Abbaye du Mont St-Michel

The Mont's major attraction is the stunning architectural ensemble of the Abbaye du Mont St-Michel, towards which you'll be swept by a human tide ascending the Grande Rue and a steep stairway. From Monday to Saturday in July and August, there are illuminated nocturnes (night-time visits) with music from 7pm to 10pm.

Most rooms can be visited without a guide but it's worth taking the one-hour tour, included in the ticket price. The frequency of English tours ranges from twice a day (11am and 3pm) in the dead of winter to hourly in summer; the last leaves at least 1½ hours before closing time. Audioguides (one for €4.50, two for €6) are available in six languages. Don't forget to pick up the excellent free brochure-guide, available in 10 languages.