In this travel guide, I’ll provide all the highlights from our one-day itinerary to Mont Saint-Michel from Bayeux, and show you why you must see this French treasure! Join my family and me on a virtual tour of Mont Saint-Michel during our two weeks in France and explore one of Normandy’s most iconic landmarks.
We’ll explore all the best spots on the island in just one day, including the drawbridge, Tiphaine’s House, Grand Rue, abbey church, Maritime Museum, Knight’s Room, Ramparts, and Cloister. We’ll show you how to get to Mont Saint-Michel in one day from Bayeux by guided tour.
For many visitors to France, a one-day trip to Mont Saint-Michel is a highlight, and we were no exception. This centuries-old granite island with Gothic and Romanesque architecture surpassed our wildest dreams, and I hope it does for you, too.
Mont Saint-Michel Itinerary
My family chose to stay in Bayeux, France and took the most wonderful guided tour to Mont Saint Michel. Here is our itinerary:
• Departure from Bayeux: 8:30 AM
• Drive time to Mont Saint-Michel: 1.5 hours
• Time at Mont Saint-Michel: 3 hours (1 hour guided abbey tour and 2 hours self-guided)
• Return drive to Bayeux: 1.5 hours
• Total duration: 8:30 AM – 4:30 PM (8 hours total)
Pictured above: A traditional Bayeux home with exposed timber bracing (left) and a painting by French artist Pascal Falisse (right) on a storefront in Bayeux celebrating the 80th anniversary of the Allies freeing France.
This particular artist had artwork in every retail space in Bayeux, which made staying a few days to see his artwork there much sweeter.
Guided Tour to Mont Saint-Michel
My family and I explored various accommodation options for our visit to Mont Saint Michel. While we considered staying at a hotel on the island, after thorough research, we decided that one day would be sufficient for our visit to Mont Saint-Michel.
Instead, we opted for a stay in Bayeux, and we’re glad we did. There was a lot to do in historical Bayeux, and staying there allowed us to see another destination while still being able to explore Mont Saint-Michel in a day. Since we were on a 14-day trip across France, including stops in the Loire Valley, Bayeux, Normandy, and Paris, we wanted to make the most of each day and see as much as possible.
We booked our one-day Mont Saint-Michel tour online. There were several vendors to choose from. We’ve used Viator and Get Your Guide for similar guided trips and have succeeded with both.
For this trip, we used Viator and were quickly lined up with our tour guide, William. Entry into Mont Saint-Michel is free, but entering the abbey church costs money.
Entry tickets to the abbey were included with the guided tour and were around $150 per person. This cost included entry into the abbey, an English-speaking guide, and a shuttle to Mont Saint-Michel and back to Bayeux.
About Bayeux
Bayeux is home to the UNESCO-listed Bayeux Tapestry, which depicts the Norman conquest of England in 1066.
It’s also famous for its historic town center and for being liberated quickly by the Allies in 1944. Just as I wouldn’t miss going to Mont Saint-Michel on a trip to France, I wouldn’t want to miss going to Bayeux.
Meeting Point
My family met our tour group at the Churchill Hotel (pictured above) in Bayeux at 8:00 AM. Be sure to arrive a few minutes early to check in and avoid holding up the group.
While we met at this hotel, we did not stay the night there. We elected to immerse ourselves with locals as much as possible by staying at a nearby bed and breakfast.
Travel Tips
- Bring your passport or ID for verification. They sometimes require it to enter the abbey.
- Consider bringing a packed lunch to enjoy more time exploring the island. There are some great cafes and restaurants on the island, but they can get crowded.
- Wear comfortable shoes for walking on cobblestone streets and up hills. I wore sneakers, but be prepared for rain since it rains in Normandy about 40% of the year. It would also be helpful to bring an umbrella and rain gear if it rains.
- Be on time: the tour departs promptly at 8:30 AM. If you’re late, the tour won’t wait!
Seeing the Island for the First Time
I still get chills as I reminisce about our family trip to Mont Saint-Michel. Seeing such a massive structure that resembles a fortress and seems to just appear out of nowhere was simply jaw-dropping.
The buildings and abbey of Gothic and Romanesque architecture adorn the 3,000-foot circumference island and include a village, abbey, town hall, and ramparts.
Mont Saint-Michel is a UNESCO World Heritage site, and it’s easy to see why it is such an important cultural and historical place.
When We Visited
My family visited Mont Saint-Michel in May 2024. The temperature was brisk, but the fields were just beginning to turn green. You could tell that spring was on its way.
The day we went was rainy and cold, and the overcast sky with dark clouds only added to the mysterious, romantic nature that the island exuded.
We didn’t choose to see Mont Saint-Michel this time of year for any reason. I knew we wanted to visit, so we just found a way to fit it into our schedule. Luckily for us, going when we did in May offered decent weather and small crowds.
When You Should Visit Mont Saint-Michel
• Tides: Check tide tables and go when the tide is at its highest if you want to see the island surrounded by water (don’t go at high tide if you don’t want to be blocked from entering)
• Crowds: Visit in May, June, and September for the best weather
• Day of the week: Go during the week and avoid weekends to minimize crowds
• Weather: Go in May and September for the best weather
• Time of day: Go in the early morning and afternoon to avoid crowds (our tour arrived at about 9:30 am at the parking lot and at 10:15 am Mont Saint-Michel, which was perfect)
• Closed: Mont Saint-Michel closes on January 1, May 1, and December 25
• Hours of operation: May 1 – August 31 (9 am – 7 pm), September 1 – April 30 (9:30 am – 6 pm). The last visitors allowed in the abbey are 90 minutes before closing hours.
Should You Walk or Take a Shuttle?
You can take a bus shuttle from the parking lot to Mont Saint-Michel or take a walk. If you can walk, I’d highly recommend taking the 45-minute trek.
It’s worth the photos you get along the way as you slowly approach the massive island on foot. From what we saw, you won’t save time catching the bus versus walking.
How to Get to Mont Saint-Michel
To reach Mont Saint-Michel from Paris, the most convenient route is to take the fast train to Bayeux. You can catch a direct train from Paris Saint-Lazare station to Bayeux, with the fastest train taking approximately two hours and nine minutes.
Figuring out the trains was somewhat challenging, and we had to ask for guidance to ensure we were on the right train.
Tip: Look at train maps of France ahead of time and, most importantly, arrive early. Not everyone speaks English, so you might have to ask several people if you have questions.
Once you arrive in Bayeux, you can join a guided tour that will take you directly to Mont Saint-Michel. The tour we took included an English-speaking guide and a driver.
We were happy we had a shuttle, so we didn’t have to worry about getting there, plus we enjoyed the local knowledge the tour guide provided us.
Map
A Brief History
• Founded: The origins of Mont Saint-Michel date back to the 8th century.
• Founder: It first started as a small church by Aubert of Avranches. Aubert, who later became a saint, had dreams where Saint Michael told him to build a church at the present-day Mont Saint-Michel.
Interestingly enough, it took three dreams for Aubert to build the church, and he only listened after Saint Michael burned a hole in his head. Aubert’s skull is on display at Saint-Gervais Basilica in Avranches, France.
• Significance: The island became a significant pilgrimage site dedicated to the Archangel Michael.
• Patron saint: Archangel Michael
• Evolving architecture: Mont Saint-Michel’s strategic location made it a critical defense point against invasions, leading to impressive fortifications and military architecture.
• Time to build: It took over 1,300 years to build Mont Saint-Michel.
Understanding the Tides
One of the most fascinating aspects of Mont Saint-Michel is its tidal phenomena. The tides in this region can vary dramatically, with a difference of up to 16 meters (52 feet) between high and low tide.
The island is surrounded by water at high tide, creating a stunning and dramatic visual that transforms Mont Saint-Michel into an actual island. Conversely, vast expanses of sandy beaches are revealed during low tide, allowing visitors to walk around the bay.
Tip: Be careful of quicksand if you’re walking the tidal flats. Consider going with a guide if you’re not familiar with identifying quicksand.
Over time, the water around Mont Saint-Michel slowly disappeared due to silt accumulation. In 2009, this changed when a dam was built on the Cousenon River which removed silt and restored Mont Saint-Michel as a maritime island.
5 Reasons Why You Should Visit
1. History: Mont Saint-Michel took over 1,300 years to build. It was built between the 11th to 16th centuries by generations of workers. It survived the Hundred Years’ War and at one point even served as a prison.
2. Religion: Mont Saint-Michel has been used as a pilgrimage site for centuries. When we were there, hundreds of people were backpacking barefoot across the tidal flats to reach the granite island. The tidal flats are said to have quicksand, so if you walk on the sand, please be careful.
3. Romance: The structures at Mont Saint-Michel exude romance and inspired the castle in the Disney movie Tangled.
4. Culture: Mont Saint-Michel is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. By definition, places labeled a UNESCO site are of natural or cultural global significance.
5. Architecture: The ramparts, or rock walls surrounding the island, are a prime example of medieval military architecture and were a key reason it survived the Hundred Years’ War.
The abbey at Mont Saint-Michel defies balance as it wraps around the tip of the rocks on the island. The vertical extremes of the abbey are an architectural masterpiece and cannot be compared to any other monastery.
Mont Saint-Michel Highlights
Here’s a list of the 25 places that caught our interest the most:
- Saltwater Tidal Flats & Sheep
- Main Entrance
- Fanilis Entrance
- Drawbridge
- Mont Saint-Michel Village of Shops
- Maritime and Ecology Museum
- History Museum of Mont Saint-Michel
- Village Homes and Rooftops in Mont Saint Michel
- Cuckold’s Alley
- Tiphaine’s House
- Abbey of Mont Saint-Michel
- Cloister of the Abbey
- Nave of the Abbey
- The Refectory of the Abbey
- La Salle Des Hôtes or Hosts’ Room
- Saint Madeleine Chapel
- The Wheel
- The Knight’s Hall Scriptorium
- La Crypte Des Gros Piliers (Big Pillars Crypt)
- Saint Martin Crypt
- Notre-Dame du Mont-Tombe
- Etienne Chapel
- Cemetery of Mont Saint-Michel
- Saint Aubert and Saint Michel Scuplture
- Gabriel Tower
1. Saltwater Tidal Flats & Sheep
As you approach Mont Saint-Michel, you’ll pass through saltwater tidal flats that stretch out in all directions. Dramatic tidal shifts in the Bay of the Mont Saint-Michel form these expansive flats.
The sea retreats up to 8 kilometers (5 miles) during low tide, leaving behind a shimmering expanse of sand and mud. When we arrived, it was low tide, and seeing the pilgrims making their way across the tidal flats towards Mont Saint-Michel was a treat.
The saltwater tidal flats are also home to the famous salt meadow sheep. They graze on the tough saltwater grasses on the marshy tidal land. These sheep are a quintessential part of the Mont Saint-Michel experience.
2. Main Entrance
You’ll get your first glimpse of how massive the walls are at Mont Saint-Michel at the main entrance. As we approached it, I wanted to keep walking, but it was almost as if every step forward offered another excellent photo opportunity.
The entrance is adorned with old masonry walls and intricate archways. The bustling energy of pilgrims going in and out of the main entrance adds to the excitement of entering Mont Saint-Michel for the first time.
3. Entrance of the Fanils
To the left of the main entrance, you’ll encounter the Entrance of the Fanils, a historical gateway that has witnessed centuries of pilgrims and travelers. This entrance was once a crucial part of the island’s defenses, designed to protect against invasions.
The fanils are a less crowded way to enter Mont Saint-Michel and go directly to the Abbey. Use this path if you want to go to the Abbey first before seeing the village and museums.
Our guide first took us directly to the abbey church through the village. After he guided us for an hour, we were free to go on our own throughout Mont Saint-Michel. I backtracked back through the town and to the fanils, ramparts, and towards Gabriel Tower.
If you’re on your own, my recommendation would be to take the family to the ramparts and abbey church first. Then, work your way down through the village and hit the museums, cemetery, and Tiphaine’s house along the way.
4. Drawbridge
The drawbridge at Mont-Saint-Michel, France, is named Porte du Roy. It protects the main street called Grand Rue. Although there are too many favorites, this was one of them for me.
Here are some important facts I learned:
• The Grande Rue has medieval shops, restaurants, hotels, and signs.
• The Porte du Roy is one of three gates that protect Mont Saint-Michel.
• The drawbridge passage connects to the rampart path and the Grande Rue, ultimately leading to the abbey.
5. Village Shops of Mont Saint-Michel
The village had some of the most remarkable signs. Some of my favorites were the History Museum sign of Saint Michel, the Les Lutins sign, and the creperie sign La Sirene Lochet.
6. Maritime Museum
The maritime museum has an exceptional collection of 250 antique commercial, fishing, warships, and pleasure boats. It also explains the great tides that surround Mont Saint-Michel.
7. History Museum of Mont Saint Michel
This museum tells the story of Mont Saint-Michel’s 1,300-year history. It includes wax figures, weapons, cages, and torture instruments from the Middle Ages. I like the Saint Michel sign at the entrance (below, right).
The picture below is to the left of the entrance to the Tiphaine’s House, located near the Mont Saint-Michel History Museum.
8. Village Homes at Mont Saint Michel
The homes at Mont Saint-Michel have wood shingles, each with a unique name. They are made with exposed timber supports, stonework, and built-in tiers on top of rock.
The homes were built in the 14th century, the beginning of the French commune. Almost all the homes are considered historic monuments.
9. Cuckold’s Alley
Cuckolds’ Alley is the narrowest in Mont Saint-Michel in France. It’s fun to walk through, and if you start walking but see another person, one of you will have to turn around. It’s that tight!
The name of the alley comes from the idea that a cheating spouse would not be able to fit through the thin alley wearing cuckold’s horns. It’s located in front of the Hotel La Croix Blanche.
We found a secret little breaker box with a lightning bolt on it (bottom, left), perfectly built into the wall with a wooden door.
10. Tiphaine’s House
The Tiphaine’s house is the historic house of Knight Bertrand du Guesclin. His wife was a famous astrologer. He was a medieval knight and constable of the armies of the King of France in the 14th century.
The home includes period furniture and Bertrand du Guesclin’s armor. You’ll climb a pretty narrow spiral staircase to get to the various rooms inside the house. If you’re going to the abbey church first, you’ll probably want to go here on your way back.
11. The Abbey at Mont Saint-Michel
The abbey is probably the most impressive structure on Mont Saint-Michel, at least to me. The abbey church has endless rooms, chapels, and crypts. When I entered Mont Saint-Michel for the first time, every step seemed to reveal something new to photograph.
The abbey was the center of culture in the Middle Ages. Here, manuscripts were produced, preserved, and studied. It welcomed people from all walks of life, including pilgrims, kings, and queens.
The abbey was divided into the Merveille Building and the Church. The abbey has been restored multiple times throughout history, and as more pilgrims came to the church, it was expanded.
The new church had three crypts built from 1031 to 1047: Trente-Cierges Chapel (under the north wing), the Choir Chapel (to the east), and Saint Martin Chapel (to the south). Three levels were built to the north in 1080.
The Merveille Building can be divided into two sides, east and west. It’s where the monks lived at Mont Saint-Michel.
The golden statue of Archangel Michel at the top of the abbey is 2.8 meters tall and weighs 800 kg. It’s made of steel and coated with gold and bronze. The sculpture was created in 1897 by Emmanuel Frémiet.
The statue at the top of the spire symbolizes Saint Michel’s role as a warrior angel who opens the gates to heaven and fights evil.
12. Cloister of the Abbey
When you don’t think things will get prettier, you enter the cloister.
The cloister is a central garden used by monks for meditation and prayer. It was also called Jardin du cloître de l’abbaye du Mont Saint-Michel. The cloister was used for worship, meditation, and communication between abbey buildings.
The green grass and garden, surrounded by intricately sculpted arched columns, were the first to draw my attention.
Our guide taught us that monks grew herbs and vegetables in the garden, which also served as a circulation area between the abbey church, refectory, and other spaces.
The emblem of King Francis I, the salamander, adorns the walls between two gothic arches at the cloister. The same salamanders are seen throughout France in historic castles such as Chambord, indicating an influence of King Francis I.
Francis visited Mont Saint-Michel twice. Once on a pilgrimage, the second to fund Jaques Cartier’s expedition to New France.
13. Nave of the Abbey Church
While most of the architecture at Mont Saint-Michel is Gothic, the nave is an example of Romanesque architecture. Different levels were superimposed on one another to due to space constraints.
14. Le Réfectoire (The Refectory)
The refectory was a room where monks and visitors ate food together. Here, monks took turns cooking.
15. The Hosts’ Room or La Salle Des Hôtes
This room was for monks who served guests at the Abbey. It’s located on the level of the Merveille Building and Knight’s room.
The floors were more intricate than most we’d come across. Numerous columns lined the walls of this long and narrow room. Don’t forget to look up at the intricate wood-enforced curved roof when you go.
16. Saint Madeleine Chapel
A small chapel that connects to the Big Pillars Crypt. Just outside, we found a well-maintained garden that provided great views of the tidal flats and bay.
Also pictured below, we spotted a masonry block inscribed with a date (1818) and what appears to be a name, A. Champ. This could be one of the builders, but I’m only guessing, and our tour guide did not know the history of this stone.
17. The Wheel
The wheel is a replica of a squirrel’s cage, a tool used by prisoners in the Middle Ages to transport food and water from the bottom of the Abbey to the top.
Built in 1820, prisoners who walked inside the squirrel cage were called squirrels. To me, it looked like a giant hamster wheel. To get to the wheel, you walk through a small passageway that connects to Saint Martin’s crypt.
It’s interesting to think that humans were walking inside this wheel to get their food and water delivered.
18. The Knights Hall Scriptorium (Salle des Chevaliers)
Initially, this room was called the scriptorium. Our tour guide taught us that monks used this large room to write, study, and write manuscripts.
Later, it became the meeting place for the Knights of Saint Michel, a chivalric order of knights named by King Louis VI. It was also the room used by many important members of the Knightly Society of Saint-Michel and kings.
The Knights of Saint-Michel were the most powerful nobles in France and often relatives of King Loius VI. Founded in 1469, they protected Mont Saint-Michel.
The order was abolished and revived a few times throughout history, but the International Orders of Chivalry still recognize the order today.
After the Knight’s Scriptorium, we entered the Promenoir des Moines (below, left).
19. La Crypte Des Gros Piliers (Big Pillars Crypt)
This crypt is a large room connecting the other Abbey spaces. The large granite walls keep the room cool and humid, and with very few windows, it’s pretty dark (see photos below).
Initially, the crypt was built with small pillars in the 11th century. However, in the 15th century, big pillars replaced the small ones to ensure support for the Abbey.
Later, the crypt became a prison, and the first prisoners were monks who refused to abandon their faith. This room was called the Big Pillars Crypt because the pillars were gigantic, and I can only imagine how they moved such large stones around during construction.
20. Chapelle Saint Martin (Saint Martin Crypt)
The Saint Martin Crypt has small, narrow windows and large walls. It’s a large crypt, and the church is Romanesque in design. It supports the southern part of the Abbey. Although it was very dark, there was enough light to see and move around safely.
I was continually amazed at how each room led into others through small, arched openings throughout the abbey.
21. Notre-Dame du Mont-Tombe
This black Madonna is in the Western crypt and is referred to as Our Lady of the Underworld. This particular plaster statue was made in the late 19th century and is a replica of the original black Madonna that was destroyed during the French Revolution.
22. Etienne Chapel
Etienne Chapel was the chapel of the dead and sits between the infirmary and the monk’s ossuary. In the photo to the right (below), you’ll see the alpha and omega symbols representing the beginning and end of life.
Also is the statue of the Virgin Mary mourning her son Jesus (bottom, left).
23. Cemetery at Mont Saint-Michel
This cemetery is located above the church and includes a war memorial for those who died during World War II. It also has the tomb of Mother Poulard, a famous omelet maker who lived at Mont Saint-Michel.
The colors were amazing, especially with the backdrop of the roofs from the village.
24. Saint Aubert and Archangel Michel Sculpture
The photo below shows a striking relief sculpture dating to 1860 depicting the Archangel Michael appearing to Aubert of Avranches. At the time, he was a bishop but later became a saint.
In three dreams, Saint Michael revealed himself to Aubert and requested that he build a sanctuary in his honor on an island called Mont-Tombe.
This was another one of my favorite sculptures. I’m not sure what happened to Saint Michel’s face, but the way the light hits it is perfect. Keep in mind that most of the Abbey Church is dark, cold, and musty, but in my opinion, this adds to the romance and mystery of this landmark.
25. Gabriel Tower
Gabriel Tower was built around 1524 by Lieutenant King Gabriel du Puys to protect the west side of Mont Saint-Michel. It’s covered with machicolations and openings where heavy or burning objects could be dropped on enemies during war.
With More Time at Mont Saint-Michel
If you have more time to spare, consider renting a car and staying on Mont Saint-Michel for the night. One day is enough, but seeing the village and abbey church lit up at night would be cool.
We didn’t have much of a crowd, so staying overnight because of the number of people we saw would not have been a factor for us when we went in May.
There is a lot of walking, so if you have kids that might not be able to last as long as you, consider picking fewer highlights to visit. Treat them to a crepe when you’re done, and they’ll be happy. I know our Luci certainly was.
Do you have any questions on our Mont Saint-Michel one-day itinerary? If so, let me know in the comments section below. I have many more photos and good insights from our trip there. If you’re in France and are looking for other things to do, consider going to the most fantastic church in Paris, Sainte-Chapelle.
Thank you for reading our one-day itinerary of Mont Saint-Michel. Follow us on Instagram (@theEarthbyFoot) to see what adventure we do next!
Book Your Trip Mont Sainte-Michel: Tips
Book Your Flight
Our favorite places to start looking for places to book flights are Google Flights and Skyscanner. They search all flights worldwide, so you only have to use one site to find the best deals.
Book Accommodations
Our family uses VRBO, Airbnb, and Booking.com when we need to book hotels or lodging beforehand.
Book Guided Tours
Both Get Your Guide and Viator offer informative tours of the places we travel to. They provide local guides and adventurous travel activities.
Travel Insurance
Travel insurance is critical to protect against baggage loss, medical expenses, trip cancellations, theft, and other potential problems.
• Travelex: Best overall rated by Consumer Reports Jan 2025
• Generali Global Assistance: Best insurance for travel interruption
• Tin Leg: Best for affordable travel insurance and pre-existing conditions
• World Nomads: Best for flexible travel insurance
Related Adventures in France
• Pascal Falisse: Best France Painter You Probably Haven’t Heard Of
• 14-Day France Itinerary: Best Ways to Spend Two Weeks in the Loire Valley, Bayeux, Normandy and Paris
• 25 Reasons to Visit Sainte-Chapelle