Le Mont-Saint-Michel

Travel Guide

Le Mont-Saint-Michel which includes chateau or palace, heritage elements and a small town or village
Le Mont-Saint-Michel featuring a small town or village, tranquil scenes and farmland
Le Mont-Saint-Michel showing flowers
Le Mont-Saint-Michel which includes a small town or village, chateau or palace and heritage elements
Le Mont-Saint-Michel which includes heritage elements and a small town or village as well as a couple

Marvel at this medieval town built on a rocky tidal island, with narrow alleys winding up to the monastery at its peak.

The beautiful island of Le Mont-Saint-Michel is one of the great wonders of France. The cluster of historic structures built into the island’s rising terrain attract visitors from across the globe. Learn about its important role in the military and religious history of the country and wander the quaint streets lined with shops and restaurants.

Legend has it that the 8th-century bishop of Avranches, St. Aubert, was asked to construct a church on the island by the Archangel Michael, who pierced a hole in the bishop’s skull while trying to convince him to begin construction. Examine the bishop’s relics at the Notre Dame des Champs in the town of Avranches, located about 30-minutes’ drive northeast of Le Mont-Saint-Michel.

The island covers an area of 247 acres (100 hectares) with a population of less than 50 people. Though now an iconic tourist destination, this unusual little town was once used as a strategic fortification, protecting the north of France from attack. Discover more about its past as you explore.

Follow pilgrims and curious visitors to the Abbey of the Mont-Saint-Michel sitting at the top of the island. Amble through the spiritual buildings of the abbey, which was first established in the 10th century. One of the prettiest views of the island is from across the water on the mainland. The scene is particularly enchanting at night when the fortifications are illuminated.

Visit the Musée Historique to inspect ancient weapons and horrifying torture instruments. Find out more about the prison that was once housed in the abbey.

Watch the Archéoscope multimedia show and hear about the myths and legends associated with the abbey. Back at the base of the island are an assortment of restaurants, cafés and shops housed in centuries-old buildings.

Le Mont-Saint-Michel is about half a mile (1 kilometer) off the northwest coast of France near the city of Avranches. Cross the modern bridge from the mainland to reach the island. Consider walking across the mudflats to the island during low tide. Fly into Paris or Rennes and travel to Le Mont-Saint-Michel by train, bus or car.

Relish the beauty of Le Mont-Saint-Michel, one of the most photographed sights in France.

Where to stay in Le Mont-Saint-Michel

Le Mont-Saint-Michel

Le Mont

If you're spending some time in Le Mont, Mont-Saint-Michel Abbey and Saint-Aubert Chapel are top sights worth seeing.

Le Mont
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La Caserne

While La Caserne isn't home to many top sights, Mont-Saint-Michel Abbey and Saint-Aubert Chapel are some notable places to visit nearby.

La Caserne
La Mère Poulard
La Mère Poulard
3 out of 5
Grande Rue, BP 18, Le Mont-Saint-Michel, Manche
The price is ¥31,211 per night from Jul 9 to Jul 10
¥31,211
¥34,945 total
Jul 9 - Jul 10
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3-star hotel in Le Mont-Saint-Michel. Enjoy free WiFi, a free area shuttle, and parking (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff and the ...
7.8/10 Good! (1,001 reviews)
"Fantastic breakfast."

Reviewed on Jul 4, 2025

La Mère Poulard
Auberge Saint-Pierre
Auberge Saint-Pierre
3 out of 5
Grande Rue, Le Mont-Saint-Michel, Manche
The price is ¥35,607 per night from Jul 16 to Jul 17
¥35,607
¥39,780 total
Jul 16 - Jul 17
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3-star hotel in Le Mont-Saint-Michel. Enjoy free WiFi, 2 restaurants, and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (830 reviews)
"Great location, back access to ramparts. Staff helpful. Good breakfast buffet. Comfortable room & convenient bathroom. No AC but cools down in evening."

Reviewed on Jun 30, 2025

Auberge Saint-Pierre
Le Relais Saint Michel
Le Relais Saint Michel
4 out of 5
Le Caserne, BP 18, Le Mont-Saint-Michel, Manche
The price is ¥35,364 per night from Jul 14 to Jul 15
¥35,364
¥39,836 total
Jul 14 - Jul 15
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star business-friendly hotel in Le Mont-Saint-Michel. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and a free area shuttle. Our guests praise the helpful ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (998 reviews)
A nice stay at a dated hotel.
"Overall a good stay at the Relais. We chose this hotel because we wanted to view Mont Saint Michel from our room. The view did not disappoint. The hotel does seem dated but we were told they were in the middle of renovations. We also arrived an hour early and they did not allow us to check in early. ..."

Reviewed on Jun 21, 2025

Le Relais Saint Michel
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Pierre & Vacances Résidence Ty Mat
Pierre & Vacances Résidence Ty Mat
3 out of 5
33, rue Georges V, Saint-Malo, Ille-et-Vilaine
Stay at this 3-star eco-certified residence in Saint-Malo. Enjoy free WiFi, an outdoor pool, and parking (surcharge). Popular attractions Saint-Malo Ferry Port ...
8/10 Very Good! (263 reviews)
Great for cyclists using the ferry.
"Very handy for the ferry. Secure internal storage for our bicycles. Just wish we could get decent firm pillows when in France. I always get a stiff neck with these soft square French ones."

Reviewed on Jul 1, 2025

Pierre & Vacances Résidence Ty Mat
Appart'Hôtel Mont Saint Michel Résidence Fleurdumont
Appart'Hôtel Mont Saint Michel Résidence Fleurdumont
3 out of 5
5 rue de Grandelle, Beauvoir, Normandy
Stay at this 3-star apartment in Beauvoir. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and an outdoor pool. Popular attractions Mont-Saint-Michel Abbey and Moulin de Moidrey ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (240 reviews)
"Very nice apartment! Near to Mont St Michel! I will recommand"

Reviewed on Jun 30, 2025

Appart'Hôtel Mont Saint Michel Résidence Fleurdumont
Residence Le Domaine du Mont - Vacancéole
Residence Le Domaine du Mont - Vacancéole
3 out of 5
Lieu-dit l'Hôpital, Roz-sur-Couesnon, Ille-et-Vilaine
Stay at this 3-star spa residence in Roz-sur-Couesnon. Enjoy a full-service spa, breakfast (surcharge), and a sauna. Our guests praise the property condition ...
7.2/10 Good! (437 reviews)
"Too far from everything from the airport to the nearest restaurant and no Transportation anywhere"

Reviewed on Sep 16, 2022

Residence Le Domaine du Mont - Vacancéole
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Popular places to visit

Things to do

Reviews of Le Mont-Saint-Michel

4.7
Top Destination
5 - Excellent
62
5 - Excellent 81%
4 - Good
9
4 - Good 12%
3 - Okay
4
3 - Okay 5%
2 - Disappointing
1
2 - Disappointing 1%
1 - Terrible
1
1 - Terrible 1%

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler

We heard it gets very busy during the summer months so if you want to avoid the crowds, early November was a perfect time. Not too cold and all the shops and restaurants were still open.

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler

Be prepared to transport luggage up narrow stone steps as this unique medieval property has no elevators. Arrive late afternoon, miss crowds & leave before 11:00am avoid crowds. Lots of uphill stairs for full visit to the Abbey

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler

Bring good walking shoes

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler

A visit to Le Mont-Saint-Michel should be on everyone's bucket list! It is a magical place!

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler

The place is breathtaking, The only bit of advice is stay at lest one night. will not regret it.

5/5 - Excellent

Tac

Excellent place, but too many visitors. Early morning is best to walk around because of quiet.

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