Mont Saint-Michel

Abbey Le Mont-Saint-Michel, Normandy, France

What to expect

The Mont-Saint-Michel is a stunning island located in the midst of vast sandbanks exposed to powerful tides, between Normandy and Brittany. The island is home to a breathtaking Gothic-style Benedictine abbey dedicated to the Archangel St Michel, and a village that grew up in the shadow of its walls. The abbey, built between the 11th and 16th centuries, is a technical and artistic masterpiece, having had to adapt to the problems posed by this unique natural site. The Mont-Saint-Michel and its Bay are a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of France's most stunning sights, attracting vast numbers of pilgrims and tourists. The bay has been restored to its former glory, with the main river flowing freely and a bridge replacing the former causeway, enabling the sea to surround the mount at high tides

Plan your family visit to the Mont Saint-Michel with these blog insights 👇

Visiting Mont Saint-Michel with Kids

This family's experience:

Activities: We explored the commune and marveled at the ancient abbey, its ramparts and the Gothic Revival and Norman architecture

Highlights: We enjoyed the unique history, architecture and ecological aspects of this famed UNESCO World Heritage site ✨

4 things to see in Brittany with children

This family's experience:

Activities: We visited the abbey and enjoyed the breathtaking views

Highlights: The kids were amazed by the abbey's beauty and the stunning scenery ✨

Brittany, father and son travel diary

This family's experience:

Activities: We visited this popular attraction during a brief stop in Normandy

Highlights: The family was impressed by seeing the island on TV, newspapers, and the web come to life ✨

Brittany and Normandy with children, on the road with a 1-year-old girl

This family's experience:

Activities: We visited the island and walked on the walls

Highlights: The island was very beautiful, but it was very crowded ✨

Visiting Mont-Saint-Michel with the family: everything you need to know

This family's experience:

Activities: We visited the abbey, walked around the ramparts and the village, and took a guided tour in the bay

Highlights: The kids were amazed by the abbey's architecture and the stunning views of the bay ✨

Weekend in Normandy with the family: the essentials to do

This family's experience:

Activities: We walked around the old village, climbed up to the abbey, and took a guided hike in the bay

Highlights: The kids loved walking around the village and learning about its history. The abbey was amazing, and the hike in the bay was beautiful ✨

14 TOP Family Hikes in Brittany: the most beautiful walks

This family's experience:

Activities: We visited the abbey and made a guided hike in the bay, exploring the tidal flats and the island of Tombelaine

Highlights: We loved the stunning views of the abbey and the unique experience of exploring the bay at low tide ✨

Visit Fougères and its castle, what to see in the surrounding area

This family's experience:

Activities: We visited the Mont-Saint-Michel, an island with an abbey, and did a guided hike in the bay

Highlights: We enjoyed the abbey and the hike in the bay ✨

Visit Vitré, its castle and what to do in the surrounding area

This family's experience:

Activities: We visited the Mont-Saint-Michel and its abbey, and we also did a guided hike in the bay

Highlights: We enjoyed the beautiful views and the hike in the bay ✨

Weekend in a van in the bay of Mont-Saint-Michel

This family's experience:

Activities: We parked our bikes and explored the island, taking in the views from the ramparts

Highlights: We all enjoyed the scenic views and the abbey, but preferred visiting in the morning or late afternoon to avoid the crowds ✨

Stay in Normandy: La Manche with a child

This family's experience:

Activities: We visited the Mont-Saint-Michel in the evening to avoid the crowds

Highlights: We enjoyed the view from afar, but the site was a bit disappointing due to the mass tourism ✨

10 holiday ideas in France to go with your family!

This family's experience:

Activities: We visited the Mont-Saint-Michel and admired it from different viewpoints

Highlights: We loved the stunning views of the Mont-Saint-Michel from the coast of Normandy and Brittany ✨

Normandy with kids: 16 kids' activities in a row!

This family's experience:

Activities: We visited the Abbey and took a free shuttle bus to the island

Highlights: The kids enjoyed the mudflat hiking through the bay of Mont Saint Michel with a guide ✨

10 fantastic things to do in France with kids

This family's experience:

Activities: We squeaked in the day before French school holidays began and it wasn’t nearly as bad as I expected but YMMV. Once you arrive, give yourself plenty of time to stand outside and take photographs

Highlights: Honestly, we were much more enthralled with the exterior than the interior. The view from outside is cool and the kids enjoyed running and playing in the hard-packed, bone dry earth out front (more on that in a minute) ✨