UNESCO World Heritage Site in the northern edge of France…read more.. I didn't understand why my pregnant friend wanted to go to Mont Saint-Michel before she gave birth. This was decades ago - way before Yelp. I was just being a supportive friend. I cannot remember the details of that vacation. I think it was crowded, rather far, and involved an uphill climb. This time, I did some research and found out that there are about 350 steps up during the Staircase Climb. Ouch! An important improvement is the Free Shuttle from the parking lots to the base of Mont Saint-Michel and back. It runs every 12 minutes until 11pm. We weren't able to do the Abbey Tour because we visited on May 1st, which is a major holiday and the Abbey was closed. That's why there were so many school children around! We did go early when it was less crowded! We stayed overnight in a hotel and walked about 40 minutes to Mont Saint-Michel after breakfast. The sheep along the way were so cute, playing and eating in the green pastures! The architecture is awesome! The historical walkways were charming! The views were amazing! The restroom at the bottom of the hill was 1€, while the "WC" (water closet) right outside of St. Peter Church was free. There was a long line for this unisex single-stall facility. There were many shops and restaurants along the way. We stopped in at the bookstore and got some great gifts as well as a good tip from the cashier. She said that there was a noon mass at The Abbey. We waited outside of the Abbey with a group of Asian students and got counted in for the free admission! Yay! Mass was all in French language. We enjoyed the a cappella singing and wonderful acoustics! For me, this was a workout! I took a couple of water breaks to catch my breath. I appreciate my souvenirs from the bookstore even more now! We returned after dinner to catch the sunset at 9:20pm. It was a peaceful walk back to the hotel, along the wooden pathway that ran along the bridge over the water. It was cool to take photos at the dam, and at low tide vs high tide. If you're in France, make it a point to visit "The Wonder of the West". It is a fantastic tribute to the Archangel Saint Michael! Look for him as a golden figure on the top of the Abbey!

Mont St Michael has a fascinating history and is dedicated to Saint Michael. The archangel Michael…read moreappeared in 708 to Aubert of Avranches, the bishop of Avranches, and instructed him to build a church on the rocky islet. It was a work in progress for centuries. The Abbey lies at the top and there are 10 nuns and 10 monks that live and worship here still. We were able to attend the noon mass which was so special (all in French) When you visit this medieval commune on this tidal island, you will either be climbing up or down stairs or streets. Keep that in mind. This was my second visit in Feb 2026; my first vist was over 25 years ago. Many things have changed, including the vast number of visitors who flock here. In February there were so many people filling the narrow streets, restaurants, stairs and the abbey. We stayed overnight which was an experience, but I would not recommend doing so if you are lugging around suitcases. All pretty much closes down soon after dark, so be prepred to eat beforehand and have a flashlight for walking around at night. Also, pay attention to the bus schedule and check well ahead of time for buses heading back to the Pontorson train station. There are shuttles from certain spots on the one road leading to the island, but not from the train station and not from Mont St. Michael. The abbey does have an entrance fee and we also opted for an audio guide which was 5 euros and so worth it. It is also worth climbing the approximately 400 steps. Take it slow and rest when you need. Try to avoid visting during peak season.