The image of Le Mont St. Michel with its dramatic spires and abbey, majestically rising from the bare beach is quite famous – after all, Le Mont St. Michel sees nearly 3 million people each year and is one the most recognizable landmarks in France.
Built in the 8th century AD by Bishop Aubert of Avranches as a devotional chapel, following his vision of the Archangel Michael, the island has held strategic fortifications and has withstood many sieges and attacks. Located just over three hours from Paris, visiting this incredible UNESCO World Heritage Site is the perfect way to spend your day! Move it to the top of your list of day trips from Paris.
The Magical Island of Mont St. Michel
Le Mont St. Michel is a fairytale island commune located off the coast of Normandy, France.
The treasury of history and enigma of this land holds a a special place in the hearts of the French.
It’s difficult to pinpoint what exactly makes Mont St. Michel special – is it the location, set in the bare sand with the receding tide with its marvelous spires brushing the sky?
Is it the Bay of Mont St. Michel, across which pilgrims used to make the arduous journey to visit the chapel by foot during low tide?
Or is it the Abbey, its interior adorned with arches and cloisters, once a renowned centre of learning that attracted the greatest minds from all over Europe?
Maybe it's all of that and more that makes this religious and military masterpiece one of the most beautiful and awe-inspiring places in the world.
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You're bound to be mesmerized by the dramatic views of the abbey rising from the bare beach.
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Drink it all in as you walk along the calm cobblestone lanes of this French commune.
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Don't forget to make a trip to the famous Abbey, the commune's pride and glory.
Why You Must Visit Mont St. Michel
A striking UNESCO World Heritage Site
Perched upon a rocky islet in the middle of big sandbanks lies Mont St. Michel, UNESCO-listed site with rich heritage and intriguing history. A visit to this French commune promises great photo opportunities and a fun history lesson around corner.
The Mont St. Michel Abbey: Wonder of the West
You'll see the Gothic-style Benedictine abbey, Mont St. Michel abbey, a landmark dedicated to the archangel St Michel. This attraction is beloved by the locals as the village grew up in the shadow of the abbey's great walls.
Great walks along the beach
Walking along the footbridge connecting the island to the mainland, and looking out to the glimmering water is an experience you will cherish forever. Depending on the time of day you visit, you'll either be welcomed by a low tide and exposed sands or a high tide with the abbey jutting dramatically out of the sea.
A treasure trove of culture
There’s lots to explore and experience here - you can walk along the cobblestone lanes and discover an abbey, museums, restaurants and a charming village. More than 60 buildings on the island are protected in France as monuments historiques.
Best Paris To Mont St. Michel Tours
Guided Tour from Paris to Mont St. Michel
Since booking your Mont St. Michel tours online is now mandatory, here are some recommded tours from Paris to Mont St. Michel. Squeeze in organized 14-hour round-trip tours and have all the logistics taken care of (buying attraction tickets, hotel transfers, etc.)
Self-Guided Tour from Paris to Mont St Michel
Culture vultures and spontaneous travelers who like to be surprised might want to consider taking self-guided day trips from Paris to Mont St Michel. Venture into this striking French commune on your own and immerse yourself into the local culture, making pitstops wherever you deem necessary.
We understand the troubles of planninng your own day trip. Allow us to help you craft your itinerary from scratch, with some of the must-try experiences in Mont St. Michel:
Top things to do at Mont St. Michel
Day Trip Itinerary
1Mont St. Michel Abbey
One of the must-visit landmarks in this French commune is the Mont St. Michel abbey, evidence of the mastery and expertise of generations of builders! This gravity-defying attraction was constructed over the course of 1,300 years on an inhospital site, adding to its technical and artistic flair.
Ticket Price : €10 for adults and free for EU citizens
Timings : 9:30 AM - 6 PM
2Take the Grand Degré Steps
The Grand Degré is the name of the iconic set of stairs that lead up to the abbey from the Grand Rue. Like many who take the pilgrimage, climbing up the stairs to the abbey and the surrounding walls will provide you with stunning views of the monastery's grand architecture as well as beautiful panormaic views of the surrounding bay and countryside.
Location : At the foot of Mont St. Michel Abbey
No. of steps : 350
Ticket Price : Free
3Grand Rue
This cobblestone pathway lets you explore the medieval village from beginning to end. Lined with tightly packed 15th century stone houses, snack bars, souvenir stores, cafés, hotels, and restaurants, there is much to look forward to.
Highlights : Eglise Saint-Pierre, Musée Historique, Musée de la Mer et de l'Écologie, Archéoscope museum, Logis Tiphaine & more
Tip : Wear comfortable walking shoes
4Mont St. Michel Ramparts
Be transported back to the Middle Ages as you walk along the ancient walls (ramparts) and bastions of the island. Take a walk around the Ramparts Pathway for great views of the island. Walk onto the observation deck of the North Tower, a great place to watch the tide flow in and out of the bay.
Getting There: Enter the gates of the Porte de l'Avancée and the Porte du Boulevard. Cross the Porte du Roy drawbridge and take a right to findn the Ramparts Pathway.
Going From Paris to Mont St. Michel
Distance From Paris: 360 km (224 miles)
Time Taken: 4 hours 10 minutes
Paris to Mont St. Michel Day Trip Transport Options
| Mode of Travel | Time | Cost | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Train | 3 hours, 20 minutes | from €70 | Fastest route |
| Car | 4 hours, 30 minutes | 225 miles | Scenic route |
| Bus | 4 hours, 50 minutes | from €18 | Budget travel |
| Organised Tour | 13-14 hours roundtrip | from €140 (all inclusive) | Seamless, hassle-free travel |
Paris to Mont St Michel by Train
TGV or Train A Grand Vitesse – Take a TGV from Paris’ Gare Montparnasse to Rennes, from where Keolis buses travel to Mont St. Michel up to four times a day. Once you arrive at the edge of the mainland, you can either take a free shuttle or walk across the 900 m long causeway (Pont Passerelle) that connects the mainland to the island (€2 shuttle one way)
Paris to Mont St. Michel by Car
For those arriving by car, there is a dedicated car park on the mainland, 1.5 miles away from the island to preserve the maritime beauty of the place. Once you have parked, you will have to walk to the Place des Navettes and board the free shuttle that will take you to the island. Place des Navettes is 800m from the car park and the shuttles stop 450m away from the island. The shuttles operate evey day from 7:30 AM to midnight.
Paris to Mont St. Michel by Bus
Taking a bus from Paris to Mont St. Michel is the cheapest way to travel. Take a direct Flixbus (runs twice a day) from the Paris Pont de Levallois bus station. You can also leave from the Bercy Seine bus station in Paris to the Mont-Saint-Michel bus stop.
Guided Tours from Paris to Mont St. Michel
Most day trips to Paris begin with a pick up in Paris at the break of dawn. Enjoy round-trip transportation from Paris to Mont St. Michel and back. With an expert local guide giving you company through the day, bask in the knowledge they impart and visit the best of Mont St. Michel.
Best Time to Visit Mont St Michel
The best time to visit Mont St Michel is November through March. The weather is not-so-harsh and the crowds are lighter. You want to avoid visiting Mont St. Michel during the summer months (May through August), because this is the high season. For iconic images of the island's reflection on the sea, check out the tidal schedule for a visit when the tide is highest during the day.
Where can I eat in Mont St. Michel?
Here is a list of must-try eateries in Mont St. Michel with our recommended must-try dishes:
Go to this cheery crêperie for lunch. One of the must-try dishes here are the savory buckwheat crepes (known as galettes). Savory galettes are stuffed with mushrooms, eggs, ham, potatoes, and goat's cheese. Sweet galettes make for a good dessert and pair nicely with Normandy cider.
A visit to this restaurant promises a great menu and even better views of tje Bay. The specialties here include different types of seafood and the famous "Agneau de Pré Salé". Enjoy a special Brasserie Menu for lunch.
Don't have time for a gourmet meal? Want to grab a quick bite on the road? Head over to Brioche Doree and gorge on some fast food. This French eatery is also known for its seafood options: catfish, halibut, mahimahi, and more.
Where can I stay in Mont St. Michel?
Tired and weary after a day of spirited sightseeing? Check into a hotel for the night and rejuvenate! Here are some of our recommendations:
Visit this classic-style hotel, housed in a historic building that overlooks the bay, the abbey, and the medieval city. Visit the hotel's restaurant, world-known for its giant, fluffy omelets and butter cookies.
Starts from €127/night
This hotel has 3 buildings: one of them offers grand views of Mont St. Michel, and the others feature medieval-style rooms. Located at the base of the abbey, you will find it easily accessible from the mainland.
Starts from €160/night
Enjoy a stay at Mercure, located a mere 1.2 miles from Mont St. Michel Abbey! Visit Le Pré Salé, the restaurant, and gorge on local seafood.
Starts from €110/night
Tips for Your Visit to Mont Saint Michel from Paris
- If you’d like to stay on Mont St. Michel overnight, be sure to remember that hotels on the island can often be quite expensive. However, the advantage to doing this is walking around the island at night and early morning before the crowd comes in.
- Instead of taking the shuttle from the outpost of Mont St. Michel, walk! The journey should take you around 30 minutes, is on flat ground, and is quite a beautiful walk.
- Free luggage lockers are available at the tourist information center at the parking lots on the mainland.
Other Day Trips from Paris
Paris to Normandy
On June 6th 1944, The Allies stormed Normandy on the fateful day known as D-Day. Thanks to the incredible sacrifices of the allied forces, the Germans lost control of Utah and Omaha Beach, allowing for allied occupation. You will be able to view first hand an original B-26 plane at the Utah Beach museum located in an old German bunker; a 17th century barn in Normandy amongst the apple orchards; amazing views at the Pointe du Hoc; and even an American cemetery where soldiers are buried.
Start your tour in central Paris and travel through the French countryside in a comfortable air-conditioned coach as you learn from your friendly guide about the intricacies and tales of World War II.
Read all about taking a day trip from Paris to Normandy.
Popular Tours From Paris to Normandy
Paris to Versailles
Versailles is one of France’s largest palaces, and has an immense cultural and historic significance. Experience this UNESCO World Heritage Site at its finest via a luxury coach from Paris, with special skip-the-line access to both the Palace of Versailles and the Versailles Gardens. Not only was Versailles once home to Kings of France Louis XIV, Louis XV and Louis XVI as well as Queen Marie Antoinette, but it was also plays host to the Hall of Mirrors with its 17 windows and 350 mirrors. Explore all this with a friendly guide and handy headsets via this tour!
Popular Tours From Paris to Versailles
Paris to Giverny
Art and nature come together in the picturesque village of Giverny. The village made famous by the legendary impressionist artist Monet, is where he spent the last 40 years of his life and created his most iconic paintings. It is here that Monet lovingly created a home and studio, from where he would paint the vivid colors of his Clos Normand garden, the lotus pond, and the Japanese garden. Just 75 km away from Paris, Giverny is an ideal stop to explore the muse and inspiration of generations of Impressionist artists and Monet himself.
Read all about taking a day trip from Paris to Giverny.
Popular Tours From Paris to Giverny
Paris to Reims
Explore Reims, and glance into its lavish history and royal traditions. Enjoy some of the best champagnes in the world during your tour, and get a brief history of the iconic monuments in Reims. The tour begins early and takes you through the Mumm Champagne house for a first hand experience of champagne making and tasting. Embark on a journey dominated by taste-buds as you explore Reims’ world-famous delicacies, including the White Pudding, during your tour.
Read all about taking a day trip from Paris to Reims.
Popular Tours From Paris to Reims
Paris to Loire Valley
If you looking for an extravagant getaway within France, Loire Valley is just a train ride away from Paris. This picturesque stretch nestled between the frontiers of Northern and Southern France was once best known for its strategic importance. Apart from its rich yesteryears, Loire Valley still attracts several visitors who wish to catch a first hand experience of culture, art and splendour in a single trip. Moreover, wine tasting in Loire Valley is quite the fad, and Loire Valley Wine Tours from Paris are immensely popular.
Popular Tours From Paris to Loire Valley
Paris to Champagne
The birthplace of the favorite bubbly drink, Champagne, the Champagne region is a must-visit from Paris, especially for those willing to engage in spirited champagne tasting sessions. Find all your favorite Champagne brands here: Moet and Chandon, Veuve Cliquot, GG Mumm, and Pierre Paillard, among others. Dedicated cellars and lush vineyards dot the scenery of the Champagne region, making it an idyllic day trip destination from Paris, one you must definitely take up!
Read all about taking a day trip from Paris to Champagne.
Recommended Experiences
• Small Group: Champagne Tour from Paris with Reims Cathedral
• Day Trip to Champagne Region from Paris including Moët Chandon, Hautvillers and a Family Winery
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