Mont Saint-Michel Abbey Tickets - Prices, Tours and Visitor Guide
What is Mont Saint-Michel Island and Abbey in Normandy?
- The island and abbey are one of the most iconic landmarks in France due to its unique location, and that it turns into an island twice per day at high tide.
- The famous abbey is known for its medieval architecture, Gothic halls, panoramic bay views and UNESCO World Heritage status, and it attracts millions of visitors every year.
- Visitors can explore the island and abbey with its ancient cloisters, crypts, grand staircases and enjoy spectacular views across the surrounding bay.
Is Mont Saint-Michel Worth Visiting?
Yes, the island is definetely worth visiting if:
- You enjoy day trips to new places steeped in history
- Photography and architecture
- Want to visit one of the most photographed and famous attractions in France.
BESTSELLER - Standard Entry Ticket (From €16.00)
- Mont Saint-Michel: Entry Ticket
- Multilingual book
- Best for most visitors
Guided Walking Tour (From €30.00)
- Access to Mont Saint-Michel Abbey if selected
- Live guide (English & French)
- Shuttle bus to village
- Duration: 2 hours
- Best for those that want to enjoy a guided tour and learn more
Mont Saint-Michel Day Trips From Paris (From €30.00)
- Mont Saint-Michel: Entry Ticket
- Guided Tour
- Transport from Paris
- Best for those that want to enjoy a day trip from Paris
Mont Saint-Michel Abbey + Alligator Bay Combination Ticket (From €30.40)
- Mont Saint-Michel: Entry Ticket
- Alligator Bay: Entry Ticket
Mont Saint-Michel Island Versus Mont Saint-Michel Abbey - Ticket Requirements
- Mont Saint-Michel Island is free - you do not need a ticket to access it.
- Visitors only require a ticket if they want to enter the famous medieval Mont Saint-Michel Abbey.
Best Time To Visit Mont Saint-Michel Island
Mont Saint-Michel does get extremely busy due toits popularity:
- Early mornings are generally quieter before the day trip coaches from Paris arrive
- Late afternoon can offer a quieter atmosphere as coaches start to leave
- High tide and low tide offer different photo opportunities
- Summer months and weekends the island gets incredibly busy
- Weekdays are quieter
Best Time for High Tide at Mont Saint-Michel
Mont Saint-Michel is famous for its pictureshe periods during high tide when it turns into an island.
How Long Does It Take to Visit Mont Saint-Michel
The amount of time you need depends on what you would like to see during your visit:
- Most spend around 1.5-2 hours visiting the abbey
- To explore the island we would suggest spending 3-5 hours in total (including the abbey)
- Day tours from Paris usually spend at the island 5+ hours plus the transport time
How to Visit Mont Saint-Michel from Paris
The distance from Paris to Mont Saint-Michel is around 360km and options include:
- Train - Around 2h 30m from Paris Montparnasse Station
- Bus - Around 4h 40m (Check Availability Day Trips from Paris)
- Car - Around 4h (please note parking is avaiable ut around 3km from the island with shuttle bus then available)
About Mont Saint-Michel Island and Mont Saint-Michel Abbey
Mont Saint-Michel is the picturesque island in Normandy that is home to Mont Saint-Michel Abbey, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that is steeped in history.
The abbey's history dates back to the 8th century (708) when Bishop Aubert built a small church on the island after he claims to have been visited by Archangel Michel multiple times in a dream. It is said that Michel asked him to build a sanctuary on the island, which at the time was known as 'Monte Tomb'.
The island grew in importance over time as it became a pilgrimage site and a centre of religious learning. The Benedictine Monks moved there in 966 and went on to built the abbey between the 11th and 16th centuries, when they realised how important the site was and in 1874, it was made a site of historical importance and listed as an historic monument.
Due to the islands unique position it is subject to one of Europe’s highest tidal variations and the tide rises by up to 15 metres twice per day and creates inceddible photo opportunities.