Mont Saint Michel - the most breathtaking spot in France

The Mont-Saint-Michel, set on the stunning island, in the bay where Normandy and Brittany merge, is one of France's most recognizable landmarks. This the most breathtaking spot in France was for centuries one of Europe’s major pilgrimage destinations. Today, the Mont-Saint-Michelt and its bay are on the UNESCO list of World Heritage sites, and over 60 buildings are protected as the French historical monuments. It is a breathtaking place that you should definitely put on your bucket list. Just be prepared to climb up and down the stairs. A lot of stairs!

Le Mont Saint-Michel et sa baie

Le Moint Saint-Michel, 50170 Mont Saint-Michel

The story of the Mont-Saint-Michel

The story of the Mont-Saint-Michel begins in a dream of Aubert, bishop of the Avranches. One night in 708, Saint Michael appeared in his dream and asked him to build a church atop the island just out to the sea. The dukes of Normandy, followed by French kings, supported the development of a major Benedictine abbey on, now called, the Mont-Saint-Michel. Soon, this abbey became a great place of Christian pilgrimage, but also the center of learning. From the early 16th century, the religious activity on the Mont-Saint-Michel started to decline, and the last few monks were expelled during the French Revolution. Today, the island has only 44 inhabitants and some 3 million people who visit it each year. Many monastic buildings, constructed through the medieval times, are now converted into museums, restaurants, hotels and shops.

Your visit to Mont-Saint- Michel

If you want to know more about the Mont-Saint-Michel, don’t miss to visit the Historical Museum. It is a great way to learn and discover everything you need to know about 1000 years of Mont-Saint-Michel's history. From how it was built to how it became a prison during the French Revolution. Here, you can also see a collection of ancient weapons, Middle Age torture instruments, the iron cage of Louis XI and much more. At the Mont-Saint-Michel, you can enjoy the authentic French cuisine too. “La Mère Poulard” is a historical, traditional place located right in the center of the Mont-Saint-Michel since 1888. Their dishes from roasted lamb to lobster are prepared with fresh local ingredients. But don’t miss to order La Mère Poulard's famous omelet cooked over an open fire! Here, you can enjoy your meal and ,at the same time, a fantastic view over the Mont-Saint-Michel bay.

The Historical Museum - Mont Saint Michel

50170 Mont Saint-Michel, France

"La mère Poulard"

50170 Mont Saint-Michel, France

Practical information

You can visit the Mont-Saint-Michel, the most breathtaking spot in France, every day from 9.30 a.m. to 6 p.m. (and from 2 May to 31 August till 7 pm). To access the island, you need to park your vehicle and take the shuttle that leaves directly from the car park. You can stay overnight at the Mont-Saint-Michel and sleep at the hotel "La Croix Blanche" with the beautiful panoramic view.

Hôtel la Croix Blanche - Le Mont Saint Michel

Grande Rue, 50170 Mont Saint-Michel