Normandy: a mini break with friends to Mont-Saint-Michel

Itinerary

  • distance18 km
  • durationThree days

Randonneurs aux Mont-Saint-Michel - Normandie
© Alexis Saubois - Randonneurs aux Mont-Saint-Michel - Normandie

Reading time: 0 minPublished on 19 April 2024, updated on 7 May 2024

Mont-Saint-Michel is an absolute must-see of Normandy and is also the ideal destination for a weekend away with friends, to go walking, explore the local wildlife, visit some historic sites and just enjoy each other’s company. This programme combines all of this and more, for a weekend full of new discoveries and quality time together.

Day 1: Exploring Mont-Saint-Michel island

Mont Saint-Michel, France
Escalier de dentelle vers les toits du Mont-Saint-Michel
© Marie-Anaïs Thierry - CRT Normandie - Escalier de dentelle vers les toits du Mont-Saint-Michel

Guided tour of the Mont-Saint-Michel Abbey

This magnificent Abbey that has overlooked the bay for more than 1,000 years is not to be missed. The impressive architecture is enough to amaze visitors, but the history of this Historic Monument, listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is just as fascinating and you can learn all about the Benedictine monks, pilgrims and even prisoners who have passed through these walls over the centuries. We recommend a guided tour so that you can find out all there is to know!

 

Stop by a restaurant to taste the famous Mère Poulard omelette

The Auberge de la Mère Poulard is a 130-year-old institution in this region and you’ll soon see why it’s so successful! On the menu you’ll find the famous omelette made according to their secret recipe, as well as a selection of other delicious French speciality dishes. Bon appétit!

 

Go for a stroll around the cobbled streets and fortifications on this rocky island, and you might just stumble across some of the secrets of this fortified town as you explore its narrow pedestrian streets.

 

Stop to visit the bay’s ecomuseum 

Time for another dose of culture at the Mont-Saint-Michel Bay ecomuseum to learn all about the tides and the siltation risk that is threatening the island. Choose to visit either the permanent exhibition entitled “les hommes, la nature et les paysages de la baie” (the bay’s people, nature and landscapes) or the current temporary exhibition.

 

Stay at the Hôtel Vert on Mont-Saint-Michel itself

There’s no better way to feel the escapism of this getaway than staying overnight on Mont-Saint-Michel. We recommend the Hôtel Vert, where you can book a large family room that is ideal for groups of friends!

Day 2: From the bay to Servon (8 km)

Servon, France
Baie du Mont-Saint-Michel
© Marie-Anaïs Thierry - CRT Normandie - Baie du Mont-Saint-Michel

Crossing Couesnon dam

To push sediment away from the Mont-Saint-Michel, a new dam had to be built over the Couesnon. The project was completed in 2009 and the structure was designed by architect Luc Weizmann. The footbridge allows people to walk over from one side of the banks to the other, to admire the Mont from another perspective.

 

Shellfish gathering, in authorised areas

At low tide, the foreshore is brimming with treasures that can be harvested on foot, including cockles, clams, winkles, razor clams, etc. Make sure you are correctly informed about this new activity before setting off. It is subject to regulations and not authorised everywhere!

 

Crossing the bay at low tide

An activity to do with a guide and only at low tide. Beware, the tide can come back in very quickly! There are walks of varying distance to discover the local fauna and flora and even learn about quicksand! If possible, cross the area at sunset for a magical experience.

 

Go for dinner at the Auberge Sauvage in Servon

As the sun goes down, head to this local restaurant, just a dozen or so kilometres from Mont-Saint-Michel. Everything served here has come from the bay!  

Day 3: Back to the bay (10 km)!

Baie du Mont-Saint-Michel, France
Sur la passerelle direction le Mont-Saint-Michel
© © Sophie Kernen - Jumeaux & Co - CRT Normandie - Sur la passerelle direction le Mont-Saint-Michel

A bike ride for the last day 

Depending on what you fancy doing and on your physical ability, there are various greenway routes to venture along around Mont-Saint-Michel. If you’re feeling motivated, you can cycle all the way to the landing beaches along a section of the Véloroute that links these beaches and Mont-Saint-Michel. 

 

Delicious picnic

For lunch, pick up one of the fresh picnic hampers from the Ferme Saint-Michel to enjoy your picnic with friends, and to enjoy fresh products and tasty prepared dishes concocted by local chefs! 

Practical advice:

Opt for environmentally friendly transport solutions by taking the train to Mont-Saint-Michel with your friends. From Paris, there’s a train to Pontorson, and then a shuttle service from the train station to your final destination! If possible, avoid the peak season (July and August) because it can be very crowded.

 

By Gaëlle COUDERT

Journalist

To properly explore this question, Gaëlle threw herself into journalism in 2016, driven by repeated reality checks relating to the environment.