Inspiration
Mont Saint-Michel, Normandy's most famous spot
Discover the magic of Mont Saint-Michel, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the most iconic landmarks in Normandy.
Press the down arrow key to interact with the calendar and select a date. Press the question mark key to get the keyboard shortcuts for changing dates.
Press the down arrow key to interact with the calendar and select a date. Press the question mark key to get the keyboard shortcuts for changing dates.
Visit Mont Saint-Michel in Normandy
Mont Saint-Michel is one of the most extraordinary places in France. At low tide, this island is surrounded by a landscape of mudflats; at high tide, it seems to float in the sea. The highest point, abbey La Merveille, towers over everything and can be seen from far away, making the island fairytale-like. You visit Mont Saint-Michel in the northern French region of Normandy, where it is located 1 km from the municipality of Avranches. It is therefore easy to visit by car from the Netherlands, in any season.
This is what makes Mont Saint-Michel so special
Declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the island is famous for several reasons. The surrounding bay is known for its impressive difference in water levels. This averages 10 m. When the tide comes in, the water rises at lightning speed. Want to experience with what kind of speed such a spring tide comes at you? Then keep an eye on this website when planning your visit! Despite the high tide, the medieval abbey complex always catches the eye. You can get lost here for hours and discover all sorts of things. Or walk through it with a guide or audio tour, so you can learn all about the history of this place.
Unique opportunity: mudflat hiking at low tide
A few times a day the tide is low at Mont Saint-Michel, when the landscape around the island is dry. You then have the chance to walk the mud flats: a unique and recommended activity. Just don't go out on your own! It occasionally becomes dangerous: the ground can turn into quicksand or fog can suddenly appear. It is wiser to go out with a guide who knows how to get out of such situations. It also makes it more fun! You immediately find out things about the area that would otherwise pass you by.
When to visit Mont Saint-Michel?
If you are going on holiday to Normandy, then Mont Saint-Michel is definitely worth a day trip. The island itself can be visited every day and the abbey is always open except on 1 January, 1 May and 25 December. In summer, it is a lot busier than in other seasons. Want to visit La Merveille in July or August? Then buy your €10 ticket in advance, so you don't have to queue as long. Parking is required outside the island, and from there you walk about 2 km over a bridge. To put the car away, you have to pay, except between 19:00 and 02:00. And visiting the island at that time is not such a bad idea: with a bit of luck, you will enjoy a beautiful sunset from Mont Saint-Michel!
Can't wait to discover Mont Saint-Michel, the mudflats and the bay? Then check out our cottages in Normandy in advance!