Fortifications du Mont-Saint-Michel
Fortifications du Mont-Saint-Michel
Fortifications du Mont-Saint-Michel
4.5
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- Regina PHannover, Germany3,569 contributionsdefensive fortificationsA small village has settled at the foot of the rock on which the abbey sits. This is surrounded by a strong fortress wall with several gates and watchtowers. Some towers and bastions can be climbed for a beautiful view, otherwise you can only admire the fortifications from "below".Visited August 2023Travelled with familyWritten 26 March 2024
- audtonio17La Rochelle, France12 contributionsA great discoveryA site to visit at least once in your life. It is really beautiful. We were there from 10 a.m. and by bike we were able to park at the foot of the Mount at the entrance to the fans. Besides, one piece of advice is that returning to the Mont via this entrance allows you to avoid the crowds and many steps. Otherwise it's a nice tourist trap (€4 a cookie!), and the souvenir shops are no better ! In short, we just brought back our cookie, beautiful photos and beautiful memories full of memories!Visited April 2024Travelled with familyWritten 19 April 2024
- ManoCCCLyon, France4,053 contributionsThe Mount all to ourselves...well almostWe went there on a Saturday evening at the end of April 2024. It was raining but there were a few people there. We parked in the nearby car park P5. We have the pleasant surprise of not paying anything on exit. Indeed in mid season and after 6:30 p.m., parking is free. We took the shuttle there and walked back. This place is magical and full of history. We didn't have the chance to visit the abbey because it was too late, but a walk on the foothills is worth it. We wanted to try the Mother Poulard omelettes but the 60€ menu and the reviews from previous tourists made us understand that it had unfortunately become a pigeon trap... too bad... We will come back again and next time we will do a hike in the bay...Visited April 2024Travelled as a coupleWritten 5 May 2024
- Kathy RDoylestown, Pennsylvania24 contributionsWorth visiting onceOne of the most visited, therefore one of the most crowded, places in France, I went as part of a land tour. You park and walk to a line to be loaded onto busses to get to the site itself. It is very well organized and moves along quickly. Once you are the island, you walk through an area lined on both sides with restaurants and shops. Very touristy. Go past that and once you are in the fortification itself, it is well worth it. It is a lot of walking uphill (and down) on cobblestones and uneven steps. Handrails are not always available.Visited April 2024Travelled soloWritten 5 May 2024
- GiorgiaMilan, Italy1,939 contributionsExciting but now too touristyI've wanted to visit Mont Saint Michel for a long time. Luckily I chose to do it in January, therefore out of season and with all the associated aggravating factors (wind and cold) but certainly with fewer tourists because we were already at the limit. It is essential to say that the car must be left about 4/5km away at the entrance to the fortification which can then be reached on foot or with a shuttle (included in the already high cost of parking). It is impossible to bring strollers because inside there are only steps and cobblestones. Unfortunately, too many people make the place lose its charm, so I can't imagine what it might be like in spring/summer when there are hours-long queues just for the shuttle. We didn't eat inside. All too touristy.Visited January 2024Travelled with familyWritten 16 May 2024
- Léa_93Noisy-le-Grand, France10 contributionsPleasant.warmth.very nice viewMont Saint Michel is very beautiful and the view is magnificent. But the problem is we can't go to the top without having to pay. Otherwise the visit is very pleasant but for information it is wrong to pay. Buses are convenient. A lot of climbing but very nice little straight cutieWritten 22 May 2024
- Angela CHeber City, Utah233 contributionsDon't miss this!This was a bucket list item for me and I was not disappointed. This place is absolutely amazing. Wear good walking shoes and be prepared to be wowed. Even though it was crowded, there was space to walk, eat, shop and absorb this beautiful island.Visited August 2023Travelled as a coupleWritten 4 June 2024
- Anco MAberdeen, United Kingdom754 contributionsBeautifulThe last time I visited le Mont Saint Michel was 41 years ago. It is still as spectacular from which ever angle you look at it, whether it is from a distance, from the navette drop-off point, from the narrow street lined with shops and restaurants, from the views from the ramparts to the views from the top. Le Mont Saint Michel is a must visit.Visited June 2024Travelled with familyWritten 5 June 2024
- Teresa A356 contributionsNice.Beautiful fortifications that protect the places. I recommend, on arrival, not to go up immediately from the central door along the Grand Rue, but to take the one on the far left in order to go around the fortifications before reaching the abbey. The visit is challenging (great climbs) but the view of the bay, the towers and the village is spectacular.Visited June 2024Travelled as a coupleWritten 4 July 2024
- alessandra_biondi3Ferrara, Italy30,660 contributionsHe resisted all siege attemptsIt was a wish I realized to see the Mont St.Michel site. It represents one of the 7 points ringed in Europe that "the Archangel Michael" marked with the long edge of his sword ... where Good defeats Evil, today are points of faith and World pilgrimage. Historically Mont. S.Michel with its fortifications was never conquered, all the belligerent attempts of the English Normans lapsed and is legend credited with heavenly protection.Visited August 2024Travelled with friendsWritten 17 August 2024
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4.5
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Flavio360
Brasilia, DF1,027 contributions
Sept 2023 • Couples
Beautiful place.
A walled city on an island with a gigantic abbey on top.
The place looks like an island when the tide is high, in my opinion the best time to visit is surrounded by sand at low tide.
In the walled city there are bars, restaurants and accommodation... in my opinion, everything is very expensive and not necessarily of great quality... if you want to stay in Mont Saint Michel, I recommend the Mercure hotel.
It's worth getting to know the city.
A walled city on an island with a gigantic abbey on top.
The place looks like an island when the tide is high, in my opinion the best time to visit is surrounded by sand at low tide.
In the walled city there are bars, restaurants and accommodation... in my opinion, everything is very expensive and not necessarily of great quality... if you want to stay in Mont Saint Michel, I recommend the Mercure hotel.
It's worth getting to know the city.

Written 2 September 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
elodieschwaeger
Chaumont, France36 contributions
Jul 2024 • Family
What an amazing building! Mont-St-michel is emblematic, you have to see it at least once in your life. But then, the visit... what a disappointment.
The building is sublime from the outside, but once inside, it feels like being on the subway during rush hour. We're walking with the crowd and we can't stop. Actually, we can't see anything. If in addition you are hypersensitive, I strongly advise against this place ... In conclusion, if you want to see Mont-St-Michel, stay around the building, you will keep a good memory!
Another point: the round trip is by bus, but if there are too many people you will have to walk back ...
The building is sublime from the outside, but once inside, it feels like being on the subway during rush hour. We're walking with the crowd and we can't stop. Actually, we can't see anything. If in addition you are hypersensitive, I strongly advise against this place ... In conclusion, if you want to see Mont-St-Michel, stay around the building, you will keep a good memory!
Another point: the round trip is by bus, but if there are too many people you will have to walk back ...
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Written 30 September 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Steven A B
Carmel Valley, CA140 contributions
May 2023 • Couples
I agree … tricky to give 5 stars. It’s stunningly beautiful. We enjoyed learning the history of the place. The Abbey is absolutely amazing to learn it’s history. It’s a bit like arriving at Disney. Parking lots and shuttles dominate the area. When you first enter the amount of people ( May is not the busy month) is mind boggling. The shops have the kind of stuff that will be in the landfill next month. Once we passed through the madness, the stairs act as a filter to cut down on the numbers, things improved. The views are stunning. The Abby’s history we learned with the audio tour which I highly recommend. Why would you visit this place without it??? We ended our stay with lunch which was delicious and the view was second to none. The restaurant staff was friendly, competent and attentive in spite of the crowds they see daily. Hats off to them!! We did enjoy our day and the experience. We knew ahead of time what to expect. Try it if you dare. Be sure to note your parking area info !!!
Written 6 May 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Laura T
Bournemouth, UK219 contributions
Aug 2024 • Family
There doesn't seem to be any method of controlling the crowds so the entire place was packed like sardines. It was impossible to get any enjoyment out of the visit inside the fortification because you couldn't see anything. Toilet queues were insane and inappropriately sized for the amount of people being allowed to enter. Paid 17 euros to park, walk there, take a quick attempt at looking around and then left. Wouldn't really recommend to anyone. The external views are the one saving grace.
Written 22 August 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
midlandsmoggy
Colwall, UK1,502 contributions
Apr 2022 • Family
This was a disappointing trip.
It may be a UNESCO World Heritage site, but that has resulted in so many people visiting that it is simply unpleasant and you can't appreciate it.
No problems getting there, and the parking is quite tidy, albeit expensive. You get a shuttle bus for free, but expect a long wait to get on one, around 25 mins at 1pm.
There are ok toilets in the buildings before you get on the bus. Use those since expecting to find some on the island is a mistake.
The bus drops you a short walk from the island, and that's probably the best bit.
One through the gates the architecture is amazing, but much of it is in a shuffling crowd as you make your way slowly around. A victim of its own success.
When you have made your way up, you find a big queue for the Abbey. And no toilets despite searching.
On the packed main street there are various shops and expensive restaurants but we didn't go in.
At the exit, as you are squeezed single file to leave the island, we found some toilets on the way out, but they charge €1 per head, a nice touch.
You then have a long queue for a shuttle bus, or a 2 mile walk. We choose the walk rather than waiting, but either would be tough in the summer.
If we go back, it will be on a rainy February day, not during the Easter holidays. It may be better then.
It may be a UNESCO World Heritage site, but that has resulted in so many people visiting that it is simply unpleasant and you can't appreciate it.
No problems getting there, and the parking is quite tidy, albeit expensive. You get a shuttle bus for free, but expect a long wait to get on one, around 25 mins at 1pm.
There are ok toilets in the buildings before you get on the bus. Use those since expecting to find some on the island is a mistake.
The bus drops you a short walk from the island, and that's probably the best bit.
One through the gates the architecture is amazing, but much of it is in a shuffling crowd as you make your way slowly around. A victim of its own success.
When you have made your way up, you find a big queue for the Abbey. And no toilets despite searching.
On the packed main street there are various shops and expensive restaurants but we didn't go in.
At the exit, as you are squeezed single file to leave the island, we found some toilets on the way out, but they charge €1 per head, a nice touch.
You then have a long queue for a shuttle bus, or a 2 mile walk. We choose the walk rather than waiting, but either would be tough in the summer.
If we go back, it will be on a rainy February day, not during the Easter holidays. It may be better then.
Written 20 April 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Toblje
Zurich, Switzerland8,429 contributions
Aug 2024 • Family
At the time of our visit at the end of August, the town was already hopelessly overflowing in the early hours of the morning. There can be no question of a romantic mood. It was so bad that we could hardly move back and forth in front of all the people. We visited the mighty abbey on the top and immediately went back to the mainland. We liked the view from afar much better than the island, which is totally focused on tourism and commerce.
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Written 7 November 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Robert C
Suffolk187 contributions
Aug 2022
This place was SO busy it was scary. We could hardly move going up into the centre. It was shoulder to shoulder and even the authorities were warning about pickpockets. We stupidly thought "that's not far to walk" WRONG! Its MILES from the car park. Every restaurant was full and a lucky we purchased a cheese and ham roll with a coke and beer for 10 Euro. Great buildings and outstanding countryside and very hot.
Written 27 August 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
FLnurseER
Boca Raton, FL5,702 contributions
Sept 2022 • Couples
Visiting Mont-Saint-Michel has been my dream forever, and this year my dream came true. As a part of a bus tour exploring Normandy, we visited one weekday late September and parked in a very nice parking lot for buses. We walked for about 5 minutes to the shuttle bus stop and waited in line for about 15 minutes. No distancing or face masks was enforced, shuttles were packed. They stop 450 m from the Mont itself, a nice distance for all those classic photo ops. After the whole bus takes their pictures, they leave for the abbey and you get few minutes on the path with minimum people, till the next shuttle-bus arrives. We entered the Mont through a courtyard with several food establishments, we stopped at the crepe place for a caramel and chocolate ones, took them up a staircase onto the ramparts overlooking the bay and enjoyed the snack with a glorious view. We walked half way up to the abbey then decided the steep climb is definitely not for our old knees and just walked around through the narrow streets on the lower part of the Mont enjoying all the food and souvenir stores. Tourism is almost the sole source of income of the commune, I’ve read that it brings about $63 million to the small island, and at the post office they told me that about 3000 people a day visit the island. Only about 25 people sleep every night on the Mount (monks included), except for those in hotels. There were toilet facilities by the main entrance/exit charging 1 euro, but the ones by the parking lot are free and much nicer, they are next to a tourist info office. Entering the island as well as the shuttle service is free, there is an entrance fee to the Abbey itself once you get up there.
Written 8 October 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
humi225
Munich, Germany8,039 contributions
Aug 2024 • Family
The rocky island of Mont Saint Michel with the monastery of the same name is circularly surrounded in the bay of the sea and the compartment can be reached for several years via a footbridge.
The bay and abbey are part of the UNSECO World Heritage Site.
The abbey was started in the Roman style as early as the 11th century, then continued to be built Gothically and later in Classicism. and has experienced a chequered history since that time.
From the medieval walls you have a magnificent panoramic view of the bay.
The bay and abbey are part of the UNSECO World Heritage Site.
The abbey was started in the Roman style as early as the 11th century, then continued to be built Gothically and later in Classicism. and has experienced a chequered history since that time.
From the medieval walls you have a magnificent panoramic view of the bay.
Automatically translated
Written 15 September 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
bsj1701
Northern Illinois36 contributions
Sept 2022
The architecture is stunning. I'm glad I did it but it could have been better. I knew it would be crowded as we did a bus tour from Paris like thousands of others, or so it seemed! If I were to do it again, I would stay over night and try to enjoy early morning and evening without the crowds. My main complaint is what is up with the shuttles? Hundreds of people waiting for shuttle service and only a handful of shuttles running! Be prepared to walk, there are NOT enough shuttles! This is obviously a major tourist spot, I'm not sure why they aren't better equipped. We went in September and the crowds were huge, I can't imagine the summer months!
Written 27 September 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
according to bienvenueaumontsaintmichel site,
there are trains from Paris Montparnasse to Pontorson then the shuttle bus from Pontorson to Mont-Saint-Michel.
But many other sites/travel blogs say take train from Paris Montparnasse to Renne and take bus. Which is it and where can I get tickets? Also, is the shuttle bus from Pontorson free or do I need to get tickets?
Written 22 March 2023
Inside the fortress didn’t appear to be wheelchair accessible. It’s a steep incline to walk up. The Abby is what seems to be a couple hundred stairs. If you’re in town, to take the shuttle to where it stops on the bridge, the sight is magnificent from there as well. You’re right over the water if you’re lucky enough to catch high tide. I would have been happy just admiring it from there.
Written 28 May 2019
I have poor mobility and can't walk far. Are there any hotels in the centre of the town with parking?
Written 12 August 2017
Mont Saint Michel is a tiny car-less island with a very steep walkway and lots of stairs. But there are several nice hotels a couple of kilometers away and buses that wil drop you at the entrance of the island. If you take your time you can climb a bit inside and go on the "remparts" (walls) to go down and enjoy the view (I usually go up by the walls and down by the "central" street which is approximately 2 or 3 meters large and always overcrowded). Steps are high but you can rest between flight of stairs.
Nevertheless getting to the top to see the abbey might be a bit too much but you can still enjoy the view of it from the bottom or the walls (just be careful most restaurants are tourists traps : expensive, bad quality and bad service). Enjoy your stay in Normandy.
Written 16 August 2017
superbe visite du Mont St Michel et ses fortifications déception quand nous avons souhaitez déguster une crepe en face du restaurant de la Mére Poulard .Un endroit qui porte le même nom vous propose une formule au prix attractif de 5 euros avec au choix une crepe ou une gaufre avec une boisson chaude ou froide + petit gateaux dégustation de la mere poulard ...et là plus de crepe car crépiere en panne tant pis on prends une gaufre CATASTROPHE HORRIBLE gaufre congelée même pas réchauffer .serveuses en grève de sourire et leur amabilité a du restée dans la baie
Written 2 May 2017
Pour le Mont St Michel je suis favorable de décrire le site, mais je ne m'aventure pas dans la restauration que je trouve à des prix excessifs et de qualité moyenne. Le groupe "la mère Poulard" a acquis plusieurs restaurants sur le mont qui diminue la concurrence. Le conseil que je peux donner est de s'éloigner du Mont pour les repas.
Written 4 May 2017
We caught the ferry from Portsmouth to Caen, with an overnight stop in Bayeux then onto Pontorson, where we spent one night. We then caught the bus from Pontorson train station first thing in the morning, which drops passengers off about 200 metres from the entrance to the island. The train also runs directly from Caen to Pontorson and takes around 2 hours, with no change overs. We chose the Caen route into France as we wanted to go to Bayeux.
John C mentioned St Malo, which is also an option, a bus runs from there to Mont St Michel. From memory, I don't think the timetable was as flexible as the one from Pontorson, however, there is a train from St Malo to Pontorson, where you could then take the bus onto Mont St Michel.
Written 18 March 2017
Can anyone here recommend a hostel to stay near Mont St. Michels? TIA for your answer!
Written 3 August 2015
We went to Hôtel Vert. It's near the Mont Saint Michel. The price for 2 adults is 89 eur by night. It's very clean and just in front of the bus (free) to go to the Mont Saint Michel.
Written 6 August 2015
hola
cuanto tiempo necesitas para visitarlo , mi plan de ese dia es playa de omaha y cementerio , de ahi a Le moint Saint Michel y luego saint maolo , por lo que dispongo de 3-4 horas
Gracias
Written 1 August 2015
Hola. Si lo que quieres es tan solo marcar en tu itinerario que has ido al Mont Saint-Michel, adelante, un par de horas te bastarán para tomar algunas fotos y tener una idea básica sobre cómo es. Si lo que quieres es realmente concerlo, no pienses en menos de 5 o 6 horas. Eso fue lo que yo estuve y me quedé con ganas de más.
Omaha Beach y alrededores la visité al otro día, también en un paseo de día completo.
Pero es como todo, cada uno tiene sus gustos y encuentra placer en diferentes cosas; además está el factor tiempo, que tampoco para todos es el mismo.
Un consejo, sin niños en lo posible, no está pensado para ellos. Suerte.
Written 2 August 2015
hola
cuanto tiempo necesitas para visitarlo , mi plan de ese dia es playa de omaha y cementerio , de ahi a Le moint Saint Michel y luego saint maolo , por lo que dispongo de 3-4 horas
Gracias
Written 1 August 2015
La playa y el cementerio solo se llevan 3 horas
La abadía merece un día completo
Hay que entrar a la abadía
La visita a la fortificación es gratis pero ni entrar a la abadía es como no ir
Recomiendo disfrutar y visitar no ir corriendo a muchos sitios a tomarse fotos
Saludos
Written 2 August 2015
Your experience mirrors our own! We found the steps daunting in 2012 (when we were pups of 60!) but this year on a trip throughout France (but not to Normandy!) my husband started to reminisce about 'the best tarte aux pommes" he'd ever had & I knew instantly he meant one he had here at Mt St Michel. Those are the great moments of travel!
Thanks for taking me back to that moment we had several years ago!
Written 16 July 2015
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