Visit Mont-Saint-Michel: tickets, rates, times, access

The treasures of France attract you? Come visit Mont-Saint-Michel, and discover how with our full guide!

With its undulating bay from the top of its rock, Mont-Saint-Michel is such a pearl in its velvet setting. Your turn to discover how to visit Mont-Saint-Michel, go looking for its secrets. The feet on earth or the head in the air, the mountain has many things to offer you, and yet it does not leave itself so easily unveiled.

Mont-Saint-Michel is also the most frequented monument in Normandy, with its millions of annual visitors. It is that his mystery attracts the crowds. But with our guide, discover how to visit Mont-Saint-Michel otherwise!

So you ready?

Le Mont-Saint-Michel in a few words

Before bearing this name, he was known as the “Mont Tombe”, a place of religious non-Christian worship. At the beginning of the Middle Ages, the rocky mountain is still a granitic excretion in the middle of a sandy bay. It was in 709, following the christianization of the mountain in 708, that the Abbey of Mont-Saint-Michel will be built.

All around it, a small village later developed, today common with about thirty inhabitants, the Montois. Architectural prowess with countless secrets, the abbey impresses by its size and the different roles it has played over time. First collegial Saint-Michel, she was then Benedictine abbey before being an intellectual development center, among others.

It is at the end of the 19th century that it becomes again a religious place. The development of tourism will also give it a second breath and make this abbey the tourist place we know today.

Now that we know more about it, let’s finally discover how to visit Mont-Saint-Michel!

1. On foot

It is still the easiest and cheapest way to visit Mont-Saint-Michel, or museums. There are four of them:

• The Historical museum ;
• The Maritime museum ;
• remains of the Knight of the Guesclin (the Tiphaine Logis);
• And Larchaeoscope.

But beyond museums, it is possible for you to visit Abbaye du Mont-Saint-Michel . You can also take the time to walk in the small streets formed under the abbey, to discover the inhabitants and the shops of the commune. The authenticity of buildings and their stone facades will make you travel in time!

It is also possible to book guided hikes in the Baie du Mont-Saint-Michel to discover the places from what surrounds them.

At what price?

The museums and the Abbey of Mont-Saint-Michel are free for people under the age of 18. A reduced rate is offered to persons between the ages of 18 and 25.

• Visiting a museum will cost you 9€ for adult entry, 4€ at a reduced rate. However, there are packages 2 and 4 museums, costing respectively 12€ and 18€ full and 9€ and 12€ in reduced tariff;
• A free visit to the Abbey of Mont-Saint-Michel costs 9€. If you opt for an audioguide, add this 3€ rental. For a guided tour by lecturer, count 400€ for a group of up to 30 people. Finally, private guided tours are possible and provide access to closed rooms such as the Notre-Dame-sous-Terre church. However, you need to manage the booking pricing. You can choose a professional card guide or mandate a guide from the National Monuments Centre;
• Otherwise for guided hikes, count on average 15€ per person for a walking discovery of the Bay.

2. Bike

Among the different ways to visit Mont-Saint-Michel, here is a very ecological one: the bike! Increasingly popular, the bike is today a perfect way to discover a place at its pace. In addition, you become more familiar with the environment! So you have the choice to come to Mont-Saint-Michel by bike or simply walk around.

It should be noted that bicycles are not allowed on the Mont itself. You can, from recently, cross the bridge to the foot of the mountain, but you will then have to park your bike on the parking lot equipped with suitable devices.

There are three areas on which to park your bike (crows):

• Parking near Tourist Information Centre;
• Near the dam;
• As well as next to the Place du Barrage.

La Véloscénie

La Véloscénie a route established in France to connect Paris and Mont-Saint-Michel. Through the French countryside, with roads and fields, discover two Regional Natural Parks: the Perche Regional Natural Park and Normandy Main.

Finally, you can also admire a multitude of other landscapes throughout the course.

At what price?

Visit Mont-Saint-Michel by bike, or at least get closer, will only cost you the rental price if you do not have your own bike. It must be recognized that prices vary according to the hires, season and bike chosen. Because, indeed, you can opt for a classic bike, a mountain bike or an electric bike.

• Count on average between 8€ and 15€ half day for a classic bike, and between 15€ and 25€ for the full day. Rentals are also possible during the week.

Note: Don’t forget to plan (or rent a security helmet as a supplement) and wear clothes not too large and comfortable!

3. Hot air balloon

What more magical than visiting Mont-Saint-Michel from the heavens, to the gentle and pleasant look of the balloon. If this flying device may seem crazy, because it is still a giant canvas powered by fire, it is also a way very appreciated by dreamers and dreamers. And discovering Mont-Saint-Michel in Montgolfière adds even more magic to the visit of this authentic place.

See the smallest areas of the mountain, its admirable abbey but also embrace the bay that extends to the horizon... For a period of time 45 minutes to 1 hour depending on the weather and especially the winds, take the time to appreciate the view and the sensations!

At what price?

The balloon flight has a price. Training on the operation of a balloon is included in most providers. Some of them also offer a small tasting after the flight so that you can exchange with your monitor or other passengers (if you have not booked a private flight).

• Plan 390€ per person for a classic balloon flight.

4. Sailing tank (cross the bay)

The sailing tank is one of the few outdoor activities that is accessible all year round, summer and winter. This small, three-wheeled, three-wheeled bolide has existed since the seventeenth century. It also allows you to travel very easily and without polluting!

You will need to wear a security helmet because it is possible to reach, sometimes, relatively high speeds. But no worries, a monitor will teach you how to react if speed increases and you should get out of it. The sailing tank is a good idea to experience sensations!

Sitting in your hull then go to the conquest of the Baie du Mont-Saint-Michel, with the winds and waves of the still wet sand.

At what price?

Unlike what one might think, a one-hour session to discover the Baie du Mont-Saint-Michel in a sail tank is not so expensive. Provide gloves and sunglasses. Also, in cooler periods or in mixed times, think about the hat and the windbreak.

• Get the sum of money20€ 1 hour sail tank.

5. ULM

Let's finish our tour of the way to visit Mont-Saint-Michel with ultra-light motorized gear, more known as ULM. Behind these appellations there are mini-planes, open, able to carry one to two people. There are several types, and the most common for tourist activity are the pendulum and the gyrocopter (autogire). Moreover, the sensations aboard a ULM are falling apart: the wind, images and sounds are different.

Despite an engine, the ULM rarely exceeds the 70 km/h, so you will have all the leisure to observe the Mont-Saint-Michel rock under all the seams. Of course, the overflight of the mountain itself is forbidden, you can also observe the surroundings and enjoy the incredible colors that the bay offers.

In the mysterious setting of Mont-Saint-Michel and its bay, go on adventure from the air and conquer the sublime landscapes that stretch, colorful, under your feet!

At what price?

According to providers, prices vary significantly. Afterwards, several types of flights are available, ranging from basic flight to passionate flight, longer (up to 2 hours). Attention, ULM passengers must weigh at maximum 95 kg and this activity is only accessible to children from 10 years old.

• For a discovery flight, count between 80€ and 95€. You can find specially designed flights for children to 50€ ;
• If a passionate flight interests you, plan between 200€ and 335€ according to your provider and the circuit made;
• There are other circuits between these two, based on different durations and circuits. For these, the rates change between 120€ and 275€. It will be up to you to choose what is best for you.

You now know the different ways to visit Mont-Saint-Michel. But who will have your favor? Tell us in the comments!

6. Paragliding

Another way to see Mont-Saint-Michel seen from the top: paragliding. Like the ULM, you will discover the places from a more original point of view, while offering strong sensations! Moreover, flights are allowed for children under the age of 10 years. The flight will be framed, and your children will be filled.

Last non-negligible detail, starting point may vary. It’s up to you to choose!

At what price?

• For a simple and fast jump (10 minutes), prices turn around 70€ ;
• For a child jump, usually count 10€ additional ;
• For longer and more acrobatic flights, a minimum of 100€.

7. En parachute tandem

Send yourself in the air, yes, but two? Well, it is quite possible. For this, you will have to throw your devotee on the tandem parachute. If each will be in duo with a monitor, your jump will (according to the formula) take place at the same time! A perfect idea to keep a compelling memory of the day you came to visit Mont-Saint-Michel.

At what price?

• For a classic tandem jump (1 person per plane), count 373€ ;
• For a simultaneous tandem jump (start in the same plane), the price climbs to 746€ ;

8. Horse riding

Let's finish your feet on earth... or almost! The majority of people who come to visit Mont-Saint-Michel also benefit from its bay. So you can do the same on horseback! Indeed, it is possible to enjoy the maritime landscape, and the surroundings of the mountain, on the back of canasson.

The place is flat, it is the perfect opportunity to offer its very first horse ride. At the same time, at the galop or at the trot, the view of one of the most beautiful monuments in France.

At what price?

• The 1h30 ride costs about 150€ ;
• Some providers offer a basket of local products;

Tips to visit Mont-Saint-Michel : go, park, the best period

How to get to Mont-Saint-Michel

Several means of transport are available:

• By car: From Paris, it takes 4 hours to the A13, and then the A84 to Caen. The southern part of the A84 also allows to reach the Mont from Rennes and Nantes. If you come from the South of France, join Bourges and Le Mans to borrow the A81 to the destination;
• By train: No TGV station is located near Mont-Saint-Michel. Therefore, you will have to stop at Caen, then take a TER to Pontorson Station. A shuttle will allow you to complete the journey.
• By bus : if you want to go to Mont-Saint-Michel by bus, you will first have to take a big line (Flixbus, Blablabus, etc.) to Brittany. The aim is to reach Dol-de-Bretagne, where a regional bus can connect.
• By plane : If you choose the plane, know that you can only approach the place. We recommend Caen Airport, located not far away. Then the journey will have to end in TER. To find a flight at the best price, you can help you with a hotel comparison such as Skyscanner. If Caen is not served from your area, Rennes Airport is another alternative.

Where to park near Mont-Saint-Michel?

If you are visiting Mont-Saint-Michel, know that a large paid parking lot is available. Once parked, you will reach the site with the shuttle planned for this purpose.

You can also opt for free parking. Nevertheless, you will be parked much further and walking minutes are to be expected. The best way is to park near the green track, which you can use to finish your way to Mont-Saint-Michel.

What is the best time to visit Mont-Saint-Michel?

It is possible to visit Mont-Saint-Michel all year round. However, in the summer, the site is stormed by tourists. Winter in Normandy may be unpleasant, which does not make it a good time either. Therefore, spring remains the best period. Indeed, between April and June, the weather is rather clemency and tourists are not too many.