Mont Saint Michel France 2 Day Itinerary

Day 1 - Exploring Mont Saint-Michel

Morning:

  • Arrival at Rennes Airport (RNS). Take a car rental or book a taxi to Mont Saint-Michel (approximately 1 hour drive).
  • Check-in at your hotel. Recommended hotels: Hotel-Restaurant Le Relais de la Poste for a luxurious experience, Hotel Saint-Siméon for budget travelers, or Hôtel-Dieu for a unique stay in the historic abbey.

Afternoon:

  • Visit the Mont Saint-Michel Abbey. Admission: €10 (adults). Explore the architectural marvel and learn about its history dating back to the 8th century.
  • Walk along the ramparts offering stunning views of the bay and the surrounding countryside.
  • Discover the village’s narrow streets filled with shops, restaurants, and artisans showcasing local crafts.

Evening:

  • Dine at one of the many eateries in Mont Saint-Michel. Recommended restaurants: Auberge Saint-Pierre for fine dining or Le Grand’Cafe for a casual meal with a view.
  • Take a stroll under the stars on the causeway, known as “la merveille” (the wonder), and enjoy the nighttime atmosphere of this enchanting island.

Day 2 - Exploring the Surroundings

Morning:

  • Have breakfast at your hotel or try local pastries at a nearby bakery.
  • Take a guided kayak tour (available from April to October) to appreciate the bay’s beauty and learn about its ecosystem (book in advance).

Afternoon:

  • Visit the Maritime Museum of Mont Saint-Michel (€9 for adults) to learn more about the island’s maritime history.
  • Explore the nearby Grand-Site de la Baie du Mont-Saint-Michel, a UNESCO World Heritage Site featuring picturesque villages, sandy beaches, and salt marshes.

Evening:

  • Return to Rennes for dinner at Le Nid or Les Papilles - renowned restaurants led by Michelin-starred chef Jacques Maximin.
  • Spend the night in Rennes (hotel recommendations: Hotel Mercure Rennes Centre Grand Rouennais, Première Classe Rennes Gare, or ibis budget Rennes Centre) before departing the next day.

Things to Know:

  1. Mont Saint-Michel is accessible only by road and at high tide, it can be isolated from the mainland. Check the tides schedule in advance.
  2. The island can get quite crowded during peak tourist season (June-August). Consider visiting earlier in the day or outside of these months for a more tranquil experience.
  3. Wear comfortable shoes as you’ll be doing a fair amount of walking on uneven terrain.
  4. Mont Saint-Michel is a popular destination, so book accommodations and tours well in advance.
  5. The local currency is the Euro (€). Credit cards are widely accepted in most establishments.
  6. French is the official language, but many people understand English as well. Learn some basic phrases to make your trip more enjoyable.
  7. Enjoy your trip to Mont Saint-Michel and have a fantastic adventure!