A small but formidable island, when I drive the freeway to go for a visit, I watch for her to first appear off in the distance like a kid waiting for a glimpse of Disneyland.

The freeway runs parallel to the bay, and at one point, the road crests, and as you start your descent, the view opens up to the bay, with the massive Mont Saint-Michel looming off in the distance.

The island is the second most visited location in France, receiving more than 2.5 million visitors per year on her tiny 4 km (2.5 mile) space.

Arriving

Arriving at Mont Saint-Michel (MSM) by car, bike, or bus is the same experience. I was a bit surprised the first time I visited this destination because, like a theme park, you drive into expansive series of parking lots built into the bay, quite a distance from the monument. I had never seen that before in France, and it really hit home how many people visit the island.

From the parking lots, guests are directed to a shuttle area. Cars are not allowed on or near the island, so you will need to take a shuttle or walk to access MSM. The price of your car park gives you access to the shuttle for free. There is also a paid option to take a horse-drawn carriage.

If the lines for both are long, I tend to walk, which is a lovely, flat, and easy way to approach the island. It's nice to stretch your legs after the drive to reach MSM. There are interpretive signs along the path that introduces you to the bay, tides, polders, and the salt marsh sheep. The walk is about 45 minutes.

This day trip is a LONG day of walking, so I highly recommend bringing comfortable, stable shoes that you know you can be on your feet for the entire day. If someone in your party has difficulty walking on cobblestone and ascending/descending inclines and stairs, please consider this.

The island is a workout!

Tips & Tricks

Parking Lot Photo: Use your phone to take a photo of your parking lot location sign. This will help you quickly return to your vehicle at the end of the day.
Picnic: Bring a picnic lunch for a healthy and cost-saving mid-day dining option.
Restroom: When you first enter MSM, the public restrooms are immediately in front of you. There is also a bathroom at the parking lot shuttle station.

Inside the Island

As you walk through the gates of MSM, it feels a bit magical, almost unreal, like you're stepping onto a Disney movie set. It does get a rather theme park-like with loads of tourist shops along the main road.

I am not sure how many times I have been to the island now, as it is a popular request with guests visiting my country home in Bretagne. I have tried a different restaurant each time I go, and I simply cannot advise you of any dining experience that I have found to be worth the money.

My top recommendation is to pack a picnic lunch. To keep things lightweight, a simple but classic baguette sandwich is a perfect option with zero clean-up and waste. You can purchase bottled water or drink while on the island.

If the weather is not amenable to that experience, I'd suggest the hidden creperie called La Sirène Lochet. Look for the antique sign hanging above and enter the gift store. The restaurant is accessed via a staircase in the back and is located on the 1st floor of the building. Seating is very limited, so arrive early.

Tips & Tricks

Crowd Avoidance: If you are adverse to crowds like I am, consider visiting MSM during late autumn, early winter, or the month of April.
Picnic Spot: Walking past the entrance of the Abbaye, follow the cobblestone path and you'll find a small park with amazing views. The park is located on Google Maps as Logis Sainte-Catherine. This is also how you access La Tour Gabriel and a hidden path to the bay.

Moving off the main street is always a relief, as it can get packed, wall-to-wall people in that narrow space. My favorite spaces on MSM are the ramparts (the views are stunning!), the area around the North tower, the picnic park I mentioned, and, of course, the Abbaye.

I cannot emphasize enough to purchase your tickets (11 euros) to the Abbaye in advance. This allows you to skip the line and immediately enter the vast building. I recommend that you allocate most of your time here to move through these spaces at your own pace. The Abbaye is huge. I linger in certain rooms and areas, such as the stunningly beautiful cloitre with a jaw-dropping view of the bay, the réfectoire, the main church, and all of her outdoor spaces only accessible through the Abbaye.

When planning your trip to MSM, check the Abbaye's website for special events and concerts. This year, in July and August, a unique artistic and sensory moment is offered in the abbey of Mont-Saint-Michel at nightfall from 7:30 PM to midnight.

Sound and visual effects, installations, and artistic performances transform and magnify each space of the abbey. This year, they are offering a unique immersive journey with headphones. You will be carried by the voice of Stéphane Bern, who is passionate about French history and an excellent storyteller.

Strolling through the different rooms of the abbey in the evening means enjoying the calm of the abbey church, heading towards the west terrace, and admiring the magnificent sunsets over the bay of Mont Saint-Michel.

Tickets and detailed information are accessible here: https://nocturnes-abbaye.fr/en/

Tickets to this event are 14 euros.

One of the things that I enjoy about MSM is that it is dog-friendly! The only part of the island that they cannot access is the Abbaye. Dogs are accepted on the bay, but I wouldn't suggest it as you'll need to find a wash station after to rinse off all the mud!

I see families with strollers here, but they struggle with the crowds and cobblestones. Strollers are NOT allowed in the Abbaye. If bringing a little, I suggest wearing a baby backpack carrier.

Leaving the island is the same as arriving, just in reverse. Be sure to have your parking pass handy, and you can pre-pay for the space on your way out at the kiosks near the shuttles.

Sometimes, I just choose to sit at one of the many benches along the bay and watch the seagulls and sheep, waiting for the mass exodus to slow down to a trickle before attempting to leave. There's no rush when departing such a special place!

Bisous and bon voyage, darlings!