Are you thinking about visiting Mont-Saint-Michel, France? Here's what you need to know before planning your trip.
Is Mont-Saint-Michel worth visiting?
Mont-Saint-Michel is worth visiting for one to two days so that you can explore everything that the island has to offer. Mont-Saint-Michel is a tidal island in Normandy that for centuries has drawn tourists and religious pilgrims. It's a stunning and unique sight in France that offers amazing walks and views.
Mont Saint Michel, Normandy, France
Reasons to Visit Mont-Saint-Michel
Museums
Visitors come to see the iconic Abbaye du Mont Saint-Michel which has been the inspiration for tourists and religious pilgrims for centuries. Make sure you see the Ramparts and La Grande Rue.
Food
There are a number of local restaurants to choose from that serve authentic French cuisine including the pre-salted sheep, which is a local specialty.
Hiking
There's a 4.2 mile out and back trail that can be walked in about 1.5 hours.
Is Mont-Saint-Michel worth visiting in the Summer?
You'll find the weather to be very nice here during summer with average temperatures around 19°C (65°F).
The peak season for travel is summer in Mont-Saint-Michel, so expect to see more tourists than usual. This destination is very popular with tourists, and in the high season it's even busier than usual as this is when most people like to visit. Expect tourist crowds to be very large, and prices to be higher than normal. However, there's plenty to do here this time of year, too.
You'll also find it quite easy to get around on foot, because this is a very walkable island, especially in the nice weather. This is a great time of year to get out into nature and wander through the museums.
Summer Weather in Mont-Saint-Michel
| Avg Temp (°C/°F) |
Avg Rain (mm/inches) |
|
| July | 19°C (65°F) | 39 mm (1.5 in) |
| August | 18°C (65°F) | 41 mm (1.6 in) |
| September | 16°C (61°F) | 48 mm (1.9 in) |
Is Mont-Saint-Michel worth visiting in the Autumn?
Autumn is the shoulder season for travel in Mont-Saint-Michel. This is an extremely touristy destination, so in the shoulder season you'll still see plenty of other tourists when you visit. However, good prices and deals are to be found on hotels and tours.
You'll find the weather to be very nice here during autumn with average temperatures around 13°C (55°F).
Autumn is a great time of year to explore the numerous museums and landmarks around town. They are fun for the whole family as well great for couples. You'll find plenty to do during autumn, as you'll be able to admire the wonderful scenery, browse through museums, and take a hike.
Autumn Weather in Mont-Saint-Michel
| Avg Temp (°C/°F) |
Avg Rain (mm/inches) |
|
| October | 13°C (55°F) | 62 mm (2.4 in) |
| November | 8°C (47°F) | 69 mm (2.7 in) |
| December | 6°C (43°F) | 63 mm (2.5 in) |
Is Mont-Saint-Michel worth visiting in the Winter?
This is the low season for travel in Mont-Saint-Michel. This is an extremely touristy destination, so in the low season you'll still see plenty of other travelers when you visit, but less than other times of the year. Good deals are to be found on hotels and tours because it's not the best time of year to visit.
The weather in Mont-Saint-Michel can be quite cold during winter, and averages around 5°C (41°F). But be prepared for much lower temperatures, too.
During this season it's fun to experience the famous sights and museums and the cuisine.
Winter Weather in Mont-Saint-Michel
| Avg Temp (°C/°F) |
Avg Rain (mm/inches) |
|
| January | 5°C (41°F) | 63 mm (2.5 in) |
| February | 6°C (43°F) | 57 mm (2.2 in) |
| March | 8°C (46°F) | 53 mm (2.1 in) |
Is Mont-Saint-Michel worth visiting in the Spring?
The weather in Mont-Saint-Michel can be quite cold during spring, and averages around 10°C (50°F). But be prepared for much lower temperatures, too.
Spring is the shoulder season for travel in Mont-Saint-Michel, which means slightly less visitors than in the peak season. This is an extremely touristy destination, so in the shoulder season you'll still see plenty of other tourists when you visit. However, good prices and deals are to be found on hotels and tours.
One of the main reasons to come this time of year is because of the gorgeous scenery. This is a great time of year to browse the museums and admire the wonderful scenery.
Spring Weather in Mont-Saint-Michel
| Avg Temp (°C/°F) |
Avg Rain (mm/inches) |
|
| April | 10°C (50°F) | 44 mm (1.7 in) |
| May | 13°C (56°F) | 64 mm (2.5 in) |
| June | 16°C (62°F) | 46 mm (1.8 in) |
Things to Consider Before Visiting Mont-Saint-Michel
Nightlife
Most people don't associate Mont-Saint-Michel with a lively nightlife scene. Most people visit the island as a daytrip and nightlife is essentially nonexistent.
Lots of Tourists
Mont-Saint-Michel sees a high number of visitors every year, which means you might have to wait in line and deal with large crowds during your visit.
The Cost
Depending on your budget, schedule, and travel style, Mont-Saint-Michel might be an expensive destination for you. You can find out the travel costs for Mont-Saint-Michel here or see if Mont-Saint-Michel is expensive here.
Related
What is Mont-Saint-Michel most famous for?
Mont-Saint-Michel is most famous for its Gothic-style abbey and its medieval village that stands at its base. The island is very popular for its museums. And many travelers come for the food and hiking, as well. It is often described as iconic, religious, historic, breathtaking, and inspiring.
How touristy is Mont-Saint-Michel? Is it a popular island to visit?
Mont-Saint-Michel is a very touristy island that attracts travelers from around the globe. Here are some of the most popular activities and tours. (Prices in US Dollars)
- Private walking tour of Mont Saint Michel with a licensed guide: $215
- Cherbourg Like a Local: Customized Private Tour: $44
- Abbey du Mont Saint-Michel Priority Entrance Tickets: $16
- Mont-St-Michel: Shared Tour (10 max) "Abbey Ticket Included": $162
- Private Guided Tour in WW2 Jeep of the Landing Beaches: $272
- Mt St. Michel Private Tour with Abbey tickets and tour guide: $272
- Mont-St-Michel: Private Walking Tour "Abbey Ticket Included": $261
- Entrance ticket to the Battle of the Hedges Museum: $11
How long should I spend in Mont-Saint-Michel?
The ideal length of time for a trip to Mont-Saint-Michel is one to two days. Since Mont-Saint-Michel has a variety of activities such as museums, most people need this much time to see and do everything here.
If you have a specific amount of time for your trip, see our advice about how much time to spend here: Should I spend 1, 2, or 3 days in Mont-Saint-Michel?, Should I spend 3, 4, or 5 days in Mont-Saint-Michel?, and Should I spend 1 or 2 weeks in Mont-Saint-Michel?.
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