The timeless treasure of Mont Saint-Michel rises from the sea like a fantasy castle. This small island, located off the coast in northern France, is attacked by the highest tides in Europe. Aubert, Bishop of Avranches, built the small church at the request of the Archangel Michael, chief of the ethereal militia. A small church was dedicated on October 16, 709.
The Duke of Normandy requested a community of Benedictines to live on the rock in 966. It led to the construction of the pre-Romanesque church over the peak of the rock. The very first monastery buildings were established along the north wall of the church. The 12th century saw an extension of the buildings to the west and south. In the 14th century, the abbey was protected behind some military constructions, to escape the effects of the Hundred Years War. However, in the 15th century, the Romanesque church was substituted with the Gothic Flamboyant chancel.
The medieval castle turned church has become one of the important tourist destinations of France. The township consists of several shops, restaurants, and small hotels.
Travel Tips
- Remember that the tides here are very rough.
- Do not try to walk over sand as it is dangerous.
- Get the help of a guide if you wish to take a stroll over the tidal mudflats.
- The Mount has steep steps; climb carefully.
Mont St-Michel Location Map
Facts about Mont St-Michel
- The Mont St-Michel and its Bay were inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1979.
- The small island spreads over 6,560 hectares.
- During the French Revolution, the abbey was turned into a prison.
- The church receives about three million visitors annually.
Where is Mont St-Michel ?
The surreal Mont St-Michel island is located in Normandy, France. A bike or a car is the best way to reach the Mont. There is no direct train to reach here. You may also choose to travel in a bus that stops just at the gate of the Mont.
Address: Mont Saint-Michel, 50170, Le Mont-Saint-Michel, France
Best time to visit Mont St-Michel
The Mont Saint-Michel experiences the peak season during high summer. The evening time is the perfect time to visit the Mont.
Mont St-Michel Hours
The Mont opens from 9:00 a.m. till 7:00 p.m. every day during the high season (July and August). During the medium season, March and October (except school holidays), it opens from 9:30 a.m. till 12:30 a.m. and from 2:00 p.m. till 6:00 p.m. daily. During the low season (November, December, January, February), except school holidays, it opens from 10:00 a.m. till 12:30 p.m. and from 2:00 p.m. till 5:00 p.m. throughout the week.
The Tourist Office is closed on December 25 and January 1.
More about Mont St-Michel
What are the coordinates of the Mont Saint-Michel?
48.6360° N, 1.5114° W
Which are the interesting places near the Mont Saint-Michel?
Cathedrale Notre Dame de Bayeux, Pegasus Bridge, Musee Airborne, Pointe du Hoc, Falaise d’Etretat, and Saint Catherine’s Church.
Related : Distance from Saint L France to Mont Saint Michel France
Image Credit : Benh
Don’t Miss France major attractions : Paris, Chamonix, Eiffel Tower, Gorges du Verdon, La Madeleine, Musee d’Orsay, Mont Saint-Michel, Notre Dame De Paris, Louvre Museum, Chartres Cathedral, Versailles, Triumphal Arch of Orange, Reims Cathedral, Chateau de Fontainebleau (Palace of Fontainebleau).