Le Mont-Saint-Michel, Normandy, France
Don’t get caught by the tide
Another reason for visiting Normandy for us was to see the magnificent Le Mont-Saint-Michel. Which ranks quite highly as one of France’s most iconic landmarks, after the Eiffel Tower of course.
The view of Mont-Saint-Michel
Mont-Saint-Michel is on the western reaches of Normandy, just under 3 miles/5kms from the Brittany border.
Quick Links
2008
Back in 2008 Gary and I stopped at Mont-Saint-Michel, but unfortunately on that occasion, didn’t have time to complete the full visit.
Mont Saint-Michel in 2008
But that wasn’t a problem, we just drove nearby, parked up by the causeway and went for a stroll so that we could appreciate the wonder of it. After all, it has been on the UNESCO World Heritage list since 1979.
Roll forward
Nine years later, we thought we would go for a similar approach…..oh definitely not, gone are the days whereby you just park up nearby and wander along the causeway.
It’s now park and ride or park & horse and cart – your choice, but the horse ride you pay for.
The causeway to Mont-Saint-Michel
The service isn’t too bad, the buses are pretty frequent, although a bit of jostling does go on. But anyway, it drops you about 400 yards from the entrance.
A useful guide
We love visiting France and each region so different from one another. I find the DK Eyewitness Guides really helpful in planning a trip and so often find interesting little snippets of info.
Take a peek at this revised Top 10 Pocket Travel Guide and see what you can discover.
Pilgrimage
We jump out and take in the splendour of the rocky island, and the Benedictine Abbey perched high above, then as we look across the bay, we saw a pilgrimage making their final steps before entering the mount.
I said to Gary “we’ve picked a busy day”!
Close up to Mont-Saint-Michel
Even without the pilgrimage, I think it would have been busy, as this captivating enclave attracts over 3 million visitors a year.
Our Tip
Take a supply of water, you’ll need it, and it’s a little pricey beyond the ramparts.
Grande Rue
It was crowded, but the narrow medieval “Grande Rue” is still quite intriguing, full of quaint shops selling medieval weapons (handy to pick up a crossbow or a battle-axe), and there are some lovely cafes & restaurants.
As you head up through the lanes, you can catch glimpses of the stunning landscape beyond.
But this is nothing to what you will see from the top.
A busy Grande Rue
Tempted to?
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Excusez-Moi
As the pilgrims started gathering at the abbey entrance, we all came to a standstill. This is where a little bit more knowledge of French would have been handy, as non-pilgrims should have headed straight in to join the next queue, yes, another queue, but actually, this one wasn’t too bad.
The walk up Grande Degre
The Gilded copper
Your choice
Mont-Saint-Michel is free to stroll around and admire the views, but in my opinion, it is worth the price to visit the Benedictine Abbey.
Looking down on birds
Armed with our tickets rather than our longbow, we were in. We continued to climb to the top, and from the top of the mount the views are incredible, birds were soaring below us, and you could see for miles across the bay.
A view over the causeway
A view from the Mont
With the service about to start the clergy made their way into the abbey church and we continued our tour.
Waiting for the sermon
Why Not?
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One of favourites ways to kick off our trips is to let Brittany Ferries take the strain, sit back, relax and go with the flow. Enjoy a little bit of France as you sail directly into Caen in the heart of Normandy.
Or alternatively jump on Le Shuttle and tour through France under your own steam.
Inside the Abbey
Included here are some shots take en-route through the Benedictine Abbey
The Guests Hall
The Refectory
The Great Pillared Crypt
The ceiling in the Pillared Crypt
The wheel for hoisting provisions for the prisoners
The Knights Hall
Ramparts
With our abbey tour complete we head for the ramparts.
Defensive Cannon
Enjoy the view
The walk back down was fantastic as it allowed you more time to appreciate this wonder, looking over the bay and back up to the abbey, across the medieval rooftops.
Along the Ramparts
Where were the crowds?
Rue or Ramparts?
We chose to take the Grande Rue up and the ramparts down, we found it gave us better opportunity to admire the views.
Much Quieter
It makes you grateful for the time and effort that’s invested in preserving these wonderful landmarks.
Birds circling below the abbey
I honestly think it was just bad timing on our part when we arrived as wandering back along the historic walls it was much quieter.
The Abbey and rooftops
The Tower and the Flag
Looking down on Grande Rue
St Michael’s Mount
Back 2002 Gary and I visited Mont-Saint-Michel’s little brother in the UK, St Michael’s Mount in Cornwall, another unique tidal islet.
St Michael Mount, Cornwall
Would you like a little more?
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Have You?
Visited Mont-Saint-Michel? Or its relative St Michaels Mount in the UK? What was the highlight of your trip - we'd love to know your experiences.
Inspired to visit Mont-Saint-Michel?
It is a wonderful place to visit, and the views from the top are great on a clear day.
We visited from Caen which was a 160 mile/260km trip that took around 90 minutes each way. However, there are other places closer in both Normandy & Brittainy. You can even stay in Mont Sant Michel, the choice is yours.
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Comments
Gorgeous pics! I’ve been to Le Mont Saint-Michel a couple of times and each time, it was a treat. We lucked out with the crowds.
Thanks very much, yes it certainly is a lovely place, particularly wandering around the ramparts. It’d be lovely in the evening after the crowds have gone.
Love Mont Saint Michel, we visited last year and stayed within walking distance so we could visit at our leisure. Laurence got some great photos there and we were very lucky with the weather. Yes, definitely worth going inside and seeing the inside of the abbey! We were actually just in Normandy again over the weekend 😉
Jessica,
That sounds so cool, where did you stay? We think next time we’d like to stay close by because getting some shots first thing, or later at night would be great.
Where can we see Laurence’s shots from the visit? We’ve had a quick peek on your site, but we may have missed them (Saw that you’d also been along the canal Saint Martin in Paris though, we did that in our pre-blogging life)
Where in Normandy did you visit over the weekend? We love the region, and know we’ll be back sometime..
Janis & Gary