How to get to Mont Saint Michel from Paris

• Tip: if you decide to take the bus, make sure to book your ticket in advance to get the best price.
• Important: please note that the free shuttle from the parking lot to the island is not available during high tides. In this case, you will need to walk along the pedestrian walkway.

How to get there by car or rent a car

If you prefer to travel by car, there are several options to reach Mont Saint Michel from Paris.

In your own car

You can drive from the city of Paris to Mont Saint Michel. The distance between the two cities is about 360 km and travel time varies from 3 to 4 hours depending on traffic. The most direct route is via A13 highway until Caen, then follow N175 until Pontorson and finally D976 until the island.

Rent a car

If you don't have your own car, you can rent one in Paris. There are several car rental companies available at both airports and in the city center. Make sure to book in advance to get the best rates.

• Some of the major car rental companies are: Europcar, Hertz, Avis, and Budget.
• Rental prices vary depending on rental duration, car category, and chosen company.
• Remember that you will also need to pay for tolls during your trip.

Once you arrive at Mont Saint Michel, there are several parking lots where you can leave your car. However, we recommend using the free parking lot located a few kilometers away from the island and taking a free shuttle to reach the site.

Remember that driving in France may be different from your city or country, so make sure to know the rules of the road and have all necessary documents for driving in France.

What to see and do in Mont Saint Michel

Mont Saint Michel is a very popular tourist attraction in France, with a rich and interesting history. Here's what you can see and do during your visit:

1. Visit the Mont Saint Michel Abbey

The Mont Saint Michel Abbey is one of the main points of interest on the island. Founded in the 7th century, the abbey was built on a rocky hill and became an important religious center in the Middle Ages.

Today, the abbey is open to visitors who can explore the various parts of the building, including the church, cloister, and gardens. The panoramic view from the top of the abbey is spectacular.

2. Stroll through the medieval streets of the village

The village of Mont Saint Michel was built around the abbey and has maintained its medieval character. The streets are narrow and winding, with stone houses and shops selling souvenirs and local products such as cheese and cider.

Walking through the streets of the village, you can breathe in the ancient atmosphere of the place and admire the architectural beauty of the stone houses.

3. Enjoy the view of the Mont Saint Michel Bay

During low tide, the Mont Saint Michel Bay retreats and leaves a vast area of sand uncovered. This is the perfect time to enjoy the view of the bay and take breathtaking photos of the island and its abbey.

In addition, there are numerous activities you can do in the bay, such as hiking or cycling, horseback riding, and even hot air balloon flights.

4. Taste traditional dishes from Normandy

Norman cuisine is famous for its cheeses, including Camembert and Pont-l'Evêque, but also for its seafood specialties such as marinières mussels and lobster à la normande.

You can taste these dishes in the many restaurants in the village or in local farms where cheeses are produced.

• Visit Mont Saint Michel Abbey
• Stroll through the medieval streets of the village
• Enjoy the view of the Mont Saint Michel Bay
• Taste traditional dishes from Normandy

Where to eat in Mont Saint Michel

Mont Saint Michel is famous for its traditional cuisine, which is mainly based on seafood products. There are several restaurants on the island that offer typical dishes from the region, such as pre-salé lamb and fresh fish.

La Mère Poulard

The most famous restaurant on the island is La Mère Poulard, known for its giant omelettes cooked over an open fire. The restaurant has a history of over 100 years and has become a pilgrimage site for tourists visiting Mont Saint Michel.

Le Relais Saint Michel

Another popular option is Le Relais Saint Michel, which offers a spectacular view of the bay. The menu includes seafood and meat dishes, with local and seasonal ingredients.

L'Auberge de la Mère Poulard

L'Auberge de la Mère Poulard is another highly regarded restaurant on the island, where you can taste local specialties such as Cancale oysters and chocolate soufflé.

• Tips: If you want to try local specialties without spending too much, look for street food stalls along the island's streets. You can taste savory and sweet crepes, seafood fritters, and other local delights at affordable prices.

In any case, no matter where you decide to eat, make sure to book in advance to avoid long waits.

Where to stay in Mont Saint Michel

Mont Saint Michel is a very popular tourist attraction and there are many accommodation options available. However, since the island is relatively small, accommodations can be expensive and places limited.

Accommodations on the island

If you want to experience the full island experience, there are some hotels inside the walls of Mont Saint Michel. These hotels offer a breathtaking view of the bay and the opportunity to explore the island after tourists have left.

• La Mère Poulard: This historic hotel offers traditionally furnished rooms and a restaurant famous for its omelettes. Prices vary depending on the season, but start at around €200 per night.
• Le Relais Saint-Michel: Located just outside the walls of the island, this hotel offers modern rooms with views of the bay. Prices vary depending on the season, but start at around €150 per night.
• Hôtel Gabriel: This boutique hotel is located in the lower part of the island and has recently been renovated. The rooms offer a view of the medieval streets of the island. Prices vary depending on the season, but start at around €130 per night.

Accommodation outside the island

If you prefer to save money on accommodation, there are many options available in surrounding cities such as Pontorson and Avranches. These accommodations are generally less expensive and offer a greater variety of choices.

• Hôtel Patton: Located in Pontorson, this hotel offers comfortable rooms and an on-site restaurant. Prices vary depending on the season, but start at around €70 per night.
• Ibis Budget Avranches Baie du Mont Saint Michel: Located a few kilometers from the island, this budget hotel offers simple but clean rooms. Prices vary depending on the season, but start at around €40 per night.
• Auberge de la Sélune: Located in Avranches, this historic hotel offers traditionally furnished rooms and a terrace restaurant with views of the bay. Prices vary depending on the season, but start at around €80 per night.

Regardless of your choice of accommodation, be sure to book in advance as places fill up quickly during the tourist season.

Conclusion

Mont Saint Michel is a magical and fascinating place worth visiting. If you are planning a trip from Paris, there are several transportation options available to reach the island. Keep in mind that the island can be very crowded during the tourist season, so book your accommodation in advance and plan your visit to avoid peak hours.

Whether you choose to stay on the island or in surrounding cities, Mont Saint Michel will leave you speechless with its breathtaking beauty and millenary history.