Things to do in Mont St Michel
- Sort by:
- Popular
-
La Merveille
The buildings on the northern side of the Mont are known as La Merveille . The famous cloître (cloister) is surrounded by a double row of delicately carved arches resting on granite pillars. The early-13th-century, barrel-roofed réfectoire (dining hall) is illuminated by a wall of recessed windows – remarkable, given that the sheer drop precluded the use of flying buttresses. The Gothic Salle des Hôtes (Guest Hall), dating from 1213, has two enormous fireplaces. Look out for the promenoire (ambulatory), with one of the oldest ribbed vaulted ceilings in Europe, and the Chapelle de Notre Dame sous Terre (Underground Chapel of Our Lady), one of the abbey's oldest rooms,…
reviewed
-
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 forg…
reviewed
-
Église Abbatiale
The Église Abbatiale was built on the rocky tip of the mountain cone. The transept rests on solid rock, while the nave, choir and transept arms are supported by the rooms below. The church is famous for its mix of architectural styles: the nave and south transept (11th and 12th centuries) are solid Norman Romanesque, while the choir (late 15th century) is Flamboyant Gothic. Mass is held at 12.15pm from Tuesday to Sunday and at 11.30am on Sunday.
reviewed
-
Guided Walks
Experienced outfits offering guided walks into – or even across – the bay include Découverte de la Baie du Mont-Saint-Micheland Chemins de la Baie, both based across the bay from Mont St-Michel in Genêts. Local tourist offices have details.
reviewed
-
Crêperie La Sirène
Not a bad budget option, with a good selection of sweet crêpes and savoury galettes and salads. Up an ancient spiral staircase from a souvenir shop.
reviewed
-
Le Tripot
Located a little further up the hill from Crêperie La Sirène, Le Tripot has the cheapest sandwiches we were able to find on the mount.
reviewed
-
Découverte de la Baie du Mont-Saint-Michel
An experienced outfit offering guided walks. It's based across the bay from Mont St-Michel in Genêts.
reviewed
-
Chemins de la Baie
An experienced outfit offering guided walks. It's based across the bay from Mont St-Michel in Genêts.
reviewed
