A Handy Guide On Paris To Mont Saint Michel Trip

Mont-Saint-Michel is a tidal island and mainland commune positioned in Normandy, France. Welcoming nearly 3 million visitors every year, this striking village boasts oodles of religious and historical importance. Mont Saint-Michel and its bay got designated as a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1979 owing to its commendable value for humanity. Embellished with cobbled streets, quaint shops, ancient buildings, and numerous insta-worthy landscapes Mont Saint Michel is a treat for everyone. The place lies around 358.2 km from Paris that makes it a perfect spot for a day trip. The trip from Paris to Mont Saint Michel could be highly rewarding if you are sorted enough with the itinerary and other essential preparations. This quick guide will give you all the deets to let you enjoy a magical tour to Mont Saint Michel.

Things To Do In Mont Saint Michel

Here are a few must-try experiences you can enjoy on a day trip to Mont Saint Michel from Paris:

1. Visit Abbaye du Mont-Saint-Michel

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Dedicated to Archangel Saint Michael, Abbaye du Mont-Saint-Michel is an abbey showcasing a remarkable view of medieval religious architecture. A trip to Mont Saint Michel is incomplete without a visit to The Abbey that has been an ideal place for worship and pilgrimage for centuries. This masterpiece of architecture gives you a glimpse into the monastic life of the previous times. The Abbey features several places dedicated to daily life including scriptorium, refectory, cloister, etc. and there are also spaces dedicated to religious life such as abbey church, crypts, and chapels.

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2. Enjoy a tour of Alligator Bay

Image Courtesy: Alligator Bay

Attracting 115,000 visitors a year, Alligator Bay is a zoo positioned at the foot of Mont Saint Michel. This incredible zoo specializes in reptilian fauna including crocodiles, snakes, lizards, turtles, etc. Created in 1994 by Jean-Pierre Macé, the zoo is home to nearly 700 reptiles from 5 continents. From strolling in the landscaped gardens with tortoises to observing and feeding crocodiles from a trail to watching the iguanas and snakes through observation tunnels and pyramids, you can enjoy a perfect day with the reptiles.

3. Stroll Around La Grande Rue

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La Grande Rue is the prime street of Mont Saint Michel which welcomes you right after you enter the main gate of the island. Taking you back to medieval times, between 15th and 16th centuries, the street is replete with restaurants, cafes, inns, houses, and souvenirs shops. The street is crowded throughout the day, however if you want to explore the street with less crowd, plan a visit between early morning and afternoon.

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How To Reach Mont Saint Michel From Paris

For those who are wondering how to go to Mont Saint Michel from Paris, there are several options they can pick from. Read on to know all about them.

By Train

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There is no direct train from Paris to Mont St-Michel. To reach the place, you need to board a train from Gare Montparnasse station to Gare Pontorson. Most of the trains from Paris to Mont St. Michel depart from Gare Montparnasse. The journey takes around 4 hours to complete. Later from Gare Montparnasse, you can board a bus or shuttle cab to reach Mont Saint Michel in an hour. Paris to Mont Saint-Michel train tickets cost around €17 one-way for a standard class ticket.

By Bus

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Traveling from Paris to Mont Saint-Michel by bus is an affordable option; however, it will take more time than other means of transport. The trip takes around 5-6 hours to cover the distance of around 358.2 km. There are several local tour operators including Flixbus, BlaBlaCar Bus, Ouibus, etc. offering bus services at economical prices. The journey time may vary depending on the holidays, weekdays, and other crucial days. Various operators offer tours with a knowledgeable tour guide who will give you all the fascinating details about Mont Saint Michel and its history.

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By Car

Traveling from Paris to Mont Saint-Michel by car is a serene experience as you get to explore some alluring cities en route—Rouen, Versailles, Bayeux, Etretat, Honfleur, Caen, Le Havre, and Deauville. Although the journey from Paris to Mont Saint-Michel is around 3 hours and 35 minutes, it depends which route you chose and the number of halts. There is a dedicated parking area on the mainland which is around 2.4 km from the island. Post parking the vehicle, walk to the Place des Navettes and board the free shuttle to reach the island.

Best Time To Visit Mont Saint Michel

The best time to visit from Paris to Mont Saint Michel is from March to October when the temperature oscillates between 7°C to 26°C. During these months, the weather is ideal to explore the island and indulge in several activities.

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Already mesmerized by the magic of Mont Saint Michel? This place has got something for travelers of all age groups. Moreover, you can easily reach from Paris to Mont Saint Michel by several transportation options. So, when you plan your Paris trip next, spare a day or two to explore this divine wonderland with your loved ones.

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Frequently Asked Questions About Paris to Mont Saint Michel

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