Mont Saint Michel has always been in my bucket list since 18. Perhaps it was during French 101 or was it on the national geographic channel? I’m not too sure but what I’m very sure that Mont Saint Michel has awed me.
When we were planning our one-week trip to Paris, I told H that we should do a trip to Mont Saint Michel since we have so many days in Paris and it would be more than enough. Nope, I’m sorry, I was wrong. Even with 5 full days in Paris, there’s so much that we didn’t cover! Don’t Worry Paris, I will be back sooner than expected.
When we were planning our one-week trip to Paris, I told H that we should do a trip to Mont Saint Michel since we have so many days in Paris and it would be more than enough. Nope, I’m sorry, I was wrong. Even with 5 full days in Paris, there’s so much that we didn’t cover! Don’t Worry Paris, I will be back sooner than expected.
Read our Ulitmate Guide to Paris here
Mont Saint Michel is a massive abbey and
monastery that is located on a tidal island. In the past, visitor cannot access
MSM during high tide as it will be an island on its own. Visitors can only
access to the abbey during low tide. Thankfully, a bridge was built
accessibility, was improved. The impressive architecture has indeed inspired
many. Some may even find that Waltz Disney logo is similar to Mont
Saint Michel. Since 1979, it is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a religious
site for many.
Day Trip or 2 Day 1
Night to Mont Saint Michel
The first question that pops up in our mind is
how long should we visit Mont Saint Michel? One-way bus journey would take us 4
hours and doing it in a day means we had to spend 8 hours on the bus. So, we
ended going with the second option – 2 Day 1 Night Trip to Mont Saint Michel.
When to visit Mont Saint
Michel ?
The fun part of Mont Saint Michel is watching
the tidal change. We were pretty lucky to witness this during our stay
unplanned. Thus, if you are planning to visit Mont Saint Michel, I highly recommend
you to check the schedule and book on dates with the tide change! Tide Schedule here
Getting to Mont Saint
Michel from Paris
By Bus
Travelling by bus is the cheapest way to get to
Mont Saint Michel. Although there is no public bus route, private bus Flix and Ouibus have routes travelling from Paris to Mont Saint Michel. Seats are not
the most comfortable seats but it does bring you there safely. Check out the
bus schedule and ticket on Flix & Oui.
Price: One-way from 23 Euro/Pax
Duration: 4 hours
Tip: Price fluctuates so do purchase it in
advance!
By Train
Taking the train is the fastest way from Paris
to Mont Saint Michel. The train ride from Paris to Rennes is estimated to be 2
hours. Afterwards, transit to a coach bus from Rennes to Mont Saint Michel.
Check out train schedule and price here
- TGV
from Paris Montparnasse to Rennes or Dol de Bretagne, then a coach
from Rennes or Dol de Bretagne to Mont-Saint-Michel.
- Trains
from Paris Saint-Lazare to Caen, then a TER train from Caen to Pontorson,
then the shuttle bus from Pontorson to Mont-Saint-Michel.
- Trains from Paris Montparnasse to Granville, get off in Folligny and get another train to Pontorson, then the shuttle bus from Pontorson to Mont-Saint-Michel
Price: One-way from 71 Euro/Pax
Duration: 3 hours
Tip: Price fluctuates so do purchase it in
advance!
By Car
After the 8-hour bus ride, both H & I feel
that the best option is to self-drive! No doubt it is going to be tiring and
more expensive than the bus but I’m sure the stops over is going to make the
trip worth it! If you are planning to stay a night there, remember to get the
code from the hotel you are staying. The parking area is located next to the
tourist centre. More information on parking in Mont Saint Michele here
Mont Saint Michel parking fee for 24 hours - 9
Euro (off-peak), 14 Euro Peak Season
Price: 150 Euro/car + Toll
Duration: 3h 50 mins
Note: Remember to set your google map to avoid
toll if you want to save some money but drive will be longer.
Where to Stay in Mont
Saint Michel
Although one can stay in Mont Saint Michel, we would highly
recommend a visitor to stay at the main island because it’s a lot more affordable
and the shuttle to Mont Saint Michel service is free. We stay
at Hôtel Vert and no doubt it has one of the best locations with shuttle
service at the doorstep. The layout is dated but reasonably clean and
simple. For $150 SGD, this is a reasonable price for a tourist location like Mont
Saint Michel. Alternatively, a top-up for an international hotel brand
like Hôtel Mercure Mont-Saint-Michel which is located at the street across
Hotel Vert.
Getting around to Mont
Saint Michel from Main Island
Although Cars are not allowed on Mont Saint
Michel except for resident, there are a couple of ways to get to Mont Saint
Michel. If time permits, I highly recommend you to take a stroll to Mont Saint
Michel from the tourist centre or carpark
Free Shuttle from
Tourist Center
The commonly used method is the free shuttle
that starts from the tourist centre and does a return trip to MSM. The
frequency of the shuttle is every 10 to 15 minutes. Expect to see more during
peak hours. Find sign like the ones below and you can hop on the free shuttle bus at different stops on the main island.
Shuttle from
Pontorson station to Mont Saint Michel
Visitors travelling from the trains station will
need to take a shuttle service from Pontorson station instead of taking it from
the tourist centre. One way transportation is 3 Euro. You can check the shuttle
service from pontoon station here
By Horse Drawn
Carriage Maringote
Pulled by 2 workhorses, passengers will arrive
at the mount in 45 minutes. Travelling by Maringote is used very
frequently in the past. One way trip is 5.30 Euro and payment can be accepted
by cash or credit by the carriage driver. You can check the schedule below
Things to Do in Mont
Saint Michel
Most attraction can be completed in a day even
if you are here for a day trip. Even though there are limited activities in
Mont Saint Michel, watching the world go by with Mont Saint Michel as the backdrop is one of my favourite things to do in Mont Saint Michel.
Explore La Grande Rue
Walking along the streets in La Grande Rue
definitely brings you to back to the 15h century. The narrow
lane and pathway made of stones along houses and restaurants made La Grande Rue
beautiful. From the top, one can catch great views of the town and people
walking on the mud! If you are lucky you can even spot seals during high tide!
We weren’t too lucky with the second one!
Visit the Abbaye du Mont
Saint Michel – Mont St Michel Abbey
Walk up to the grand abbey and be amazed by it.
Since the early days, the Abbey has been the place for a medieval pilgrimage by
many worshippers and I see no reason why it shouldn’t. The bold architecture
and location gothic design gave off the majestic vibe. Plus, one can get
panoramic views of the sea and sky from the Abbey. More information on the Abby here
Drink Apple Cider
Famous for its apple cider in the region, one
should not leave without trying the Normandy Apple cider even if you are not
exactly in Normandy. In Mont Saint Michel, you can find locally made apple
cider in souvenirs shops as well as restaurants. The climate in Normandy makes
it deal to grow apple. Being Normandy’s neighbour sure has its perks.
During low tide, many took off their shoes and
take a walk along the muddy beach. During the walk, one can view Mont Saint
Michel from a different angle and discover the different living creature
beneath. Do note that this can only be conducted by licensed and is dangerous
for tourist to explore on their own.
Eat the Giant soufflé-style
Omelette at La Mère Poulard
The most popular restaurant in Mont Saint Michel
is the giant omelette by La Mère Poulard. We didn’t because paying 50 euro we
thought 50 euro per person can get you a decent meal in Paris. Thus, we give it
missed. Let us know if you tried and how it tastes like!
The Barrage is built to improve the irrigation
of agricultural land in Mont Saint Michel. As the tidal change, the gates help
with the flow of water and prevent silting up of the estuary. Plus, one can
enjoy the view of Mont Saint Michel from far.
2D1N Mont Saint
Michel Suggested Itinerary
Take a stroll to Mont
Saint Michel &
Take the late morning Bus and arrive Mont Saint
Michel in the late afternoon This is the best time to explore Mont Saint Michel
without the crowd. Take a walk to Mont Saint Michel from the main island. Enjoy
the view of Mont Saint Michel from far and all the little things that make it
magical.
Have
dinner at Restaurant La Rôtisserie
At
night, hop onto the free shuttle and have your dinner at Restaurant La
Rôtisserie. We must warn you that they are under-staff and the wait could be
long. Nonetheless, the food is great and at a reasonable price. They even have
options of having a pot of mussels as a starter!
Explore La Grande Rue
before the crowd
Take a walk in the old town and experience the
charm. Although the street is lined up with touristy shop and inns, one cannot
deny that the place is stunning. The stone-pavement and wall make you wonder
if you actually walk into a time machine and arrive in the 15th century.
Definitely visit in the morning and before the crowd!
Visit the Grand Abbey
Beat the crowd and explore the Abbey. Built-in
11th century, The Abbey is a medieval pilgrimage for
many Christian. Even if you are not a Christian, this place is a piece of art
on its own. H&I Spent some time at the roof and enjoyed the panoramic view
of the sky from the abbey! & skip the queue by purchasing advance ticket here.
Have lunch at La Mère
Poulard
Pop by La Mère Poulard to try famous egg soufflé
and how the 50 Euro Egg taste like. We didn’t and decide to save the money for
a decent meal in Paris. Otherwise, head back to the main island for a lunch or
quick bite before heading back to Paris.
Stop by Barrage Du Mont St Michel if you have some time to spare. Watch Mont Saint Michel from far and understand how the mechanism works. The Barrage is built to improve the irrigation of agricultural land in Mont Saint Michel. As the tidal change, the gates help with the flow of water and prevent silting up of the estuary.
Read our Ulitmate Guide to Paris here
Getting around Paris with Navigo, Mobilis & Single Ticket
Read our Ulitmate Guide to Paris here
Getting around Paris with Navigo, Mobilis & Single Ticket
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