the 30 odd countries I have visited! The location and the history are fascinating and the quaint shops and restaurants make it a perfect place to visit on a (long) day trip from Paris by fast train. Exploring the abbey was one of the highlights of my trip and I highly recommend it to anyone although the stairs and steepness of the site may challenge some.
2. Eglise Paroissiale Saint-Pierre
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 462 reviews
Reviewed By Sunshine32501162588
Our group celebrated a Mass in this church. It was hard to concentrate on the Mass with all the old statues and artifacts around to look at. We were there in Oct., so much less of a crowd, but enough people. It was worth the visit to be sure.
3. Tour du Nord
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 367 reviews
Reviewed By DanW440 - Portland, United States
One of the towers that affords an awesome view out to sea, the Tour du Nord, is one of the many sections of Mont-Saint-Michel not to miss. Climb the stairs, walk around the tower and join the seagulls in watching the tide come in or go out.
4. Terrasse de l'Ouest
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 300 reviews
Reviewed By Acineto - Auckland Central, New Zealand
This is the area just in front of the Church with the statue of St. Michael on the roof. It required a bit of walking up some stairs from the entrance to get here. The area is quite large and has a really nice view of the surrounding area. It is also a nice place to get a photo of the church. A great place for group photos.
5. Fortifications du Mont-Saint-Michel
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,925 reviews
Reviewed By JenBlack85 - Kaiserslautern, Germany
.... When you are there early. We walked there early in the morning and the streets were still mostly empty which was nice. We had time to see everything in peace and enjoy the historic feel of this wonderful place. We took out time exploring the alleys and headed slowly uphill towards the Abby. We did not have to wait long to get a ticket to visit the Abby itself. Once we got back out, it was around 1pm and the place was packed with people and large tourist groups. We had a quick stop to get a little souvenir and originally had planned to have lunch there. But everything was so full there was no way we would enjoy staying there any longer so we slowly made our way back to the car. On the last photo I added you see the amount of people heading to the town, so if you are planning a visit I highly recommend to get there early to avoid this craziness
6. Baie du Mont St Michel
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 759 reviews
Reviewed By N997UUrichardc - Crewe, United Kingdom
We decided to visit as we were travelling not thy and had a few hours to pass before catching a ferry, Arriving at 5pm we thought we might just take some photos and that was it, but we were very surprised. Firstly we parked in the designated areas as there is little choice, this cost €9 We caught the shuttle bus (free) past the galleries and restaurants on the mainland and then across the causeway, stopping short of Mt St Michel, you are met with a stunning sight, Once there you are then free to roam, gift shops, restaurants, & hotels are all down the Main Street, which looks like a medieval film set or from Harry Potter, You climb up and at the top there is the Abbey ( we didn’t have time to go in €8) but it was amazing from the outside. We had a snack ( 2 hot chocolates and 2 crepes €27) not cheap and not fantastic (by French standards) but the restaurant had a log fire and it was wet and dark outside, so a welcome refuge from the rain We then had a walk along the outer wall, in the dark, (iPhone torch’s are helpful) before returning to the shuttle bus (which run upto midnight) One thing we didn’t factor was the rising tide and as we went to leave the entrance was cut off by the high tide ( it was a very high one). So if you were there last night about 8pm and saw a English man in the rain taking off his shoes and socks and rolling up his jeans before paddling up-to his knees to get out, then that was me, there were a few chuckles, but I had a ferry to catch and there was no other way out ( We did have the shuttle bus to ourselves though) I can only assume that the other people stood by the entrance got out when the tide receded ? Definitely worth a trip, it was a wet evening in late October but the crowds were minimal ( probably as it was raining and going dark). Initially I was sceptical and thought a few photos and we’d be gone, but could have spent longer on the mount, it is beautiful and stunning and we will be heading back,
7. Mont Saint Michel Tourist Information Center
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 128 reviews
Reviewed By philwar58 - Charlotte, United States
A must see when you are in France. I would recommend stopping by the nearby German cemetery beforehand for an awesome view as Mont Saint Michel rises out of the distance like nothing I’ve ever seen before. When arriving at MSM I would recommend touring from the left and finishing through town.
8. Barrage sur le Couesnon
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 352 reviews
Reviewed By werdlerswereld - Amsterdam, The Netherlands
You can walk the barrage or use the free bus transport to get to the mount. We walke dback to town and it was a very nice promenade
9. La Porte du Roy
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 228 reviews
Reviewed By SkipperBill2 - Belvidere, United States
It is fun to take a moment as you enter the town to check out this impressive drawbridge and consider the times when a doorway like this one was absolutely necessary.
10. La Grande Rue
Overall Ratings
3.5 based on 997 reviews
Reviewed By gillianp573 - Manchester, United Kingdom
Walking up this street is a delight, there is plenty of restaurants, souvenir shops, and side pathways taking you to another place of interest.
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