Mont-Saint-Michel Abbey: Tickets
A medieval must-see by the beaches of Normandy
- Abbaye du Mont Saint-Michel: Entry Ticket
- Booklet available on site in French, English, German, Dutch, Italian, Spanish, Russian, Chinese, Japanese, Polish, Portuguese, Korean
Mont Saint-Michel Abbey Tickets and Information
- Mont Saint-Michel Abbey Address: L'Abbaye, 50170, Le Mont-Saint-Michel
- Opening Hours: 09:00 - 19:00
Is Mont Saint-Michel Abbey Worth Visiting
- With more than 2-million visitors each year, we definitely think so, yes! If you like picturesque locations offering incredible views steeped in history, then yes!
What You See When Visiting Mont Saint-Michel
- The Mont Saint-Michel Abbaye
- The island
- The local area
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About Mont Saint-Michel Abbey
To give it its official name, “Abbaye du Mont Saint-Michel” is a UNESCO World Heritage Site that welcomes millions of visitors each year. A picturesque island village in Normandy that is steeped in history.
A medieval abbey sitting on top of a rock that is one of the most famous landmarks in France. Its unique location means the tides cut its off from the mainland each day turning it into an island as the tide rises until it falls back!
The history of Mont Saint-Michel dates back to the 8th century (708) when Bishop Aubert built a small church on the island after claiming to have been visited by Archangel Michel 3 times in a dream, asking him to build a sanctuary on what was known at the time as 'Monte Tombe', now known as Mont Saint-Michel.
Over the centuries, the island grew in importance as a pilgrimage site and a centre of religious learning. The iconic abbey was constructed by the Benedictine Monks between the 11th and 16th centuries (they moved there in 966), when they realised how important the location was. Various additions and renovations have since been made over time.
It was then made a site of historical importance in 1874 when it was listed as a historic monument.
The island sits in a unique location and is subject to one of Europe’s highest tidal variations, which is how it becomes an island each day as the tide rises up to 15 metres in just 6 hours! You can still cross over the special footpath at hightide though.
You can explore the island and the abbey with over 20 rooms open to the public. You can either explore by yourself or as part of a guided tour. See our ticket options for further details.
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Mont Saint-Michel Abbey FAQs
- Is Mont Saint-Michel Abbey located on an Island?
- Due to its unique location, it becomes an island during high tide each day for about an hour. Then, when the water falls back, the beach is uncovered again!
- Are there many steps to climb at Mont Saint-Michel?
- There are quite a few steps to climb. Around 350 in total but not all together. 350 will get you to the top in the Abbey!
- Do you have to take a boat to get to Mont Saint-Michel?
- No, there is a walkway to cross. You can cross the walkway using special transportation put on by the location or on foot. There is a car park around 2.5km away from the location.
Mont Saint-Michel Fun Facts
- Tidal Island: Mont Saint-Michel is a tidal island, which means it’s accessible by foot during low tide, but becomes an island when high tide comes in! The tides are known to rise very quickly due to the island’s unique location, making it a dramatic sight!
- Historical Origins: The island’s history dates back to 708 AD when, according to legend, the Archangel Michael appeared to Aubert, the Bishop of Avranches, and instructed him to build a sanctuary in his honour on the rocky island.
- Abbey on Top: The crown jewel of Mont Saint-Michel is the Benedictine Abbey that sits at the summit of the island. Built over several centuries, it includes a mixture of architectural styles, including Gothic, Romanesque, and Carolingian.
- A Pilgrimage Site: Mont Saint-Michel has been an important site of Christian pilgrimage for centuries. Pilgrims would walk across the treacherous tidal sands to reach the abbey, following the so-called "Paths of Paradise."
- Strategic Fortress: Due to its location and difficult accessibility, Mont Saint-Michel was used as a fortress during several conflicts, including the Hundred Years' War. Its walls were able to withstand multiple sieges by the English.
- World Heritage Site: In 1979, Mont Saint-Michel and its surrounding bay were designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site for their cultural and historical significance, as well as their natural beauty!
- Changing Access: Historically, Mont Saint-Michel was only accessible by foot during low tide, but a causeway was built in the 19th century, allowing access at all times. In 2014, the causeway was replaced by a more environmentally friendly bridge.
- Population: The permanent population of Mont Saint-Michel is very small, with fewer than 30 people living on the island. Most of these residents are monks or nuns living in the abbey.
- Influence on Pop Culture: Mont Saint-Michel has inspired various fictional locations in pop culture, most notably the design of Minas Tirith in The Lord of the Rings and the Kingdom of Corona in Disney's Tangled.
- A Place for Contemplation: Despite its touristic popularity, Mont Saint-Michel remains a place of spiritual importance.
Useful Information About Mont Saint-Michel Abbey
Tips for visiting Mont Saint-Michel Abbey:
- Plan Your Visit During Off-Peak Times: Mont Saint Michel can get extremely crowded, especially during the summer months and weekends. To avoid the crowds, try to visit early in the morning or later in the afternoon, and consider going on a weekday rather than a weekend.
- Check the Tide Schedule: Mont Saint Michel is an island during high tide and connected to the mainland during low tide. Be sure to check the tide schedule beforehand so you can plan your visit accordingly. During high tide, the island becomes even more picturesque, but during low tide, you can explore the surrounding bay (with caution and guidance).
- Wear Comfortable Footwear: The climb up to the abbey involves steep and uneven steps, so it's important to wear comfortable shoes.
- Take a Guided Tour: To fully appreciate the history and architecture of the abbey, consider a guided tour option. The tours provide valuable insights and stories that you might miss if exploring on your own. Audio guides are also available if you prefer a self-paced tour.
How To Get There
- Abbaye du Mont Saint-Michel, L'Abbaye, 50170, Le Mont-Saint-Michel
Opening Hours
- Monday: 09:00 - 19:00
- Tuesday: 09:00 - 19:00
- Wednesday: 09:00 - 19:00
- Thursday: 09:00 - 19:00
- Friday: 09:00 - 19:00
- Saturday: 09:00 - 19:00
- Sunday: 09:00 - 19:00
