With a rich history and the landmark Abbey, Mont Saint Michel attracts millions of day tourists each year due to its distinct appeal.
Over 300 kilometers from Paris, it makes an excellent day trip destination.
It is renowned for its medieval architecture and stunning abbey perched atop a rocky mount.
Continue reading to learn more about visiting Mont Saint Michel.
Opening hours of Mont Saint Michel
May to August: Every day from 9 am to 7 pm.
September to April: Daily from 9.30 am to 6 pm.
The town of Mont Saint Michel is a municipality that can be visited without reservations, tickets, or time restrictions.
Architecture of Mont Saint Michel Abbey
Witness the evolution of religious architecture from the Carolingian era to the Flamboyant Gothic style.
The medieval abbey atop Mont Saint-Michel is built on three levels. It does not disrupt the landscape.
Even the rocks of the crypt were taken from the mont to preserve it.
The Merveille is a Gothic masterpiece from the 13th century.
The suspended cloisters use three different types of stone: Chausey granite, Caen stone, and English Purbeck marble.
Initially overseen by the Benedictines in 966, Maurists later replaced it. Used as a prison before its restoration in 1966.
Since 2001, twelve brothers and sisters from the Monastic Fraternities of Jerusalem have overseen the spiritual activities at Mont Saint Michel Abbey.
At the top of the abbey of Mont Saint Michel, you will find a gilded statue of the Archangel.
Other sites that form Les Chemins du Mont Saint-Michel make the “paths to paradise” extend along the Sword of the Archangel, the line connecting the various sites.
- Monastery of Skellig Michael, Ireland
- St Michael’s Mount, England
- Sacra di San Michele Abbey, Italy
- Sanctuary of Monte Sant’Angelo, Italy
The Mont Saint Michel continues to maintain its legacy with classical and themed tours, concerts, exhibitions, and contemporary performances.
Secure your Mont Saint Michel tickets online and explore the marvels within the Mont Saint Michel Abbey.
Mont Saint Michel Abbey History
In sharp contrast to its current state as a tidal island, Mont Saint-Michel once stood on dry land.
Unrelenting erosion altered the coastal landscape as sea levels progressively rose, revealing robust granite outcrops like Mont Dol, Tombelaine, and Mont Tombe.
The eventual ascent of Mont Saint-Michel as a well-known landmark was made possible by these granite structures.
They are more resistant to the powers of the ocean than the surrounding area.
The Intervention of Archangel
The visionary bishop of Avranches, Saint-Aubert, had intense experiences with the archangel St. Michael in 708 AD, culminating in a last vision.
He founded Mont Tombe, the forerunner of Mont Saint-Michel, as a result of this supernatural inspiration.
With steadfast confidence, he began building an oratory for the archangel and, as a symbolic act, acquired priceless artifacts connected to St. Michael.
This was the beginning of the spiritual significance of Mont Saint-Michel.
A Spiritual Abbey
The Abbey of Mont Saint-Michel had developed into a well-known destination for adoration, prayer, and pilgrimage by the year 966 AD.
Benedictine monks lived there, which added to its spiritual allure.
Beyond religious artifacts, the abbey’s assets included a collection of Aristotle’s seminal works, which added to its stature as a center of spiritual and intellectual development.
One Town, Numerous Positions
Strategically positioned on a tidal island, Mont Saint-Michel developed into more than just a house of worship.
With defensive structures that developed throughout the ages, it became a powerful stronghold.
Both military strategists and pilgrims were drawn to this location. Interestingly, the abbey became a prison during King Louis XI’s reign, and it housed prisoners until 1860.
This change in history was a reflection of the island’s complex past.
The French Contribution
The start of restoration efforts in 1922 marked a turning point in the history of Mont Saint-Michel.
By 1966, pilgrimages to the holy place had resumed their full intensity, and the French government had assumed a leading role in supervising the necessary renovations.
The abbey was brought back to life through restoration works, reviving the site’s spiritual value and attracting religious and nonreligious tourists.
A Treasure for UNESCO
Mont Saint-Michel now handles around 3.5 million visitors a year.
Listed as a national monument since 1862, the island and abbey were designated as a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1979.
The goal of continuous preservation work in response to growing visitor numbers is to protect this famous place so that future generations can continue to appreciate its cultural, historical, and environmental value.
FAQs
1. Is Mont St Michel abbey worth visiting?
Mont Saint Michel is one of the first UNESCO World Heritage sites, named in 1979. Its inaccessibility during the high tide helped it withstand many sieges, with its peak in the 13th Century.
2. Can you visit the abbey at Mont Saint Michel?
The Abbey at Mont Saint Michel requires worth €11. The Mont does not restrict access, there is accessibility for all visitors. Visitors under 18, EU and French citizens up to 25 years old, disabled visitors, and students with valid IDs are granted free access.
3. How long does it take to walk to Mont St Michel abbey?
The walk to Mont Saint Michel is 800 meters long, it takes up to 45-50 minutes to cross it.
Featured Image: Wikipedia.org