Le Mont-Saint-Michel
Le Mont-Saint-Michel, Medieval abbey on a tidal island in Normandy, France
Description
Le Mont-Saint-Michel is a medieval abbey on a rocky island in Normandy, completely surrounded by water at high tide. The island rises sharply from the bay, with a village at the base and the abbey at the summit, and narrow lanes wind upward between stone walls and old houses.
History
A bishop from Avranches built a chapel in the 8th century after seeing a vision of Archangel Michael in his dreams. Benedictine monks later fortified the site and added Gothic monastery buildings that grew over several centuries.
Culture
Walking through the village means passing half-timbered houses and small guesthouses where innkeepers set tables in narrow alleys and serve regional dishes. Pilgrims still make the final climb on foot, ascending the steep steps to the abbey church as they have done for centuries.
Practical
Anyone planning to visit should know the tide schedule, as water levels in the bay can shift dramatically within a few hours. The narrow alleys and steep staircases make the climb tiring, especially on days when many people are walking up at once.
Did you know?
The sea sometimes retreats so far that sand stretches to the horizon, but the tide can cut off access completely in less than an hour. Only around 30 people live permanently on the island, even though millions of visitors come through each year.
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide. Discover all places nearby (Manche).
This collection guides travelers to destinations around the world sought by couples for romantic stays. The selection includes natural wonders such as Niagara Falls on the Ontario and New York border, Victoria Falls between Zambia and Zimbabwe, and Milford Sound in New Zealand. Historic sites like...
Mont Saint-Michel De Coulon
106 m
Mont-Saint-Michel Abbey
90 m
GR 34
99 m
La Mère Poulard
69 m
Mont-Saint-Michel and its Bay
23 m
Ramparts of Mont Saint-Michel
47 m
Eglise Saint-Pierre du Mont Saint-Michel
67 m
Chapelle Saint-Aubert
244 m
Porte du Roy
60 m
Pont-passerelle du Mont Saint-Michel
306 m
Fontaine Saint-Aubert
244 m
Monument aux morts du Mont-Saint-Michel
65 m
Croix du cimetière du Mont-Saint-Michel
45 m
Porte du Boulevard
78 m
Cimetière communal
48 m
Hôtel du Mouton Blanc
36 m
Tour Boucle
114 m
Niedriger Turm
63 m
Tour Gabriel
68 m
Maison du Pot de cuivre
94 m
Königsturm
68 m
Villa Bellevue
50 m
Logis Tiphaine Raguenel
88 m
Hôtel Saint-Pierre
29 m
Enceinte des Fanils
206 m
Maison de l'Artichaut
27 m
Turm Denis
45 m
Tour du Nord
148 mDiscover hidden gems everywhere you go!
From secret cafés to breathtaking viewpoints, skip the crowded tourist spots and find places that match your style. Our app makes it easy with voice search, smart filtering, route optimization, and insider tips from travelers worldwide. Download now for the complete mobile experience.
A unique approach to discovering new places❞
— Le Figaro
All the places worth exploring❞
— France Info
A tailor-made excursion in just a few clicks❞
— 20 Minutes