ITINERARY
The road to Mont-Saint-Michel from Granville takes about 45 minutes and passes through the most beautiful villages and fields. Along the way, there are viewpoints offering breathtaking views of the majestic Mont-Saint-Michel. The grand abbey, perched atop the island, impresses with its sharp spires and massive stone walls.
Mont-Saint-Michel rises above the horizon like a medieval castle from a fairy tale, surrounded by silver-blue waters and green pastures. It seems to float above the surrounding waters, especially during high tide when the bay’s waters envelop its base. The figure of Archangel Michael, weighing 820 kilograms and standing 3.5 meters tall, crowns Mont-Saint-Michel. He is depicted defeating the dragon of the Apocalypse and is perched on the abbey’s spire at a height of 156 meters above sea level.
The bay of Mont-Saint-Michel is known for having the highest tides in continental Europe, with an amplitude reaching up to 14 meters. When the coefficient exceeds 110, the mount transforms into an island for a few hours.
Sheep with chocolate-colored faces and legs, and white wool grazing on these meadows, add a special charm to this place. Their thick wool and calm demeanor lend the landscape a unique harmony and tranquility. These sheep are symbols of the area, and their flocks are an integral part of the scenery.
Driving through the small villages, you can see old stone houses with tiled roofs, well-tended gardens, and cozy courtyards where locals go about their daily activities.
The Mont-Saint-Michel parking area used to be right at the foot of the abbey and was regularly flooded during high tide. About ten years ago, a new dam was built, and the parking area was moved to the mainland. Now, a shuttle bus runs every 15 minutes to transport visitors to the abbey.
This innovation has greatly improved accessibility and the preservation of the historic site, allowing visitors to enjoy the views of the abbey without worrying about parking issues. The free shuttle provides a convenient and quick way to reach the abbey, offering travelers stunning views of the surrounding area.
Now that the parking is on the mainland, the walk to Mont-Saint-Michel has become part of the enjoyable journey, allowing visitors to fully appreciate the grandeur of this unique place.
Upon arriving at the parking area (Le Bas Pays, 50170 Beauvoir, France), don’t linger—follow the signs to the shuttle. However, if you wish, you can walk to the castle along the dam in just half an hour. During this walk, Mont-Saint-Michel will reveal itself to you from different angles, offering breathtaking views.
If you arrive by at least nine in the morning, you can avoid the huge crowds on the narrow streets of Mont-Saint-Michel and truly enjoy the atmosphere of the ancient town. At this time, the island is not yet filled with tourists, and you can leisurely stroll along its cobblestone streets, admiring the medieval architecture and historical landmarks.
Walking through the deserted streets, you can feel like a part of this ancient place, enjoying its tranquility and beauty, undisturbed by the crowds of tourists. You will be able to take a closer look at the architectural details, appreciate views that are usually hidden behind other visitors, and take amazing photographs where Mont-Saint-Michel belongs only to you.
The Horned Street, also known as Watchmen’s Alley, is the smallest street in Mont-Saint-Michel. To find this street, go along the Grand Rue and turn left before the La Croix Blanche hotel.
Turning onto the Horned Street at the very beginning of the Mont-Saint-Michel path, you leave the main tourist route. The climb requires some elegance and effort, but the reward is not long in coming. Once at the top, you will reach a cascade of verandas in the least touristy part of the island.
From these verandas, you can observe the ancient roofs of the houses, covered with wooden shingles. Seagull nests, sometimes home to two or three chicks, are hidden in these roofs. The old roofs, with their curved lines and time-darkened wooden shingles, seem to tell stories from centuries past.
From these heights, there are breathtaking views of the causeway, the mainland, and the ocean.
These views, free from the crowds of tourists, allow you to fully enjoy the grandeur and beauty of Mont-Saint-Michel. You can quietly and peacefully appreciate this unique harmony of nature and architecture, immersing yourself in the atmosphere of the medieval monastery and the seaside landscape.
At first glance, the Mont-Saint-Michel Abbey may not seem large, and it might appear that it can be explored in a couple of hours. However, we have been coming here for a long time, and each time we discover a new corner previously unnoticed by us.
The modest monastery, founded in 708, eventually became one of the most significant and popular religious centers in Europe. The powerful walls and majestic spires of the abbey have become a true symbol of the Middle Ages. Located on the border between Normandy and Brittany, this island attracts pilgrims and tourists with its unique combination of natural beauty and historical significance.
After Rome and Santiago de Compostela, Mont-Saint-Michel is the third most visited sacred site in Europe. Each year, millions of people from around the world come to see this stunning landmark, immersing themselves in its ancient legends and enjoying the breathtaking views of the surrounding sandy shores and endless sea expanses.
Mont-Saint-Michel is also known for its legend. According to tradition, the Archangel Michael appeared to Bishop Aubert, urging him to build a monastery on the summit of the rocky island. But Aubert doubted this vision and did not hurry to fulfill the will of the heavenly messenger. Then the Archangel Michael appeared to the monk again, and to assert his will, “lightly” touched Aubert’s head with his finger. This divine gesture left a dent on the bishop’s skull. The skull with this mystical mark is kept in the nearby town of Avranches, in the Church of Saint Gervais (St-Gervais-et-St-Protais (Avranches)), as evidence of divine intervention and a sign.
Normandy is famous for its apple brandy, Calvados. Traveling along the region’s roads, you will often see signs saying “Cider-Calvados” and arrows pointing towards farms. Following these signs can lead you to farmsteads — homesteads or chateaux where Calvados is produced and sold. The hospitable farmers usually offer tastings of different Calvados varieties, allowing everyone to choose the one they like best in terms of taste or budget.
MORE INFO: ot-montsaintmichel.com
