The Mont Saint-Michel
Is Mont Saint-Michel a real village?
The Mont Saint-Michel is a real French commune, with a mayor, a priest, a postman, municipal policemen, and even waste services. In total, there are around twenty Montois residents, plus a small community of cats!
>the village and the remparts
How many steps are there to reach the top of the Mount?
About 350: some 200 in the Grande Rue, then around 150 inside the abbey. You can halve this ascent by taking the Fanils’ entrance!
>Visit the Mont-Saint-Michel
During high tides, how far does the water reach?
Water covers the esplanade between the walkway bridge and the entrance to the village. The Mont Saint-Michel therefore becomes an island again for about an hour.
>Tide schedules
>The High Tides and the tidal bore, a great spectacle of nature
Does quicksand really exist?
Yes, and it can be very dangerous. This mixture of water and fine sand created by the rising tide gives way under the weight of any unfortunate person venturing into the bay without a guide!
>The High Tides and the tidal bore, a great spectacle of nature
Do you have to take the boat to visit the Mont Saint-Michel?
The Mont Saint-Michel is accessible via a walkway bridge, all year round. The car park is located 2.5 km from the entrance of Mont Saint-Michel, where a dedicated shuttle bus called “Le Passeur” transports visitors approximately every 15 minutes.During high tides, the esplanade at the entrance of the Mount is covered with water. However, there are no boats to take: just be patient and wait about an hour for the water to go down.
>Tide schedules
Is it possible to visit Mont Saint-Michel with my dog?
Only guide or assistance dogs, as well as small dogs (-10kg) carried in suitable bag or basket are accepted in the shuttles. Our other furry friends are not permitted in the shuttles. It is also possible to walk (a 40-minute journey) from the car park to the entrance of Mont Saint-Michel.Dogs kept on a leash are permitted within the village, but will not be allowed in the parish church or the abbey (except for guide or assistance dogs). For private museums, restaurants and bay crossings, dogs are generally accepted, but we recommended contacting the establishment in question directly.
For greater peace of mind, visitors can choose to entrust their animal to the kennels at the Tourist Information Centre before starting their visit.
For more information about your arrival at Mont Saint-Michel: Access map and services
