Landscape of the La Rochelle City near Originals Hotels
Le Mont-Saint-Michel
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Your travel guide to Le Mont-Saint-Michel

Among the most recognisable sights in the whole of France, Mont-Saint-Michel is an island that stands on a prominentery that sticks out into the English Channel. The famous abbey that was built there in the Middle Ages was consequently cut off from the mainland at high tide, thereby offering protection. Mont-Saint-Michel and the surrounding bay are on listed by UNESCO as one of its World Heritage Sites. It attracts millions of visitors each year. Our hoteliers have listed many things to do on the island that will not disappoint you.

Heritage, Panorama, Splendours

OUR HOTELS IN AND AROUND LE MONT-SAINT-MICHEL

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MONT-SAINT-MICHEL : BE INSPIRED

What to do, to see, to hear...

Prepare

With a population of around 50 permanent residents, most people who work on the island reside elsewhere which means accommodation is limited and must be booked in advance.
Experience

The entire island is like one big, outdoor heritage museum so you don't need to head inside any places of interest. However, doing so adds a great deal to the experience of Mont-Saint-Michel and is, therefore, highly recommended.
Anticipate

Check the tides before you visit so you can make it over the causeway and have sufficient time to explore before heading back.
Save

If you plan on seeing all of the island's museums, then buy a ticket for them all in one go rather than individually because you'll see significant savings.
Park

Car parking is available a couple of miles away, so make use of the shuttle service which operates to take visitors back-and-forth.
Discover

Built on a hilltop, the abbey has plenty of steps leading up to it with no alternative routes. Much of the lower part of the island is accessible to all, however.

Transports in Le Mont-Saint-Michel

Pontorson-Mt-St-Michel is the nearest railway station to Mont-Saint-Michel. There is a local tourist office to help you with your onward journey. The nearest rail intersection of any size is at Avranches, an attractive town on the other side of the bay. Driving from the cross-channel port of Saint-Malo, to the west, takes about an hour via the N176.

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WHEN TO GO TO MONT-SAINT-MICHEL ?

During the summer months, the numbers of visitors at Mont-Saint-Michel are at their highest. If you want to avoid the crowds, then any time from November to March is best but you may have to put up with some inclement weather. Over the Christmas period, Mont-Saint-Michel puts on its festive look with lots of trees, lighting and other decorative elements. In the summer, an annual jazz festival takes place there, too.

WHAT TO DO IN MONT-SAINT-MICHEL ?

Mont-Saint-Michel may be a small place, but our hoteliers guarantee that there is plenty to keep you and your family entertained.

MAIN STREET

Main Street is full or artisan retailers where you can pick up souvenirs like locally produced chocolates, cider, Calvados and textiles. 

WALKING

Close to the Breton-Norman border, the coastline in this area is great for walking along and there are plenty of marked hiking routes to follow. 

ALLIGATOR

A few miles to the south of Mont-Saint-Michel is a place called Alligator Bay, a zoo which specialises in reptiles including a variety of snakes, crocodiles and lizards. 

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The best restaurants in Le Mont-Saint-Michel