Fortifications du Mont-Saint-Michel
Fortifications du Mont-Saint-Michel
Fortifications du Mont-Saint-Michel
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- helenandpaul13Worcester, United Kingdom1,685 contributionsBeautifully sited but windy on the way to take a thick coatI drove here from Caen, took about 90 minutes and east to find and well signposted. Need to pay in the car park which cost me 14 Euros and you need to be able to note where your vehicle is because the signs are not very clear and you may get lost and it's a large car park. I walked to the monastery which took about 30 minutes and was well signposted. There are buses which will take you there but if you want some good photo's take the walk, but just remember that if its a blowy day or its raining there is no place to hide. The queue for the buses from the car park was enormous so I decided to walk. If you take the wooden walkway in from you can walk to the top, but there are steep stairs and it's difficult with some of the railings. Wear sensible shoes. There are restaurants there but the food is expensive as you would think. Walking back can also be difficult as I mentioned there is no shelter from the elements. There are places you can sit down but no where to shelter you from the wind.Visited September 2023Travelled soloWritten 8 October 2023
- Kathy RDoylestown, Pennsylvania24 contributionsWorth visiting onceOne of the most visited, therefore one of the most crowded, places in France, I went as part of a land tour. You park and walk to a line to be loaded onto busses to get to the site itself. It is very well organized and moves along quickly. Once you are the island, you walk through an area lined on both sides with restaurants and shops. Very touristy. Go past that and once you are in the fortification itself, it is well worth it. It is a lot of walking uphill (and down) on cobblestones and uneven steps. Handrails are not always available.Visited April 2024Travelled soloWritten 5 May 2024
- Angela CHeber City, Utah210 contributionsDon't miss this!This was a bucket list item for me and I was not disappointed. This place is absolutely amazing. Wear good walking shoes and be prepared to be wowed. Even though it was crowded, there was space to walk, eat, shop and absorb this beautiful island.Visited August 2023Travelled as a coupleWritten 4 June 2024
- Anco MAberdeen, United Kingdom730 contributionsBeautifulThe last time I visited le Mont Saint Michel was 41 years ago. It is still as spectacular from which ever angle you look at it, whether it is from a distance, from the navette drop-off point, from the narrow street lined with shops and restaurants, from the views from the ramparts to the views from the top. Le Mont Saint Michel is a must visit.Visited June 2024Travelled with familyWritten 5 June 2024
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midlandsmoggy
Colwall, UK1,480 contributions
Apr 2022 • Family
This was a disappointing trip.
It may be a UNESCO World Heritage site, but that has resulted in so many people visiting that it is simply unpleasant and you can't appreciate it.
No problems getting there, and the parking is quite tidy, albeit expensive. You get a shuttle bus for free, but expect a long wait to get on one, around 25 mins at 1pm.
There are ok toilets in the buildings before you get on the bus. Use those since expecting to find some on the island is a mistake.
The bus drops you a short walk from the island, and that's probably the best bit.
One through the gates the architecture is amazing, but much of it is in a shuffling crowd as you make your way slowly around. A victim of its own success.
When you have made your way up, you find a big queue for the Abbey. And no toilets despite searching.
On the packed main street there are various shops and expensive restaurants but we didn't go in.
At the exit, as you are squeezed single file to leave the island, we found some toilets on the way out, but they charge €1 per head, a nice touch.
You then have a long queue for a shuttle bus, or a 2 mile walk. We choose the walk rather than waiting, but either would be tough in the summer.
If we go back, it will be on a rainy February day, not during the Easter holidays. It may be better then.
It may be a UNESCO World Heritage site, but that has resulted in so many people visiting that it is simply unpleasant and you can't appreciate it.
No problems getting there, and the parking is quite tidy, albeit expensive. You get a shuttle bus for free, but expect a long wait to get on one, around 25 mins at 1pm.
There are ok toilets in the buildings before you get on the bus. Use those since expecting to find some on the island is a mistake.
The bus drops you a short walk from the island, and that's probably the best bit.
One through the gates the architecture is amazing, but much of it is in a shuffling crowd as you make your way slowly around. A victim of its own success.
When you have made your way up, you find a big queue for the Abbey. And no toilets despite searching.
On the packed main street there are various shops and expensive restaurants but we didn't go in.
At the exit, as you are squeezed single file to leave the island, we found some toilets on the way out, but they charge €1 per head, a nice touch.
You then have a long queue for a shuttle bus, or a 2 mile walk. We choose the walk rather than waiting, but either would be tough in the summer.
If we go back, it will be on a rainy February day, not during the Easter holidays. It may be better then.
Written 20 April 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Robert C
Suffolk187 contributions
Aug 2022
This place was SO busy it was scary. We could hardly move going up into the centre. It was shoulder to shoulder and even the authorities were warning about pickpockets. We stupidly thought "that's not far to walk" WRONG! Its MILES from the car park. Every restaurant was full and a lucky we purchased a cheese and ham roll with a coke and beer for 10 Euro. Great buildings and outstanding countryside and very hot.
Written 27 August 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
bsj1701
Northern Illinois35 contributions
Sept 2022
The architecture is stunning. I'm glad I did it but it could have been better. I knew it would be crowded as we did a bus tour from Paris like thousands of others, or so it seemed! If I were to do it again, I would stay over night and try to enjoy early morning and evening without the crowds. My main complaint is what is up with the shuttles? Hundreds of people waiting for shuttle service and only a handful of shuttles running! Be prepared to walk, there are NOT enough shuttles! This is obviously a major tourist spot, I'm not sure why they aren't better equipped. We went in September and the crowds were huge, I can't imagine the summer months!
Written 27 September 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Giorgia
Milan, Italy1,938 contributions
Jan 2024 • Family
I've wanted to visit Mont Saint Michel for a long time.
Luckily I chose to do it in January, therefore out of season and with all the associated aggravating factors (wind and cold) but certainly with fewer tourists because we were already at the limit.
It is essential to say that the car must be left about 4/5km away at the entrance to the fortification which can then be reached on foot or with a shuttle (included in the already high cost of parking).
It is impossible to bring strollers because inside there are only steps and cobblestones.
Unfortunately, too many people make the place lose its charm, so I can't imagine what it might be like in spring/summer when there are hours-long queues just for the shuttle.
We didn't eat inside. All too touristy.
Luckily I chose to do it in January, therefore out of season and with all the associated aggravating factors (wind and cold) but certainly with fewer tourists because we were already at the limit.
It is essential to say that the car must be left about 4/5km away at the entrance to the fortification which can then be reached on foot or with a shuttle (included in the already high cost of parking).
It is impossible to bring strollers because inside there are only steps and cobblestones.
Unfortunately, too many people make the place lose its charm, so I can't imagine what it might be like in spring/summer when there are hours-long queues just for the shuttle.
We didn't eat inside. All too touristy.
Written 16 May 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Flavio360
Brasilia, DF1,023 contributions
Sept 2023 • Couples
Beautiful place.
A walled city on an island with a gigantic abbey on top.
The place looks like an island when the tide is high, in my opinion the best time to visit is surrounded by sand at low tide.
In the walled city there are bars, restaurants and accommodation... in my opinion, everything is very expensive and not necessarily of great quality... if you want to stay in Mont Saint Michel, I recommend the Mercure hotel.
It's worth getting to know the city.
A walled city on an island with a gigantic abbey on top.
The place looks like an island when the tide is high, in my opinion the best time to visit is surrounded by sand at low tide.
In the walled city there are bars, restaurants and accommodation... in my opinion, everything is very expensive and not necessarily of great quality... if you want to stay in Mont Saint Michel, I recommend the Mercure hotel.
It's worth getting to know the city.
Written 2 September 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Prince100
Brighton, UK22 contributions
Aug 2022 • Family
Horrendously busy. Visited on a hot day and the 45 minute walk to the mont had no shade and the paths are crowded with thousands of people. The mont is spectacular, but once inside a tourist trap. Could not see anything because of the huge crowds. Bottle necked and crammed in in most places and very clostrophobic. It's not possible to enjoy anything because of the crowds. Very expensive and crowded cafes and few toilets.
Written 27 August 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Steven A B
Carmel Valley, CA133 contributions
May 2023 • Couples
I agree … tricky to give 5 stars. It’s stunningly beautiful. We enjoyed learning the history of the place. The Abbey is absolutely amazing to learn it’s history. It’s a bit like arriving at Disney. Parking lots and shuttles dominate the area. When you first enter the amount of people ( May is not the busy month) is mind boggling. The shops have the kind of stuff that will be in the landfill next month. Once we passed through the madness, the stairs act as a filter to cut down on the numbers, things improved. The views are stunning. The Abby’s history we learned with the audio tour which I highly recommend. Why would you visit this place without it??? We ended our stay with lunch which was delicious and the view was second to none. The restaurant staff was friendly, competent and attentive in spite of the crowds they see daily. Hats off to them!! We did enjoy our day and the experience. We knew ahead of time what to expect. Try it if you dare. Be sure to note your parking area info !!!
Written 6 May 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Laura T
Bournemouth, UK220 contributions
Aug 2024 • Family
There doesn't seem to be any method of controlling the crowds so the entire place was packed like sardines. It was impossible to get any enjoyment out of the visit inside the fortification because you couldn't see anything. Toilet queues were insane and inappropriately sized for the amount of people being allowed to enter. Paid 17 euros to park, walk there, take a quick attempt at looking around and then left. Wouldn't really recommend to anyone. The external views are the one saving grace.
Written 22 August 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
elodieschwaeger
Chaumont, France21 contributions
July 2024 • Family
What an amazing building! Mont-St-michel is emblematic, you have to see it at least once in your life. But then, the visit... what a disappointment.
The building is sublime from the outside, but once inside, it feels like being on the subway during rush hour. We're walking with the crowd and we can't stop. Actually, we can't see anything. If in addition you are hypersensitive, I strongly advise against this place ... In conclusion, if you want to see Mont-St-Michel, stay around the building, you will keep a good memory!
Another point: the round trip is by bus, but if there are too many people you will have to walk back ...
The building is sublime from the outside, but once inside, it feels like being on the subway during rush hour. We're walking with the crowd and we can't stop. Actually, we can't see anything. If in addition you are hypersensitive, I strongly advise against this place ... In conclusion, if you want to see Mont-St-Michel, stay around the building, you will keep a good memory!
Another point: the round trip is by bus, but if there are too many people you will have to walk back ...
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Written 30 September 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
907blaked
Tampa, FL1,456 contributions
June 2023 • Family
There is nothing quite like Mont St. Michel, including the ability to spend the night in one of their hotels on the island. I can't imagine spending more than 1 day here, but it's well worth it to visit (whether as a day trip or, preferably, an overnight visit). We stayed in the Auberge Saint Pierre and enjoyed our stay. Walking around the island at night after the crowds left, and in the morning before the crowds arrived, was wonderful. Overnight hotel guests have their own dedicated parking in lot P3 ($20 per night, pay on your way out with a credit card). The shuttle takes about 10 minutes to get from the parking lot to the island, making 2 or 3 stops along the way.
Written 10 June 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
according to bienvenueaumontsaintmichel site,
there are trains from Paris Montparnasse to Pontorson then the shuttle bus from Pontorson to Mont-Saint-Michel.
But many other sites/travel blogs say take train from Paris Montparnasse to Renne and take bus. Which is it and where can I get tickets? Also, is the shuttle bus from Pontorson free or do I need to get tickets?
Written 22 March 2023
Inside the fortress didn’t appear to be wheelchair accessible. It’s a steep incline to walk up. The Abby is what seems to be a couple hundred stairs. If you’re in town, to take the shuttle to where it stops on the bridge, the sight is magnificent from there as well. You’re right over the water if you’re lucky enough to catch high tide. I would have been happy just admiring it from there.
Written 28 May 2019
I have poor mobility and can't walk far. Are there any hotels in the centre of the town with parking?
Written 12 August 2017
Mont Saint Michel is a tiny car-less island with a very steep walkway and lots of stairs. But there are several nice hotels a couple of kilometers away and buses that wil drop you at the entrance of the island. If you take your time you can climb a bit inside and go on the "remparts" (walls) to go down and enjoy the view (I usually go up by the walls and down by the "central" street which is approximately 2 or 3 meters large and always overcrowded). Steps are high but you can rest between flight of stairs.
Nevertheless getting to the top to see the abbey might be a bit too much but you can still enjoy the view of it from the bottom or the walls (just be careful most restaurants are tourists traps : expensive, bad quality and bad service). Enjoy your stay in Normandy.
Written 16 August 2017
superbe visite du Mont St Michel et ses fortifications déception quand nous avons souhaitez déguster une crepe en face du restaurant de la Mére Poulard .Un endroit qui porte le même nom vous propose une formule au prix attractif de 5 euros avec au choix une crepe ou une gaufre avec une boisson chaude ou froide + petit gateaux dégustation de la mere poulard ...et là plus de crepe car crépiere en panne tant pis on prends une gaufre CATASTROPHE HORRIBLE gaufre congelée même pas réchauffer .serveuses en grève de sourire et leur amabilité a du restée dans la baie
Written 2 May 2017
Pour le Mont St Michel je suis favorable de décrire le site, mais je ne m'aventure pas dans la restauration que je trouve à des prix excessifs et de qualité moyenne. Le groupe "la mère Poulard" a acquis plusieurs restaurants sur le mont qui diminue la concurrence. Le conseil que je peux donner est de s'éloigner du Mont pour les repas.
Written 4 May 2017
We caught the ferry from Portsmouth to Caen, with an overnight stop in Bayeux then onto Pontorson, where we spent one night. We then caught the bus from Pontorson train station first thing in the morning, which drops passengers off about 200 metres from the entrance to the island. The train also runs directly from Caen to Pontorson and takes around 2 hours, with no change overs. We chose the Caen route into France as we wanted to go to Bayeux.
John C mentioned St Malo, which is also an option, a bus runs from there to Mont St Michel. From memory, I don't think the timetable was as flexible as the one from Pontorson, however, there is a train from St Malo to Pontorson, where you could then take the bus onto Mont St Michel.
Written 18 March 2017
Can anyone here recommend a hostel to stay near Mont St. Michels? TIA for your answer!
Written 3 August 2015
We went to Hôtel Vert. It's near the Mont Saint Michel. The price for 2 adults is 89 eur by night. It's very clean and just in front of the bus (free) to go to the Mont Saint Michel.
Written 6 August 2015
hola
cuanto tiempo necesitas para visitarlo , mi plan de ese dia es playa de omaha y cementerio , de ahi a Le moint Saint Michel y luego saint maolo , por lo que dispongo de 3-4 horas
Gracias
Written 1 August 2015
Hola. Si lo que quieres es tan solo marcar en tu itinerario que has ido al Mont Saint-Michel, adelante, un par de horas te bastarán para tomar algunas fotos y tener una idea básica sobre cómo es. Si lo que quieres es realmente concerlo, no pienses en menos de 5 o 6 horas. Eso fue lo que yo estuve y me quedé con ganas de más.
Omaha Beach y alrededores la visité al otro día, también en un paseo de día completo.
Pero es como todo, cada uno tiene sus gustos y encuentra placer en diferentes cosas; además está el factor tiempo, que tampoco para todos es el mismo.
Un consejo, sin niños en lo posible, no está pensado para ellos. Suerte.
Written 2 August 2015
hola
cuanto tiempo necesitas para visitarlo , mi plan de ese dia es playa de omaha y cementerio , de ahi a Le moint Saint Michel y luego saint maolo , por lo que dispongo de 3-4 horas
Gracias
Written 1 August 2015
La playa y el cementerio solo se llevan 3 horas
La abadía merece un día completo
Hay que entrar a la abadía
La visita a la fortificación es gratis pero ni entrar a la abadía es como no ir
Recomiendo disfrutar y visitar no ir corriendo a muchos sitios a tomarse fotos
Saludos
Written 2 August 2015
Your experience mirrors our own! We found the steps daunting in 2012 (when we were pups of 60!) but this year on a trip throughout France (but not to Normandy!) my husband started to reminisce about 'the best tarte aux pommes" he'd ever had & I knew instantly he meant one he had here at Mt St Michel. Those are the great moments of travel!
Thanks for taking me back to that moment we had several years ago!
Written 16 July 2015
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