MONT SAINT-MICHEL
A Unesco World Heritage Site
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Mont Saint-Michel is 1.5-hour drive from Bayeux via major roads.
If you have a vehicle, it will be very easy to get there.
Once you arrive, you can :
– Visit the Mount on your own or with a certified onsite guide (booked in advance).
– Visit the Abbey : on your own, with an audio guide or with an official guide from the Abbey on a group tour (several tours per day).
– Hike in the bay only with a specialist guide (booked in advance).
NEVER walk in the bay without a certified guide : it’s dangerous due to tides and quicksand.
If you don’t have a vehicle or don’t want to drive, you can use the services of an excursion company :
Many companies in Bayeux offer day trips to the Mont usually from March/April until late October.
Alternatively, you can hire a private driver-guide for the day who will drive you there and be your guide.
The Mount is not large, a day is more than enough to visit.
On-site, you can explore the village by strolling through its beautiful narrow streets.
The magnificent Abbey at the top of the rock is a must-visit ! I strongly advise buying your Abbey entrance ticket online in advance to avoid long lines.
There are also museums and restaurants, but I recommend bringing your own picnic.
You must visit the magnificent abbey at the top of the rock which is a must ! I strongly advise you to buy in advance your abbey entrance ticket online to avoid lining up.
The site is very touristy year-round, especially in summer. Arriving early is the best way to avoid crowds.
A great option is to stay overnight to enjoy the place almost alone without the crowd—an extraordinary experience !
The mount and the abbey are not accessible for people in wheelchairs. If you have difficulty walking, you can visit, but be aware that there are many stairs to climb.
THE LEGEND OF THE CREATION OF MONT SAINT-MICHEL
According to legend, in the 8th century, Aubert, the Bishop of Avranches, built the first sanctuary on Mont Tombe in honor of the archangel Saint Michael. He was inspired by the sacred cave of Monte Sant’ Angelo in Mount Gargano, southern Italy, the first European sanctuary dedicated to Saint Michael. From this site, he brought back relics of Saint Michael.
In 708, Bishop Aubert reportedly dreamed three times of the archangel, who ordered him to build a shrine at the top of Mont Tombe. Initially hesitant, fearing it was a devil’s illusion, Aubert was convinced by the third apparition when the archangel pressed his finger firmly on Aubert’s head, leaving a deep scar and a hole in his skull.
In the abbey, you will see a stone representation of the scene where Saint Michael makes a hole in Aubert’s skull with his finger :
The relic of the supposed pierced skull is preserved in the Basilica of Saint Gervais in Avranches.
Organize your arrival and your visit
Click HERE to get all the following details :
1- Practical information
2- How to get to the Mount from Bayeux :
On your own, with an excursion company or a private driver-guide ?
3- Suggested Stops between Bayeux and Mont Saint-Michel.
4- Car parks and access to the Mount (the island) from car parks.
5- Interesting information about Mont Saint Michel :
High tides, the dam, salt meadows.
6- All my good tips to discover Mont Saint-Michel :
Tour guides – What to visit – Museums – Restaurants – Sleep – Nice Experience
