Le Mont-Saint-Michel attractions

This breathtaking UNESCO World Heritage Site is the main tourist draw to Mont Saint-Michel. With 20 rooms to explore, beautiful gardens and panoramic views of the sea and sky, it’s a majestic piece of historical France, and you can spend a good few hours exploring the abbey alone or with a free guided tour. As early as 708 AD it was a place of pilgrimage for medieval monks, who started building the abbey in the 10th century. The earlier you can get here, the better. It gets busy, especially in summer.

The building of Mont-Saint-Michel’s cloister began in 1228, when architect Thomas des Chambres hoped to construct a symbol of the perfect monastic life. This is where the monks would meditate; a space for personal reflection with uninterrupted views of the sky. In 1878 the limestone columns from England were replaced, which in turn revealed more of the world outside. The eye is now drawn to the sand and sea below instead of to the sky. Some might say this makes for better photos - something the monks weren’t too worried about.

Part of the abbey tour, but well worth some extra time, the views from this lookout spot resemble an impressionist painting. Take your time on the way up, or down from the abbey to enjoy a few magical moments of panoramic contemplation. If you’re lucky you’ll spot the reflection of Mont Saint-Michel in the waters below you, while at low tide a lunar landscape unfolds and you can usually watch a few brave souls wandering along the wet sand. Either way you’ll get some excellent photos.

If you’re stopping in Rennes on your way to or from Mont Saint-Michel, you’ll find a maze of charming streets to explore, plus shops, boutique stores and cute cafes. Even the tourist office in Brittany’s capital is in a former chapel, which is also home to a permanent exhibition on the town’s interesting history. It’s worth a look. Explore the Parlement of Brittany and be wowed by the architecture of Place de la Mairie, Palais du commerce and Champs Libres - a cultural centre.