Mont Saint Michel is a small island located off the coast of Normandy, France. It is known for its stunning medieval architecture and its important role in French history.
The island has been a place of pilgrimage for over a thousand years, with the first chapel being built on the site in the 8th century. By the 11th century, a Benedictine monastery had been built on the island, and Mont Saint Michel became a major center of learning and religious devotion.
Throughout the Middle Ages, the island was heavily fortified and played a crucial role in defending the region against invading forces. In the 15th century, the abbey was expanded and renovated, and it became one of the most important pilgrimage sites in Europe.
Mont Saint Michel continued to thrive as a religious and cultural center throughout the Renaissance and the Enlightenment. However, during the French Revolution, the island was confiscated by the government and used as a prison.
In the 19th century, Mont Saint Michel was restored to its former glory, and it has since become a popular tourist destination, attracting millions of visitors each year. In 1979, it was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site, recognizing its importance as a cultural and historical landmark.
Here are 23 fun and best things to do in Mont Saint Michel.
- Visit the Abbey: The Abbey of Mont Saint Michel is one of the most iconic landmarks in France, and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Take a guided tour to learn about its history and architecture.
- Walk the Ramparts: The Ramparts offer stunning views of the island, the bay, and the surrounding countryside. Take a walk along the walls to appreciate the scenery.
- Explore the Village: The village surrounding the Abbey is full of medieval architecture, narrow streets, and charming shops and restaurants.
- Watch the Tides: The Mont Saint Michel Bay has the highest tides in Europe, which can rise up to 14 meters. Watch the tide come in and out from the island’s causeway.
- Visit the Maritime Museum: Learn about the history of the bay, including the tides, fishing, and maritime transport, at the Maritime Museum.
- Take a Guided Tour: Take a guided tour of the island to learn about its history, legends, and architecture.
- Attend a Classical Music Concert: The Abbey hosts classical music concerts throughout the year, showcasing talented musicians in a stunning setting.
- Enjoy the View from the Top of the Abbey: Climb to the top of the Abbey’s tower for a breathtaking view of the surrounding area.
- Take a Walk on the Beach: The beach around Mont Saint Michel offers stunning views of the island, the bay, and the surrounding countryside.
- Visit the Archaeoscope: The Archaeoscope is an immersive multimedia experience that tells the story of the island’s history and legends.
- Explore the Nature Reserve: The Mont Saint Michel Bay is home to a rich biodiversity, including migratory birds, seals, and rare plants. Explore the Nature Reserve to learn about its ecology.
- Take a Horse-Drawn Carriage Ride: Experience the island like a medieval pilgrim by taking a horse-drawn carriage ride around the village.
- Visit the Botanical Garden: The Botanical Garden on the island showcases the local flora and fauna, including medicinal plants, flowers, and vegetables.
- Try the Local Cuisine: Mont Saint Michel is known for its delicious seafood, omelettes, and cider. Visit a local restaurant to taste the traditional cuisine.
- Take a Sunset Stroll: The island is beautiful at any time of day, but especially at sunset. Take a stroll on the ramparts or the beach to enjoy the view.
- Attend a Religious Service: The Abbey still holds regular religious services, including mass and vespers, which visitors are welcome to attend.
- Visit the Museum of History: The Museum of History showcases the island’s rich cultural heritage, including its religious, military, and maritime history.
- Take a Boat Tour: Take a boat tour of the bay to appreciate the stunning landscape from a different perspective.
- Visit the Church of Saint-Pierre: The Church of Saint-Pierre is a beautiful Romanesque church located at the foot of the island, with stunning stained-glass windows and sculptures.
- Shop for Souvenirs: The village is full of charming shops selling souvenirs, including postcards, magnets, and local crafts.
- Attend a Light Show: The Abbey hosts a spectacular light show that showcases the building’s architecture and history, with special effects and music.
- Visit the Cloister: The Abbey’s cloister is a peaceful and beautiful space, surrounded by gardens and with stunning views of the surrounding area.
- Take a Bike Tour: Mont Saint Michel and the surrounding countryside offer many beautiful biking routes. Rent a bike and explore the area.
Here are 10 places similar to Mont Saint Michel and their locations:
- Saint Michael’s Mount, England: Located in Cornwall, England, Saint Michael’s Mount is a tidal island with a castle and a medieval church, similar to Mont Saint Michel.
- Holy Island, Scotland: Located off the coast of Northumberland, Scotland, Holy Island is another tidal island with a castle and an ancient monastery.
- Skellig Michael, Ireland: Located off the coast of County Kerry, Ireland, Skellig Michael is a UNESCO World Heritage Site with a 6th-century monastery, accessible by boat.
- Meteora, Greece: Located in central Greece, Meteora is a collection of medieval monasteries built on top of towering rock formations.
- Mont-Saint-Michel-de-Brasparts, France: Located in Brittany, France, Mont-Saint-Michel-de-Brasparts is a small village with a hilltop chapel and stunning views of the surrounding countryside.
- Rocamadour, France: Located in the Dordogne region of France, Rocamadour is a medieval village built on the side of a cliff, with a famous pilgrimage site and a number of religious buildings.
- San Juan de Gaztelugatxe, Spain: Located in the Basque Country, Spain, San Juan de Gaztelugatxe is a small island with a church and a winding staircase, accessible by foot.
- Monastery of Montserrat, Spain: Located near Barcelona, Spain, the Monastery of Montserrat is a Benedictine abbey built on a mountain, with stunning views and a famous statue of the Black Madonna.
- Kotor, Montenegro: Located on the Bay of Kotor in Montenegro, Kotor is a medieval town with a fortified old town and a stunning natural setting.
- Tsarevets Fortress, Bulgaria: Located in Veliko Tarnovo, Bulgaria, Tsarevets Fortress is a medieval fortress with a castle, churches, and stunning views of the surrounding area.