Mont Saint-Michel Abbey: Entry Ticket
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 Tickets and Information
- Mont Saint-Michel Address: L'Abbaye, 50170, Le Mont-Saint-Michel
- Opening Hours: 09:00 - 19:00
Is Mont Saint-Michel Worth Visiting
- More than 2-million tourists travel to Mont Saint-Michel each year, so we definitely think so, yes!
- If you like picturesque locations that are steeped in history, then yes!
What Visitors See at Mont Saint-Michel
- The Mont Saint-Michel Abbaye
- The island
- The local area
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About Mont Saint-Michel
Officially known as "Abbaye du Mont Saint-Michel," this UNESCO World Heritage Site attracts millions of visitors annually. The Abbey is on a picturesque island village in Normandy and offers history and unique charm due to its location and the fact it gets cut off from the mainland on a daily basis due to the local tides.
The abbey is on top of the island and is one of France's most iconic landmarks. The islands unique position means its actually cut off from the mainland everyday by the tide! Its one of the Europe's biggest tidal variations and rises and falls by up to 15-metres every 6 hours! It is fascinating to watch from both sides, the island and mainland!
Mont Saint-Michel's history dates back to the 8th century (708) when Bishop Aubert claims to have been visited by the Archangel Michel 3 times in a dream and asked him to build a sanctuary in his honour on an island called Mont-Tombe, which at the time was simply a rocky island. Bishop Aubert went on to built a small church on the island and dedicated to the Archangel Michel.
Between the 11th and 16th centuries, Benedictine monks established themselves on the island and then constructed the abbey we see today, with numerous additions and renovations enhancing it over the years.
Over the centuries, the abbey continued to be expanded and it evolved into a significant pilgrimage site and a renowned centre of religious learning. We now know the island as Mont Saint-Michel.
In 1874, Mont Saint-Michel was designated a historic monument, which further cemented its cultural and historical significance.
Visitors can explore the island and its stunning abbey, with over 20 rooms accessible to the public. Whether you choose to wander independently or join a guided tour, Mont Saint-Michel offers an unforgettable journey through history and natural beauty.
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Mont-Saint-Michel Abbey FAQs
- Is Mont Saint-Michel Abbey an Island?
- Due to its unique location, Mont Saint-Michel does become an island each day for about an hour whilst the tide is high!
- How 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!
- Is there boat access 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. 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
Tips for visiting
- Wear Comfortable Shoes: Given you will be doing a lot of walking on the island to explore, we suggest comfortable shoes!
- Explore the island: Although the abbey is one of the main attractions, do try and explore the rest of the island. Some of the views it offers are incredible and try and catch the rising tide - its fascinating!
How To Get There
- Abbaye du Mont Saint-Michel, L'Abbaye, 50170, Le Mont-Saint-Michel
Opening Hours
- Monday: Closed
- Tuesday: 09:30 - 18:00
- Wednesday: 09:30 - 18:00
- Thursday: 09:30 - 18:00
- Friday: 09:30 - 18:00
- Saturday: 10:30 - 18:00
- Sunday: 09:30 - 18:00
