Mont Saint Michel France 4 Day Itinerary

4 Days in the Magical World of Mont Saint-Michel: A Tourist’s Itinerary

This itinerary assumes you’re staying in a nearby town and using the island as your base for exploring the surrounding area.

Day 1: Arriving at the Abbey

  • Morning: Arrive in the charming town of Pontorson, a popular base for visiting Mont Saint-Michel. Check into your hotel/accommodation, grab a coffee and pastry at a local cafe like Le Cafe du Port for its stunning bay views.
  • Afternoon: Enjoy a leisurely lunch at La Table du Chat Botté in Pontorson, known for its delicious traditional cuisine. Afterwards, travel to the island and take your time exploring the cobblestone streets and cobbled walkways up to the abbey.

Things to know:

  • The Abbey of Mont Saint-Michel: Spend the day immersing yourself in the history of this magnificent structure. Wander through the winding streets, climb the ramparts, and marvel at the stunning views from the top.
  • Afternoon/Evening: Enjoy a walk around the island, exploring the cobblestone streets and taking in the breathtaking architecture.

Day 2: Exploring the Bay

  • Morning: Take a guided tour of the Bay of Mont Saint-Michel, experiencing the unique thrill of walking across the muddy sands to the abbey. Learn about the bay’s history and witness the incredible tidal phenomenon up close.
  • Afternoon: Visit the charming village of Saint-Malo, a historic walled city with a fascinating past.

Things to do in Saint-Malo:

  • Take a guided tour on foot: Experience the charm of the walled city, its cobbled streets, and picturesque buildings.
  • Explore the ramparts: Walk along the ancient walls for stunning views of the coast and the bay.
  • Visit the beaches: Enjoy the scenic beauty of the nearby beaches, like Plage du Sable d’Or or Grand Bé Beach.

Places to eat in Saint-Malo:

  • Le Relais de la Houle: Indulge in fresh seafood with a view.
  • La Criée: A traditional restaurant offering delicious “moules frites” (mussels and fries) and other Breton specialties.

Day 3: Medieval Charm & History

  • Morning: Visit the Fort Saint-Malo, a historical landmark with guided tours showcasing its impressive fortifications and the views from the ramparts are stunning.
  • Afternoon: Enjoy a leisurely lunch at L’Avant Port: A cozy restaurant with a charming terrace overlooking the harbor.

Day 4: Relaxing by the Sea

  • Morning: Explore the picturesque streets of Saint-Malo, visiting the old town, the Cathedral, and the bustling harbor.
  • Afternoon: Take a sunset stroll along the beach: Enjoy the beauty of the tides and the island’s silhouette against the setting sun.

Things to know about the area:

  • The Tides: The Bay of Mont Saint-Michel is renowned for its dramatic tides. Be sure to check the tide charts and plan your visit accordingly, as the tides can significantly impact your experience.

  • Accommodation:

    • In a charming village: Consider staying in the charming village of Beauvoir for a unique experience close to the bay.
    • Charming hotels: The island itself offers a variety of charming hotels and accommodations within the town walls, ranging from simple guesthouses to luxurious abbeys.

Tips for your trip:

  • Book your accommodation in advance: The island is a popular destination, so booking your stay ahead of time is essential.
  • Plan around the tides: Check the tide times carefully and be aware that the abbey can only be accessed at low tide.
  • Wear comfortable shoes: The walk to the Abbey of Mont Saint-Michel is often across the mudflats, which are muddy and uneven. Wear shoes you don’t mind getting dirty, or better yet, bring waterproof boots for a more enjoyable experience!

Things to do:

  • Visit the tidal island: Take a walk around the island and explore the shops and restaurants offering delicious local food and drinks.
  • Enjoy the view: The abbey is best viewed at low tide, when it’s surrounded by water and appears to float on the sea.

Things to eat:

  • La Mère Poulard: This iconic restaurant on the island is known for its traditional “galettes” (buckwheat crepes) and “crêpes” (thin wheat crepes), a must-try for any visitor!
  • Le Petit Bistro: A cozy bistro with stunning views of the bay, serving delicious fresh seafood and local dishes.

Day 2 & Day 3:

Focus on History: Today is all about immersing yourself in history.

Things to do:

  • Explore the Abbey at low tide:
    • The Bay: Learn about the tides and their impact on the island’s unique landscape.
    • Guided tours: Take advantage of the guided tours to gain a deeper understanding of the abbey’s history, architecture, and the intricate workings of the tides.

Things to eat:

  • La Mère Poulard: Enjoy authentic “galettes” (buckwheat crepes) with a variety of savory fillings

  • Oyster farming: The region is famous for its oyster farms.

  • Stay on the mainland: Consider taking advantage of the unique experience of the tide coming in and out.

**Day 4: Explore the mainland town of **

  • The Mont Saint-Michel Bay: Enjoy the beauty of the tides and the stunning views of the island from afar.

  • Bayeux: Visit the Bayeux Tapestry, a famous embroidery depicting the Norman Conquest of England.

Things to eat:

  • Local seafood restaurants: Enjoy traditional French cuisine with local ingredients like shellfish and fresh fish.

  • Creperie: Try delicious “galettes” (buckwheat crepes) with savory fillings like cheese, ham, or mushrooms.

  • Oyster harvesting:

Day 4: Explore the Beaches of Normandy

  • Visit to the island of Mont Saint-Michel

  • Mont Saint-Michel’s history: This destination offers a historical experience and stunning views. The village itself is a charming place to explore, with plenty of places to eat and drink.

  • Historical sites: The island has a rich history dating back centuries.

Things to see and do:

  • The Abbey:

  • The Beaches: Enjoy the beautiful beaches of Mont Saint-Michel.

  • Walking Tours: Explore the historical streets of the town, learn about the history of the island and its impact on the region.

  • Mont Saint-Michel Bay:

  • Enjoy a walking tour around the historic island and its surrounding walls.

  • Experience the unique tidal patterns: The tides are famous for their dramatic swings.

  • Take advantage of the opportunity to walk across the bay: This can be done with a guide at low tide.

Places to eat:

  • La Mère Poulard: Enjoy the traditional “galettes” (thin buckwheat crepes) with local cider and fresh fruit.

Historic Restaurants:

  • La Ferme des Chevaliers

  • Restaurant Le Mont-Saint-Michel

  • Restaurants with unique dishes:

Enjoy the delicious cuisine of the region, exploring the unique flavors.

Day 3: Enjoy a day trip to the island of Mont Saint-Michel.

Enjoy local seafood, fresh produce, and traditional Norman cuisine at one of the many charming restaurants on the island.

  • Local Seafood & Restaurants:

The abbey can be seen from a distance but remember, the tides are unpredictable, so it’s crucial to check the tide schedule before you go!

Things to eat:

  • Crêperie de la Baie: Enjoy “galettes” (buckwheat crepes) with local seafood, such as scallops or crab.
  • La Maison des Galettes: Experience the charm of a traditional Norman restaurant.

Day 2: Explore the beauty of the island:

  • The tides are unpredictable, making it crucial to check the tide schedule before visiting Mont Saint-Michel and plan your “island experience” accordingly.

  • Getting around:

You’ll need to be aware that the island is accessible by foot only during low tide. This means you’ll have access to the iconic views of the bay and the surrounding walls.

Day 3: Enjoying the history:

Enjoy the breathtaking sight of the island, a place where history comes alive.

  • The Abbey: Visit the historical abbey itself for a unique experience.
  • Historical Sites:

Explore the medieval streets and architecture of the island.

  • Museum & Galleries: Explore the “Musée de la Mer” (Maritime Museum) or “Maison de la Baie” to learn about the history of Mont Saint-Michel’s connection to the sea.

Tides are a key element in this area.

They are crucial for exploring the bay and experiencing the beauty of the island:

  • Access:

    • The tide tables are essential for planning your visit!

  • Guided Tours:

Enjoy a guided tour up the ramparts of Mont Saint-Michel.

Things to note:

  • The tides are unpredictable:

The tide times determine access to the island, so be aware of them.

  • Walking the streets:

The village is best explored on foot.

Visit the tide tables for information on the best times to visit during low tide and experience the unique charm of this historical site.