Mont Saint Michel Tourist Information and Tourism

(Mont Saint Michel, Normandy, France)



Island picture in the summerFamous the world over, the island of Mont Saint Michel has become one of the most visited of all the tourist attractions within the northerly Normandy region of France. Although this is a relatively small island, linked to the mainland by a long causeway, its picture-postcard appearance has attracted visitors for years, being topped by the iconic Mont Saint Michel Abbey, a fairytale castle-like building, which appears to be right out of a Disney movie.

The island has managed to retain much of its medieval appearance and character, being encircled by historic walls, battlements and ramparts. Mont Saint Michel Bay surrounds the island and is well known for its strong seasonal tides, which recede for around six hours to reveal literally miles of bare sand.





Picture of beach in nearby St. MaloMont Saint Michel warrants the attention that it deserves, although in the summer, the crowds of tourists and constant coaches can mean that it quickly becomes crowded. However, these crowds can generally be avoided by simply visiting the island later in the afternoon, when it is usually noticeably quieter.

If you require tourist information when you arrive on the island, the Mont Saint Michel Tourist Office can be found in the main gateway at the far end of the causeway, which is known as the Porte de l'Avancée.

View of the island and sweeping coast

Mont Saint Michel Tourist Information and Tourism: Top Sights

Although Mont Saint Michel Abbey is unquestionably the reason that so many tourists visit the island, there are actually many more quality attractions both here and literally a matter of minutes away. These include microlight flights, horse riding around the bay, the beaches on the island of Tombelaine, fairground rides at the Ange Michel Leisure Park, marine creatures at the Roc Aquarium, lions at Champrépus Zoo, and various reptiles at Alligator Bay. Visitors wishing to explore Mont Saint Michel and the surrounding area properly often choose to stay close by, in the nearby town of Pontorson, where the Eglise Notre Dame is yet another sight to see. More information about Mont Saint Michel Tourist Attractions and Landmarks.

Close-up photograph ofthe AbbeySteeped in more than 1,000 years' worth of history, the island of Mont Saint Michel is really like one giant museum in its own right. However, on the island, there are actually a number of reasonable museums worthy of some time, particularly around the central Grande Rue. These include the Archéoscope, which provides a host of information about Mont Saint Michele by means of a multimedia presentation. The Museum of Maritime and Ecology, and the Museum of History are also especially noteworthy, but all of the others are really best avoided unless you have some spare time on your hands. More information about Mont Saint Michel Museums.

Picture of tourists on the causewayIf you are holidaying in this part of Normandy and have seen all you wish to see on Mont Saint Michel, then you will find quite a choice of nearby towns and cities vying for your attention. Many tourists choose to base themselves next to Mont Saint Michel and take day trips to destinations such as Cancale, Cherbourg and Dinard. St. Malo is also nearby and home to some breathtaking sandy beaches, as well as an ancient cathedral, a large castle (Fort National) and its superb Grand Aquarium. Alternatively, the beaches of the D-Day Landing are relatively close by and include both Omaha Beach and Utah Beach. More information about Mont Saint Michel Attractions Nearby.

More Mont Saint Michel Information / Fast Facts and Orientation