Just a few hours’ drive from Paris, Mont-Saint-Michel is one of France’s most visited sites, attracting millions of tourists from all over the world every year. Whilst a visit to the abbey and the village is a must, many people wonder what to do around Mont-Saint-Michel once they’ve explored it. Here are 5 ideas for activities not to be missed in the vicinity of this famous landmark.
Crossing the Bay of Mont-Saint-Michel
Topping the list is the essential crossing of the Bay of Mont-Saint-Michel. This guided walk allows you to explore the bay on foot in complete safety and discover its secrets: wildlife, flora, quicksand and local legends. Several levels of difficulty are available, ranging from a simple family stroll to a more challenging hike, depending on your preferences and fitness level. The presence of a guide certified by the local authorities is mandatory for the Mont-Saint-Michel Bay crossing. This activity, which can be enjoyed alone or in a group, will provide you with unforgettable memories.
The way of the Saints
A visit to Granville: between the sea and historical heritage
Located about an hour’s drive from Mont-Saint-Michel, Granville is a charming destination well worth a visit during your stay in the Manche department. This historic port town, where old quarters with narrow streets blend with maritime heritage, is sure to captivate you. In the fortified upper town, listed as a Historic Monument, stroll along the 15th-century ramparts to admire the hanging gardens and the breathtaking sea views. Granville is also home to numerous cultural sites such as the Richard Anacréon Museum of Modern Art and the birthplace of Christian Dior.
Discovering Saint-Malo
Another must-see near Mont-Saint-Michel, the pirate town of Saint-Malo is about an hour and a half’s drive away. With its impressive ramparts overlooking the sea and its history rich in adventure, this town is a real delight for all lovers of places steeped in history.
A stroll along the ramparts and a tour of the coastal forts
Among the top activities in Saint-Malo, don’t miss a stroll along the ramparts, which offers a unique panoramic view of the bay and the neighbouring islands. You’ll also have the opportunity to visit several iconic coastal forts, such as Fort National or Fort du Petit Bé.
Beaches and water sports
Saint-Malo is also famous for its magnificent beaches, the best known of which is the Grande Plage du Sillon. Make the most of your stay in Saint-Malo to enjoy a range of water sports, such as sailing, surfing or stand-up paddleboarding.
Avranches, a town with a rich and varied heritage
On the edge of Normandy, the town of Avranches also offers a fascinating cultural stopover. This thousand-year-old town is best known for its many historic monuments, such as the Basilica of Saint-Gervais and its botanical garden, which offers an exceptional view of the Bay of Mont-Saint-Michel.
Scriptorial d’Avranches: museum of Mont-Saint-Michel manuscripts
No visit to Avranches is complete without a detour to the Scriptorial, a museum entirely dedicated to illuminated medieval manuscripts, housing over 200 pieces dating mainly from the Merovingian and Carolingian periods. Here you will discover these masterpieces of the Middle Ages as well as the techniques used to produce vellum and medieval ink.
Saint-André Cathedral in Avranches, a legacy of the past
Saint-André Cathedral in Avranches was a religious building of great importance to the town. It was the seat of the Bishopric of Avranches and served as a major place of pilgrimage in France at the time. This cathedral was a symbol of the city’s power and wealth. Built in several phases from the 9th century onwards, it was destroyed in 1794. Today, only a few remains are left, such as the foundations and lower walls. The site is listed as a historic monument and is open to visitors.
Discover the local cuisine near Mont-Saint-Michel
Any stay in the Mont-Saint-Michel region should also include a delicious culinary exploration of the local specialities.
- Salt-meadow lamb: reared in the salt meadows of Mont-Saint-Michel Bay, its meat is particularly tender and flavourful.
- B Bouchot mussels:B mussels from the Bay of Mont-Saint-Michel, grown on wooden stakes in the region’s nutrient-rich waters, are one of the local specialities.
- B Breton sauerkraut:B original and refined, this variation on traditional Alsatian sauerkraut is made with seafood.
- Normandy cider: to accompany these delicious dishes, be sure to enjoy a glass of dry or sweet cider produced in Normandy.
A visit to Mont-Saint-Michel would be incomplete without a stop at the local restaurants, which offer tasty and authentic dishes. Make the most of your trip to La Manche to discover the local cuisine near Mont-Saint-Michel.
Véloscénie: The great adventure
Mont-Saint-Michel, a must-see destination in France
Mont-Saint-Michel is a rocky granite island situated in the Bay of Mont-Saint-Michel, in Normandy. Listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1979, Mont-Saint-Michel is a site of great historical and religious significance in France. It is home to an 11th-century Benedictine abbey, one of the largest Romanesque buildings in the country. Mont-Saint-Michel is an extremely popular tourist destination. Indeed, it is visited by around three million people every year, making it one of the most visited sites in France.
Mont-Saint-Michel features in many of Normandie Rando’s walking and cycling tours. Here are a few:
- “The Bay of Mont-Saint-Michel and Jersey”: this eight-day walking tour will allow you to discover the sublime Mont-Saint-Michel and the island of Jersey.
- “From the D-Day Beaches to Mont-Saint-Michel”: this seven-day trip allows you to appreciate the natural and historical heritage of the Normandy region.
- “La Véloscénie – from L’Aigle to Mont-Saint-Michel by bike”: on this eight-day cycling trip, immerse yourself in Normandy’s rich history and enjoy its unique landscapes.
Discover Mont-Saint-Michel and its surroundings on a walking or cycling trip with Normandie Rando. Whether you’re here for a weekend or a week’s holiday, explore La Manche and Brittany and set off to discover some fantastic places. Your adventure around Mont-Saint-Michel will be punctuated by unmissable activities that will ensure you have an enriching and memorable experience.
