The Main Street of Mont Saint-Michel, also known as The Grande Rue, offers a spectacular beauty unlike most main streets known. Despite its narrow pathways, the cobblestone street is lined with houses, shops, restaurants, bars and hotels that date back to the 16th century. Back in its early years, pilgrims used to buy jewelry and other items of sentimental values from the streets of Mont Saint-Michel. To date, the street still exhibits its exquisite shopping potential. The Grande Rue is always flocked with shoppers and tourists during the day. When it opens up towards the evening the experience gets even better. Find the best things to do in Mont Saint-Michel, France.
1. Experience the colourful scenes of La Grande Rue
The Grande Rue remains crowded with shoppers and tourists. The fun begins at the entrance. A short distance towards your left lies The Tourist Office, and on the opposite side is the beautiful entrance to The Grande Rue. The museum is quite easy to reach as you will notice it is immensely crowded and stays remarkably busy, therefore standing out from its surroundings. Along the busy and narrow streets, you will be fascinated by how people struggle with life’s daily chores. While trying to dodge the crowded street it becomes impossible to enjoy the views. The best way to get the perfect view is by climbing the stairs with a bay view. Alternatively, you can go through other pathways exploring the steep and narrow streets.
La Grande Rue
Address: La Grande Rue 37320 Louans, France
2. Marvel at the spectacular Maison de l'architaut
Mont Saint Michel features a breath-taking architecture that you may witness when you visit Maison De L’Architaut. It is the start of your exploration in Mont Saint-Michel. Maison De L’Architaut is a spectacular building that dates back to the 16th century. Since the abbey was under construction, the development of other buildings proved to be quite difficult. This is the reason why an additional wooden structure was constructed opposite the abbey on the other side of the street.
Maison de l'architaut
Address: Grande Rue, 50170 Le Mont-Saint-Michel, France
3. Appreciate the artefacts at Musee Historique Du Mont Saint Michel
Musee Historique Du Mont Saint Michel offers a grand view of the bay through Mont Saint-Michel’s prisons. A collection of ancient artifacts, weapons, and iron cages are its main exhibition. The museum has a rich mix of information coupled with a wide range of sculptures, weapons, watches, and paintings. Apart from this, you’ll also find dungeons and prisons that tell the history.
Musee Historique Du Mont Saint Michel
Address: Logis Sainte-Catherine, 50170 Le Mont-Saint-Michel, France
Website: Musee Historique Du Mont Saint Michel
Opening hours: 9:30am - 5:30pm (daily)
4. Visit Port Du Boulevard for an adventure
Port Du Boulevard is the main access to Mont Saint Michel. It is one of the amazing places in northern France. Be appalled by the enchanting beauty of the King’s Gate. This gate introduced you to multiple fancy restaurants and shopping centers in the area. Since the streets are always congested, a convenient time to enjoy a great expedition and beauty is either very early or late when the streets are free and decongested.
Port Du Boulevard
Address: 50170 Mont-Saint-Michel, France
5. Enjoy the beautiful view from Grand Degre
This is the connection that links The Grand Rue to the gate of the main entrance of the building in Mont St-Michel along the coastal regions of Normandie. At the entrance through the Grand Rue, you will come to Grand Degre from where you will enjoy an amazing coast at the abbey. Covered in only 370 steps to the abbey following the narrow pathway that also coverers a steep slope. Grand Degre poses a challenge on its staircases going up as it brings a lot of challenge as well as a beautiful scene on your way through it. Ultimately, the climb always proves to be of importance.
Grand Degre
Address: 50170 Mont-Saint-Michel France
Website: Grand degre
6. Be fascinated by the alter at Chapelle Saint-Aubert
Established in a rocky area of the island, the monument was built in the early 8th century. It serves as a safe and quiet place away from the crowded hustle and bustle of the island. Built entirely out of stone, Chappell Saint-Aubert displays a beautifully established alter and outstanding arch-shaped windows. During the low tide, the chapel is easily visible from a distance. One can appreciate its tenacity, architecture, and interior design of the chapel.
Chapelle Saint-Aubert
Address: La Chapelle-Saint-Aubert, 35140, France
7. Check out the beautiful scenery at Mont Saint Michel Bay
Due to its spectacular tidal movement that raises up to 10 m(32.8 ft), Mont Saint-Michel Bay’s scenic beauty puts it on the list of UNESCO’s world’s most heritage sites. Located toward the southwest regions of Brittany, a large stretch of the bay becomes visible during low tides. The bay is also home to a wide variety of birds and seals.
Mont Saint Michel Bay
Address: Mont Saint-Michel, 50170, France
Website: Mont Saint Michel Bay
Opening hours: 9:30am - 6pm (daily)
8. Drop by Église Saint-Pierre if you have a knack for history
Along northwestern France lays Eglise Saint-Pierre that houses a highly united community. Having found its importance due to major historic events like World War II, it stands out to be one of the most popular tourist attractions. The beautifully decorated building, mostly mistaken as a church, stands out spectacularly. You can swing by the busy market days on Wednesdays. The market, on one hand, offers a wide variety of shops for tourists to enjoy. The church, on the other hand, is an amazing beauty on its own. The square building showcase intricately designed walls and a fascinating interior.
Église Saint-Pierre
Address: Saint-Pierre-Église, 50330, France
9. Admire the phenomenal Abbaye Du Mont-Saint-Michel (from USD 14.02)
Abbaye du Mont-Saint-Michel is a French monument that dates back to 1862. It’s also a UNESCO world heritage site and is located in Manche department in Lower Normandy. The feudal society is responsible for the construction of the structural composition of the entire town. In this magnificent attraction, you’ll find the abbey, monastery, and God. Right beneath, you can find various stores, housing, and Great Halls. Then below the spectacular structure, you’ll find the farmers’ and fishermen’s housing.
Mont Saint-Michel: Entry Ticket to Mont-Saint-Michel Abbey
Spectacular attractions in Mont Saint-Michel
If you’re planning to visit Mont Saint-Michel, there’s a lot that awaits you. The spectacular street still exhibits its exquisite shopping potential where pilgrims used to buy jewelry and other items of sentimental value. Although the street has narrow pathways, there’s a wide collection of hotels, bars, shops, and restaurants, which date back to the 16th Century.
History
Get Trip101 in your inbox
Unsubscribe in one click. See our Privacy Policy for more information on how we use your data
Create an account to