Mont Saint-Michel-6-day-itinerary

Day 1: Arrival in Normandy

  • Morning: Arrive at Rennes Airport (about 1 hour drive from Mont Saint-Michel)
  • 9:00 AM: Pick up rental car or take a taxi to the village of Pontorson ( approx. 10 minutes drive)
  • 10:00 AM: Visit the Mont Saint-Michel Abbey ( tickets: €10, free entry with Normandy Pass) and explore the island’s narrow streets
  • 12:30 PM: Lunch at La Mère Poulard, a historic restaurant located on the island, famous for its omelets and cream-filled pastries
  • 2:00 PM: Take a leisurely walk around the bay and enjoy the views of the abbey and the surrounding countryside
  • 6:00 PM: Dinner at Le Relais Saint-Michel, a cozy restaurant in Pontorson serving local cuisine

Day 2: Mont Saint-Michel Island

  • 9:00 AM: Take the shuttle bus from Pontorson to the island ( tickets: €3, free entry with Normandy Pass)
  • 10:00 AM: Explore the Mont Saint-Michel Bay, a UNESCO World Heritage Site
  • 12:30 PM: Lunch at one of the cafes or restaurants on the island, such as Le Grand Veneur
  • 2:00 PM: Visit the Tombereau Museum (free entry) to learn about the history and geology of the island
  • 4:00 PM: Take a guided tour of the abbey’s crypts and chapels
  • 7:00 PM: Dinner at Le Petit Châtelet, a restaurant in Pontorson serving regional specialties

Day 3: Bay of Mont Saint-Michel

  • 9:00 AM: Drive to the nearby village of Genêts ( approx. 10 minutes drive)
  • 10:00 AM: Visit the Genêts Chapel (free entry), a beautiful 12th-century chapel
  • 11:30 AM: Take a guided boat tour of the bay and learn about its history, geology, and wildlife
  • 1:00 PM: Lunch at Le Bistrot de la Marée, a restaurant in Genêts serving seafood and local cuisine
  • 3:00 PM: Visit the Côtes d’Armor (free entry), a scenic coastal path with stunning views of the bay

Day 4: Normandy Coast

  • 9:00 AM: Drive to the nearby town of Granville ( approx. 20 minutes drive)
  • 10:00 AM: Visit the Granville Museum of Fine Arts (tickets: €5), featuring a collection of French and European art
  • 12:30 PM: Lunch at Le Cinq, a restaurant in Granville serving local cuisine
  • 2:00 PM: Take a stroll along the Granville Beach, a beautiful sandy beach with scenic views of the bay
  • 4:00 PM: Visit the Château de Gratot (tickets: €10), a 16th-century castle

Day 5: More Island Exploration

  • 9:00 AM: Take another shuttle bus to the island (tickets: €3, free entry with Normandy Pass)
  • 10:00 AM: Visit the La Mère Poulard Museum (free entry), a museum dedicated to the history of the abbey and its famous omelets
  • 12:30 PM: Lunch at Le Relais Saint-Michel, a cozy restaurant in Pontorson serving local cuisine
  • 2:00 PM: Take a leisurely walk around the bay and enjoy the views of the abbey and the surrounding countryside

Day 6: Departure

  • 9:00 AM: Return rental car or take a taxi to Rennes Airport ( approx. 1 hour drive)
  • 10:00 AM: Depart from Rennes Airport

Things to Know:

  • The Mont Saint-Michel island is surrounded by mud flats at high tide, but these dry up as the tide recedes.
  • Be prepared for crowds and long queues during peak season (June-August).
  • Respect local traditions and dress modestly when visiting churches or monasteries.
  • Try some of the local specialties, such as omelets, crepes, and Normandy cider.

Transportation:

  • Rennes Airport is about 1 hour drive from Mont Saint-Michel
  • Shuttle buses run regularly between Pontorson and the island (tickets: €3, free entry with Normandy Pass)
  • Taxis are available from Pontorson to the island

Tips:

  • Be prepared for variable weather and bring layers.
  • Bring a camera to capture stunning views of the abbey and the surrounding countryside.
  • Respect local traditions and customs when visiting churches or monasteries.

Other Things to Do:

  • Visit the nearby village of Genêts, famous for its beautiful chapel and scenic coastal path
  • Take a guided boat tour of the bay and learn about its history, geology, and wildlife
  • Explore the charming town of Granville, featuring a museum of fine arts and a beautiful beach

Note: This itinerary is just a suggestion and can be modified based on your interests and preferences. Be sure to check opening hours, ticket prices, and transportation schedules before heading out.