Mont-Saint-Michel Abbey

Where it is & how to get there

• Shuttle: Free shuttles ("Le Passeur") run from the mainland car parks and La Caserne to the island in about 12 minutes.
• On foot: Walk the 2.5 km causeway bridge from La Caserne in about 45 minutes.
• From Paris: TGV to Rennes then a direct bus (about 4 hours in total), or day tours from Paris.

The story of the Mont-Saint-Michel Abbey

According to legend, in 708 the Archangel Michael appeared three times to Aubert, Bishop of Avranches, asking him to build a sanctuary on the rock. Benedictine monks settled here in 966, and over the centuries they built a monastery that seems to grow out of the stone, with the Gothic "Merveille" added in the 13th century.

During the Hundred Years' War the Mont resisted every English attack. After the Revolution the abbey became a prison until 1863. Restored in the 19th century, it received its golden statue of Saint Michael on the spire in 1897, and in 1979 the Mont and its bay joined UNESCO's World Heritage list.

Best time to visit

Tips before you go

• Book a timed ticket and go early or late to avoid the crowds.
• There are around 350 steps from the village to the abbey: wear comfortable shoes.
• Book a timed abbey ticket online to skip the queue in high season.

What's around the Mont-Saint-Michel Abbey

• Grande RueThe single medieval street climbing to the abbey.
• The rampartsWalk the walls for views over the bay.
• The dam on the CouesnonA viewing platform and the classic sunset view.
• TombelaineThe small rocky islet in the bay, reachable only with a guide.

Questions travellers ask