mont st michel abbey tour

How to Visit Mont Saint Michel from Paris

• By Katherine Miller
• February 23, 2024

A mystical island one thousand years old, disappearing and reappearing with the tides, built on instruction from an angel in a dream… Mont St-Michel is one of those places that doesn’t quite seem real… and is all the more incredible because it is. A tidal island just off the coast of Normandy with a breathtaking stone abbey rising above its picturesque fortified medieval village, like a fairytale castle rising up from the sea, Mont St-Michel celebrates its millennial birthday this year. And there’s a reason why people have flocked to the small island to experience its magic for the past thousand years, and why they will want to continue to visit Mont St-Michel in 2024, and for hundreds of years to come.

Visiting Mont-Saint-Michel

In the early 8th century, the bishop of a coastal village in Normandy had a dream that would change the course of history. 

Bishop Aubert of Avranches claimed that the Archangel Michael had come to him in his dream, and ordered that an abbey be built atop the island just off the coast. Beginning in the year 1023, generations of dukes of Normandy and French kings supported the construction of the Mont Saint Michel abbey rising steadily up out of the sea. As it continued to grow, with ever more magnificent gothic turrets and towers being added, Mont Saint-Michel took on many different purposes. 

Christian believers came from across Europe on religious pilgrimages along chemins de paradis , or “roads to paradise” to pay homage to the important holy site. The village’s fortified stone rampart walls kept out invading Vikings, and then English forces during the Hundred’s Years War, and even withstood a thirty year siege. Perhaps more than anything, the abbey’s crowning spire, rising an incredible 500 feet, shone like a beacon to intellectuals of the age, attracting some of the greatest minds of Europe to its rich library for centuries, making the Mont Saint Michel abbey a renowned center of learning. Later on, during the French Revolution and Napoleonic Empire, the Benedictine abbey was used as a prison. 

Due to the significant restoration required after its turbulent time as a fortress and prison, Mont Saint-Michel was already recognized for its cultural and historical significance nearly 150 years ago, in 1874, when it was placed under the protective care of the French Historic Monuments Department. 

Today, the island often known simply as Le Merveille , or “the Wonder,” welcomes over three million visitors a year into its steep village streets, lined with medieval homes now converted into restaurants, shops, and hotels. This year, those millions have included the French President, Emmanuel Macron, who was visiting Mont St Michel to commemorate the site’s millennial anniversary. French First Lady Brigitte Macron also visited the site, accompanied by U.S. First Lady Jill Biden.  

How to get to Mont Saint-Michel

Named a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1979, Mont Saint-Michel is one of the most visited tourist sites in France, following only the Eiffel Tower, the Palace of Versailles, and the Louvre – an impressive feat considering all three of the other sites are located in Paris and are very easily accessible. Getting to Mont Saint-Michel is a bit more of a journey, but as millions demonstrate each year, it is one that is well worth it. However, Mont Saint-Michel’s popularity also means that visitors should carefully consider the best time to go and how to avoid the crowds in order to get the most out of their trip. 

How to Get There :

Mont Saint-Michel is located roughly four hours from Paris , and can be accessed by car, guided tour bus, or by a combination of train and shuttle bus.

There are two different ways to drive to Mont Saint-Michel from Paris; either by taking the A13 highway towards Caen, then the A84 towards Avranches Rennes, or by taking the A11 towards Le Mans, followed by the A81 towards Fougères, and finally the A84 to Caen.  

Visitors can also take the TGV train from Paris to the city of Rennes in Brittany, leaving from the Paris Montparnasse train station, which takes roughly 2 hours. From Rennes, visitors can then take a shuttle bus roughly another hour to travel the rest of the way to Mont Saint-Michel. Bus tickets , which cost 15 euros, can be purchased online, at the Rennes train station, or on the bus itself.  

Another option for accessing and exploring Mont Saint-Michel is to go with a guided tour company . For many tourists, especially those who wish to explore the island as a day trip from Paris, this is the ideal option. Guided tour companies offer chauffeured round trip transportation to and from Mont Saint-Michel via coach bus, as well as a walking tour through the village of Mont Saint-Michel and an entrance ticket and guided tour of the abbey of Mont St Michel.   

No matter the mode of transportation, once visitors arrive, the mystical island is still a bit out of reach – cars (and coach buses) must park in Beauvoir, the village on the mainland, located roughly 3 kilometers from Mont Saint-Michel. (Parking lots were pushed further inland in a 2015 preservation effort designed to conserve the historic landscape of the area.) From the parking lots, follow signs for La Place des Navettes, where the free shuttle bus (called Passeur s) runs frequently from 7:30am to midnight, and takes visitors across the surrounding bay to the island of Mont Saint-Michel. Alternatively, visitors can also walk all the way to the island directly from the parking area.

Visitors who are handicapped or require special accommodations should note that unfortunately, given Mont Saint-Michel’s ancient origins and concentrated efforts by the French government to maintain its authenticity, the site is not handicap accessible. The shuttle bus stop is about half a mile from the parking lots, and the buses drop off visitors around a quarter mile away from the island itself. Once arrived on the island, there are also many (steep!) stone steps to the abbey at the top. Recent efforts to allow as much accessibility as possible for those in wheelchairs, can be seen here .  

Best time to visit Le Mont Saint-Michel

After considering how best to arrive at Mont Saint-Michel, visitors also need to reflect on when exactly to plan their trip. There are several different factors that could influence this decision: the first is the most obvious, avoiding crowds. The site’s massive popularity coupled with its ancient streets and accommodations make visiting the island extremely crowded during the peak tourist season of June, July, and August. While you still may not have the island all to yourself, visitors are advised to travel to Mont Saint-Michel on weekdays rather than on the weekend, and to come either early in the morning or in the late afternoon or evening, rather than late morning and early afternoon. Consider coming in March/April, or September/October, when the island will still have good weather, but be much less crowded. It’s also helpful to book tickets in advance , although they are also available onsite.

The other factor to consider is a bit less common for organizing most travel, however it is of particular importance when planning a visit to Le Mont Saint-Michel. Visitors who wish to fully experience the magic of the tidal island, and witness the sea surround its rampart walls at high tide, as well as watch as land is once more revealed when the tides pull away, should make note of the tidal schedule in order to take in the full process.

Where to stay at Mont Saint-Michel

It’s worth setting some time aside to travel to Mont Saint-Michel, particularly if you want to see the tidal island at both high and low tides, and explore the village and the abbey. Many decide that a day trip is simply not enough, and that they would like to extend their trip for at least one night.

The biggest question when planning an overnight trip to Mont Saint-Michel is whether to stay on the island, or nearby. The difference comes primarily down to price point – because there are few options for accommodation on the island itself, the cost tends to be higher than staying in accommodations in the surrounding area. That said, spending the night on Mont Saint-Michel means being able to enjoy the ancient island after the crowds depart, spending the night in a historic place and having the time to experience the full extent of the tides – experiences that some find well worth the extra cost. There are many different accommodation options both on and off the island , however, the most famous is undoubtedly the Auberge de la Mère Poulard , a historic inn and restaurant in the heart of the medieval village, begun in 1888 by Annette Poulard, just twenty years old at the time.

Things To Do in Mont Saint-Michel

Once arrived on this mystical island, visitors won’t lack in things to do.  Here are just a few of our top picks:  

Walk along the Ancient Rampart Walls  

Mont Saint-Michel transcends centuries, and a walk along the ancient stone rampart walls that surround the island will take visitors back through time to the Middle Ages, when the island was a fortress and its thick walls protected against invading armies. Today, visitors can see the seven ancient watchtowers used as lookouts against enemies, as well as take advantage of beautiful, sweeping views across the Bay of Saint Michel. Visitors can also use the rampart walls to reach the abbey at the top of the Mount, and watch the tides flow in and out of the bay.

Visit the Abbey

Just as religious faithfuls have done for a thousand years, today’s visitors can make the climb to the famous abbey at the top of Mont Saint-Michel. The Abbaye du Mont Saint-Michel is an architectural marvel due to its challenging location on a tidal island, and its construction during the Middle Ages. Despite limited resources and the constant opposition of changing tides, the abbey inspired by an angel in a dream was built over 600 years, between the 10th and the 16th centuries, one stone at a time, and became a prime example of 13th century gothic architecture. The abbey’s church, cloisters, and sanctuary are spaces of exceptional calm and serenity with hidden gardens and staircases that lead to expansive views across the sea, while spacious chambers like the Salle des Chevaliers, where noble knights were received, hint at the many different roles the abbey has played throughout history.

La Grande Rue

La Grande Rue is the main street in the Medieval village of Mont Saint-Michel. Its winding cobblestone path is lined with homes from the 15th and 16th centuries, which have now been converted into restaurants , shops, and hotels. After strolling through the boutiques, to avoid the crowds which gather along La Grande Rue, and make discoveries of your own, visitors should take the time to wander off the main road and down the ancient side streets. There they can find museums detailing the island’s fascinating history, like the Musée Historique , which houses ancient weapons, Medieval torture instruments, secret dungeons, and paintings and sculptures that show what life was like during the early days of the Mount as an active fortress, prison, and abbey. Down still another side street visitors can discover the historic home of a 14th century knight , or down yet another, the Musée Maritime, which educates visitors about the unique environment of the area, its preservation, and the highest tides in Europe.

Normandy Regional Attractions

Visitors to Mont Saint-Michel who would like to extend their trip should keep in mind all of the attractions that the Normandy and Brittany regions have to offer .  The surrounding area boasts everything from seaside resort towns, to quaint fishing villages, dramatic seaside landscapes, an impressive military history, and historic towns dating from the Middle Ages – in short, something for everyone.

Tips for Visiting Mont Saint-Michel

Go on an authentic guided journey across the bay.

One of the most exceptional things about visiting a place that is one thousand years old, is that travelers today can still have the same experience as people who made the ancient pilgrimage to Mont Saint-Michel centuries ago. Mont Saint-Michel tourism offers official guides to safely cross the bay by foot , just as the pilgrims did hundreds of years ago. Many faithful still make this journey on September 29th, Saint Michael’s Day , when Mont Saint-Michel celebrates the archangel who inspired the construction of the island’s abbey. The journey across the bay by foot takes roughly two hours, and offers unique views of the bay and island. It’s important to note that it is NOT advisable to attempt to cross the bay without an official guide for safety reasons – tides are unpredictable for those not familiar with the area, and the bay is also prone to dangerous quicksand.  

Experience Mont Saint-Michel by Night

During the summer months of July and August, Mont Saint-Michel is illuminated every evening (except Sundays) by the Chronicles of the Mount sound and light show, which features video projections that create an immersive experience plunging visitors into the island’s history as they stroll through the medieval streets to the abbey at the top. Visitors can enjoy the show from 7pm until Midnight.

Frequently Asked Questions – Mont Saint-Michel

Why is mont saint-michel so famous  .

Mont Saint-Michel represents an incredible feat of architecture and an astonishingly well-preserved piece of France’s history in a beautiful, natural setting.

How long does it take to walk around Mont St Michel?

It’s best to plan on spending at least 3-5 hours onsite to get the most out of your time at Mont Saint-Michel. This should give you plenty of time to explore the town and visit the abbey, as well as see the changing tides.

Is Mont St Michel worth seeing?

OUI!  Mont Saint-Michel has been one of the top tourist attractions in the world for hundreds of years, and for good reason. Just make sure to follow our tips to avoid the crowds and to get the full experience of the island at high and low tide.  

Is Mont Saint-Michel a day trip?  

From Paris, the trip to Mont Saint-Michel is 4 hours, so it’s a bit of a longer journey. However, it is still entirely possible to visit as a full day length trip or, even better, extend your travel into an overnight stay.

How much does it cost to visit Mont Saint-Michel?

Adult tickets to the abbey cost €10; visitors should also factor in the cost of their transportation (gas, train tickets/guided tour), and whether they plan to spend the night on or near the island.

Katherine Miller  has lived most of her adult life in either Paris or New York, and her world has become a beautiful mélange of French and American culture, a mixture she loves sharing with those who also harbor her passion and curiosity for travel, language, and culture.

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Visit the Mont-Saint-Michel Abbey

It sits on an island, crowning it with a statue plated with fine gold. Mont-Saint-Michel Abbey turned a lost island in a bay on the borders of Normandy into a worldwide tourist attraction, which was already internationally-renowned in the Middles Ages, with pilgrims coming to pray there throughout the history of Christianity. Let’s discover this mystical, almost magical site together with a guided tour of Mont-Saint-Michel Abbey !

The history of Mont-Saint-Michel Abbey

It all started in 708, when bishop Aubert , urged by the Archangel himself according to tradition, built an initial sanctuary in honor of Saint Michel and established a community of canons there.

In 966, Benedictine monks arrived in Mont Saint Michel and set up home there. This site captures the imagination with its almost miraculous island, which breaks up the monotonous landscape of great stretches of sand. It quickly became a place of pilgrimage whose prestige is equivalent to that of sites such as the Camino de Santiago or Vézelay. Culture developed there and numerous manuscripts were recopied and adorned with magnificent colored and fine gold-plated illuminations.

The Romanesque church measuring 80 meters long is situated 80 meters above sea level, on a rock, and is testimony to the know-how of the builders. In the 13th century, two 3-story buildings were added, offering the monks excellent living conditions.

From the 17th century onwards, it saw a slow decline in the number of monks, which the congregation of monks in Saint-Maur was unable to contain. The Revolution could have marked the end of the Abbey, turned into a prison under Napoleon in 1811, and which held prisoners until 1863.

It wasn’t until 1874 that a new adventure began for the Mont-Saint-Michel Abbey. Classified as a historical monumen t, it was restored and began to attract tourists, initially rich English visitors captivated by its romantic feel. Today, the site welcomes 2.5 million visitors each year.

An abbey, a mount, a village

Visiting Mont-Saint-Michel should be considered an overall experience. Part of the landscape, it gradually reveals itself, leaving its mark on the Bay.

It plays a part in the overall appearance of the mount, giving it a more slender look. The gold statue of the Archangel is situated at a height of 156 meters and literally crowns the mount. But would the site be as fascinating and have the same appeal if we only had a wooded hill in front of us ?

The walk up to this tourist site and spiritual hot-spot for Christianity is a real experience for tourists, as they pass from being surrounded by boutiques, bungalows, restaurants and museums on the main street which winds up the side of the hill, then gather their strength to climb the 350 steps one-by-one to reach the parvis.

You can then stroll through the various rooms and discover the successive constructions which give the Mont-Saint-Michel Abbey its distinctive appearance, a patchwork of architecture which fit snugly together in a happy, harmonious marriage. The primitive Notre-Dame-Sous-Terre church, the abbey church, the dormitories and rooms of the “Merveille”, not forgetting the cloister, will leave you in awe. A monumental whole whose majesty in no way takes away from its welcoming, almost intimate feel.

Visiting the abbey: practical information

Do you want to organize your visit to Mont-Saint-Michel Abbey by yourself? Here is all the useful information you need: opening hours, address, prices, practical tips...

Opening hours during the high and low seasons

The abbey is open all year round, with the exception of three days when the site is closed to the public :

• January 1, bank holiday for the New Year
• May 1, May day
• December 25, Christmas day

The Abbey’s opening hours are :

• during high season (May 2 until August 31): open 7/7 from 9 a.m. until 7 p.m. non-stop
• during low season (from September 1 until April 30): open 7/7 from 9 a.m. until 7 p.m.

Access and practical information

Mont-Saint-Michel Abbey is situated on the summit of the island. The slope is steep and can be a real challenge for fragile or older people, in particular in very hot weather. Make sure you bring water and take regular breaks: 350 steps await you !

Accessibility for disabled people

The abbey, like the entire bay, benefits from a voluntarist policy regarding people suffering from a disability. Visiting Mont-Saint-Michel Abbey is free for disabled people and the person assisting them. In the case of a motor disability, it is possible to reach the abbey using a joëlette, a one-wheeled all-terrain chair maneuvered by two carriers, suitable for the narrow,  busy streets of Mont-Saint-Michel.

Adapted visits are also organized for people with disabilities.

Discover the abbey as part of an organized tour

You can take advantage of organized turnkey tours leaving from Paris, with a guide, to enjoy the marvels of Mont-Saint-Michel. When you arrive, admire the Bay of Mont-Saint-Michel and its island crowned with the gold statue of the Archangel, visit the village and savor the specialties of Mère Poulard or delicious PDO saltbush lamb, and make your way up to the abbey and explore it from top to bottom. One of France’s treasures is just waiting for you to discover it !

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Everything to know about Mont Saint Michel Abbey

Slender spires and medieval walls and towers rise above the rocky islet of Mont Saint-Michel . Droves of tourists come each year to see the stunning ensemble that crowns the mount. This magnificent beauty is Mont Saint-Michel Abbey in the Normandy region of France. Often called 'The Wonder of the Western World', the abbey is a World Heritage Site. The Mont Saint-Michel Abbey, an exemplary Romanesque and Gothic style architecture, is a prominent site of medieval Christian civilization.

History of Mont Saint Michel Abbey

The Dreamy Beginnings

In the 8th century, Aubert, Bishop of Avranches (a nearby hilltop town), had a vision of the Archangel Michael. To honour the archangel, he erected a small chapel at Mont Saint Michel island. By 966, Benedictine monks settled there. The Benedictine Mont Saint Michel Abbey flourished, becoming a centre of religious and cultural activity. A large number of pilgrims- including Kings of France and England, visited it over centuries. As a hub of medieval culture, Saint Mont Michel produced and stored manuscripts. It flourished to become an important pilgrimage site for Christians, from the 8th to the 18th century.

The French Restoration

Thick walls and defensive towers flanked the mount towards the 14th century. This fortification defended Mont Saint-Michel Abbey from sieges by the British army for 30 years. But by the 18th century, the administrator abbot deserted the monastery. The abbey lost its religious and military significance. The Church became a property of the state after the French Revolution in the 18th century. During its years as a prison, the monument was severely dilapidated. In 1874, the abbey was classified as a historical monument and restored to its former glory after a long restoration process!

The Architecture of Mont Saint Michel Abbey

Built over 1,300 years, Saint Mont Michel Abbey stands on a granite inlet surrounded by quicksand. The monument is not only a remarkable example of medieval architecture but represents a technical feat.

La Merveille or the Marvel , the 13th-century cloister, is the architectural jewel of the abbey. It is a three-tiered structure, reaching a height of 35m, supported by sixteen buttresses. When first constructed, the Benedictine abbey reflected Romanesque architecture. The abbey suffered damages over time, resulting in reconstructions. The Abbaye du Mont-Saint-Michel was rebuilt later in a flamboyant Gothic style, with high and slender carved arches. Tall bays of stained glass windows illuminated it. But the abbey's nave still reflects Romanesque architecture.

The abbey continues to inspire many, including Hollywood! If you've seen the Lord of the Rings or Pixar’s animated movie Tangled, you know the creators were inspired by Mont Saint Michel!

Learn about the history of Mont Saint Michel >

Inside Mont Saint Michel Abbey

From exploring the medieval village to walking along the ramparts, there is a lot to do and see inside Saint Mont Michel. Grab a meal or some light snacks at one of the restaurants overlooking the bay, pick a souvenir or visit one of the four museums in the village to learn a detailed account of the 1,300 years of the island. Here are the top highlights that you should not miss.

Merveille building

The Merveille is the Gothic part of the Mont Saint-Michel Abbey. The monks lived here. The three-layered levels that tower to 35 meters consist of the cellar on the ground floor, the knight's room and the Hosts' room on the intermediate level and the cloister and the refectory on the top level. Each floor was used either for public or monastic functions.

Abbey Church

The top of the mount has the Abbey Church, a blend of different periods and styles. The altar and the surrounding aisle showcase Gothic style even though the church originally exhibited Romanesque style. You can see this in the nave and the rounded arches of the abbey.

Eglise Paroissiale Saint-Pierre

On the walkway to Abbaye du Mont Saint Michel, there is a small 15th-century church. It serves the residents. While it can be easily missed, keep an eye for it. The sculpture of Michel and the stained glasses are one of the most impressive features of this quaint church.

The third level of the Merveille building contains a cloister- an open space suspended between the sky and the sea. The Cloister has a beautiful garden surrounded by double rows of columns and delicately carved spandrels, made using granite, stone and marble.

The Knight’s Room

On the intermediate level of the Merville is the Knight’s room (La salle des Chevaliers). The room was also called the scriptorium. It was thought the room was used to produce manuscripts. But it was another place where monks read, studied and meditated.

Book Mont Saint Michel Abbey Tickets

All your questions about mont saint michel abbey answered.

Mont Saint Michel Abbey has roots in the 8th century when the Bishop of Avranches erected a chapel to honour the Archangel Michael, followed by the settlement of Benedictine monks in 966.

The Mont Saint Michel Abbey's architectural significance spans over 1,300 years and stands on a granite inlet amidst quicksand, showcasing a combination of Romanesque and Gothic styles.

The 13th-century 'Marvel' or 'La Merveille' is a striking cloister in the Mont Saint Michel Abbey, featuring a three-tiered structure supported by sixteen buttresses, reflecting both Romanesque and Gothic styles.

Mont Saint Michel Abbey, a source of inspiration for various works, has left its mark on Hollywood creations like Lord of the Rings and Pixar's animated movie Tangled.

Inside the Mont Saint Michel Abbey, you can tour the 'Marvel' building where monks lived, the Abbey Church exhibiting a blend of styles, Saint-Pierre Church, and the mesmerizing Cloisters.

The Abbey Church displays a mix of Gothic and Romanesque styles, evident in its different sections like the altar and the nave.

Yes, visitors can explore most areas of the Mont Saint Michel Abbey, including the cloisters, churches, and the Merveille, offering a comprehensive view of its architectural and historical significance.

Yes, guided tours of Mont Saint Michel Abbey are available for visitors, providing insights into the historical and cultural significance of the abbey and its architectural marvels.

Religious services are held in certain parts of the Mont Saint Michel Abbey, allowing visitors to participate in these events and experience the spiritual significance of the site.

Periodic exhibitions and cultural events take place at the Mont Saint Michel Abbey, presenting historical artefacts and enriching the visitor experience.

Yes, photography and filming is permitted within the Mont Saint Michel Abbey.

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The abbey of Mont Saint-Michel

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Treat yourself to an exceptional summit, climb up to the abbey and try out various tours adapted to all interests and budgets!

Sunday 13th October 2024 : Exceptional closure of Mont Saint-Michel Abbey (full day) due to the Via Aeterna festival (entry possible for people with concert tickets only).

A masterpiece of architecture

With the technical prowess and daring of the master builders, coupled with deep spiritual ambition, the Benedictine abbey dedicated to the Archangel Saint Michael defies the laws of balance and offers a panorama of mediaeval religious architecture, from the Carolingian period to the most elegant forms of flamboyant Gothic art.

Providing a sumptuous illustration of monastic life over the centuries, the visit presents all the spaces dedicated to daily life (refectory, cloister, scriptorium, etc.), to religious life (abbey church, chapels, and crypts) and to welcoming pilgrims (chaplaincy, guest room, and more) across several levels.

Now it’s your turn to push open the doors and immerse yourself in the history of this truly unique place. Want to roam on the roofs of the choir? Choose the “In the Sky of the Archangel” tour. Experiences for young and old?  Opt for the “Family tour”.

A panoramic view, the crowning jewel of this UNESCO World Heritage Site

The first French site listed on the World Heritage List, in 1979, the Mont Saint-Michel and its bay bear witness to the exceptional universal values defended by UNESCO, through their dazzling natural spaces and exceptional built heritage. Mont Saint-Michel was also the subject of a second classification in 1998, as part of the Camino de Santiago in France, and remains an important place of spirituality.

The panorama offered from the west terrace of the abbey is truly unique : let yourself be enveloped by the sea as you enjoy the “Grande marée ” evenings during high tidal coefficients!

One thousand three hundred years of history

From the dream of Saint Aubert, bishop of Avranches , before whom Saint Michael appeared three times in 708, to visits made by the Kings of France – from Philippe Auguste to François I – the Abbey of Mont Saint-Michel has also been known as the “Bastille of the seas”, entirely converted into a prison from 1793 to 1863.

Considered since the time of Napoleon III as a major historical monument, owned by the State, it has been subject to a programme of careful restoration and continues to extend its influence in the 21st century through its varied cultural offerings.

A concert, an exhibition, or a contemporary show … experience the abbey in a truly unique way!

Colours and textures throughout the seasons.

Rocky outcrops rising from the bay, stones imported from the islands of Chausey , and beautiful woodwork come together in the architecture of the village and its fortifications. This harmony of materials is also found in monastic buildings, mostly erected in the 13th century: the Merveille.

Everything here is subject to the comings and goings of powerful tides, on the border between Normandy and Brittany. Every day, the light makes its mark with changing colours whose variations illuminate the Mont Saint-Michel. Every hour of the day offers a different atmosphere through which to discover the abbey: the quiet of the morning, the excitement of the afternoon or the magic of the evening.

What’s your favourite moment?

In the morning, seeing the village awaken and the sunrise from the abbey, or do you prefer to watch the sunset behind the huge bay windows of the cloister, or on the West Terrace? In winter, looking down upon the snow-whitened beaches, or on a summer evening, strolling through every last corner of the abbey, away from the hustle and bustle of the crowds?

For more information about visits:

• A 45-minute guided tour from Monday to Friday, at the beginning and end of the day (mandatory booking).
• A 2-hour conference tour in english , giving access to closed areas, from June to September (mandatory booking).
• Lecture tours in French of approximately two hours , at weekends and every day during French school holidays, all zones combined (except exceptional dates).

Online booking required on the abbey’s website for all these tours.

Centre des Monuments Nationaux Abbaye du Mont Saint-Michel 50170 Le Mont-Saint-Michel Telephone number +33 (0)2 33 89 80 00 Website of the Abbey

Access conditions :

• Admission tickets can be purchased online, by booking a time slot via the website :  www.abbaye-mont-saint-michel.fr , or directly at the reception desk of our Tourist Office.  Those benefiting from free admission (children, disability card holders, etc.) will also be required to book their time slot in advance.
• the discovery of the various rooms of the monument through individual visits, audio-guided tours or accompanied by a guide speaker ;
• From 2 May to 31 August : 9h – 19h

Last entry slot available for booking : 17h30 Last entry allowed : 18h Last audioguide withdrawal : 17h45

• From 1st September to 30 April : 9h30 – 18h 

Last entry slot available for booking : 16h30  Last entry allowed : 17h  Last audioguide withdrawal : 16h45

• 25 December

25 March 2024

Animals are not allowed in the abbey (they are permitted in the village).

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