A Day Trip To Mont Saint-Michel: The Island That Time Forgot

Mont Saint-Michel is an island commune in Normandy, France. It is located about one kilometer off the country’s northwestern coast, at the mouth of the Couesnon River near Avranches. Mont Saint-Michel was a strategic fortress during the Hundred Years’ War and, later, a monastery. The Mont remained unconquered even after Henry V of England laid siege to it in 1421. It has been listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1979. If you’re looking for an amazing travel destination outside of Paris, Mont Saint-Michel should be at the top of your list!

Paris to Mont Saint-Michel

When making the journey from Paris to Mont Saint-Michel, there are a few different route options that travelers can take. The most direct route is by car, which will take approximately 3.5 hours. Another option, which is what we did, is to take the train from Paris to Rennes, and then from Rennes to Pontorson-Mont Saint-Michel, which is the nearest train station to Mont Saint-Michel. This journey will take a bit longer, as it requires changing trains, but it can be a more scenic option. Whichever route you choose, make sure to enjoy the beautiful French countryside along the way!

Once you arrive in the town of Pontorson, you can either take a shuttle bus or walk the last few kilometers to Mont Saint-Michel. The walk is relatively flat and takes around 45 minutes, so it is doable for most people. If you choose to take the shuttle, it will drop you off right at the base of the island. During our most recent trip, we decided to do both. We took the bus on the way there and walked it on the way back.

Mont Saint-Michel

During our last trip, we made a day trip to the island from Paris. Even for the most experienced independent traveler, it was a long day on the train and some logistical changeovers that had to be traversed. I don’t want to discourage you from a “do-it-yourself” approach as I am 100% glad we did, but definitely plan your route ahead of time and leave early. Some suggest spending the night, which I would certainly suggest if you plan to also go to Normandy, but Mont Saint-Michel itself was easily doable as a day trip from Paris. Just plan for a long day.

The Mont is home to a small village of just over 60 residents. The village is situated at the base of the Mont, and its buildings are spread out along the winding streets. There are a few small shops and restaurants, as well as a church and a cemetery.

I would argue the shopping and food were touristy, but it did not take away from the overall beauty of the “castle” itself. We spent several hours just roaming the roads and back alleys and discovered something new around every corner.

Abbey of Mont Saint-Michel

The main attraction on the Mont is the Abbey of Mont Saint-Michel. The Abbey is a Romanesque-style building that was constructed in the 11th century. It is surrounded by a high wall and has a central courtyard.

You can purchase tickets to go to the Abbey which was definitely worth doing once in your life and suspect if you made the effort to get all the way to the island you will want to add this to the list of your to-dos. Be sure to get tickets!

Final Thoughts

When you visit Mont Saint-Michel, be sure to take the time to explore the village and the Abbey. It’s an experience you won’t soon forget! Also, set some time aside to explore around the island if it is low tide. Walking the beaches around the towering walls was an experience itself and equally worth the effort as the Abbey.