2026 Manche Travel Guide: must-see attractions, popular food, hotels, transport & travel experiences (updated in February)

Ultimate Saint-Michel Lazy Guide! You'll really regret it if you play it wrong🗼 🔥3 must-know cool facts! Don’t miss out! - It’s not an “island”! At high tide, it’s a castle on the sea🏰; at low tide, it connects to the mainland🌊, changing twice a day~ - Don’t rush after 10 AM! Get up an hour earlier⏰ to avoid tour groups and enjoy the abbey in peace! - Sea salt is a must-buy! Local specialty🧂, 100 times more practical than souvenir fridge magnets~ 📸 Photo tips｜How to get tons of likes on social media - Best spot: The viewpoint outside the town, at 3 PM when the sunlight slants☀️, the abbey shines with golden edges! - Outfit: Light colors + a little dress👗, perfect with colorful alleys and blue seawater~ - Hidden trick: Take live photos at dusk! Waves + glowing spires, the dynamic effect is amazing✨ 🍜 Avoid mistakes & must-eats｜Local recommendations! - Don’t randomly order seafood! Look for “Le Saint Aubert,” their mussels are so fresh you’ll stomp your feet🦪~ - The popular fried egg is worth trying but don’t expect too much🍳, the 3-euro buttered bread on the street smells better! - Drink cider! Sweet and sour to cut the grease, perfect with crepes🥤 ⚠️ Pitfall warnings｜Learned the hard way! - Wear sneakers! Wear sneakers! Wear sneakers!👟 The cobblestone streets are steep and easy to twist your ankle, high heels are a no-go~ - Don’t walk on the tidal flats randomly! Only safe with a guide, I almost got stuck in the mud last time🆘

🌟 Mont Saint-Michel Travel Guide 🌟 📍 Transportation Guide 🚗 Self-drive: About 4 hours from Paris, but note parking is distant and expensive. 🚆 Public transport: Take TGV from Paris Montparnasse to Rennes (~2 hours), then transfer to a bus (~70 minutes). 🚌 Day tours: Opt for a day trip from Paris with no transfers, including guided tours and tickets for hassle-free travel. 🏨 Accommodation Recommendations 🏠 On the island: Limited hotels and guesthouses inside Mont Saint-Michel, with older facilities. 🏡 Near visitor center: Newer hotels with better amenities and stunning sunrise/sunset views. 🏡 Nearby villages: Experience French rural life, ideal for self-driving travelers. 🏛 Must-See Attractions 🏰 Mont Saint-Michel Abbey: Iconic hilltop landmark blending Romanesque, Gothic, and Renaissance styles, featuring ornate vaults and stained glass. 🚶 Stroll through town: Walk along Grand Rue to soak up medieval charm, lined with souvenir shops, cafés, and restaurants. 🍽 Food Recommendations 🥚 La Mère Poulard’s soufflé omelet: A must-try traditional dish. 🐑 Black-footed lamb: A local specialty with exceptional flavor. 🍎 Apple cider: Normandy and Brittany’s famous drink, perfect as an aperitif. 📷 Photo Spots 🌅 Dam viewpoint: Best spot for sunrise/sunset. 🐑 Black-faced sheep & winding river: A 30-minute walk or short drive west of the dam—popular for Instagram shots. 📅 Best Tide-Watching Times 🌊 2 hours before high tide: Ideal for witnessing the dramatic tides (check schedules on the official website). 💡 Practical Tips 📱 Connectivity: Free WiFi in the area; consider buying an SFR prepaid SIM. ⚠️ Safety: Tides rise rapidly—never venture onto the tidal flats alone. 🎉 Unique Experiences 🌙 Nighttime fantasy tour: Join the "NIGHT POETIC ITINERARY" for an immersive light-and-sound show at the abbey.

Many visitors to Mont Saint-Michel will choose to stay in nearby cities, such as Saint-Malo, but we choose to stay in the Mont Saint-Michel Scenic Area. Most of the attractions are MOTEL, and the price is not cheap. There are several hotels in the scenic area, but all the vehicles entering the scenic area must be the guests of the hotel, so the hotel will provide the guest with the password for the access control. However, our hotel did not inform in advance, so our car was stuck at the access control, and the area was pressed a lot. Press the call bell, the call staff will not speak English. Later, a girl came to help translate, the scenic staff also rushed on a small bicycle, and finally Xiaoyue hit the hotel phone to verify the information before they got the password to enter the scenic spot. Check in when asked the front desk for not telling the password in advance, the front desk said innocently, because I don't know your email address.

The scenery along the way was already breathtaking: wetlands seamlessly connected to desolate grasslands, flocks of birds circling low, and occasionally black-faced sheep crossing the view. They seemed to be the true masters of this tidal flat, completely unfazed by the sea breeze. Walking deeper into the wetlands, the view became even more expansive. Waves crashed against the shore rocks, creating a tremendous roar. Just then, a seagull suddenly swept past from a distance, followed by another, then a third... They flew towards the highest point in the sky, until they completely vanished beyond the horizon. Strolling leisurely across this tidal flat, embracing the breeze and the sound of the waves, the anxiety and fatigue in my heart were all cured. After spending a few hours exploring Mont Saint-Michel Abbey, I walked onto a massive stone bridge. Beneath the bridge was a lush green meadow, covered with thick quicksand that felt soft underfoot. So I simply took off my shoes and socks, and walked barefoot in the quicksand, feeling the coolness and softness of the sand beneath my feet. I looked back at the mountain—it still stood in the distance, quietly overlooking this vast land. At that moment, I truly understood what awe-inspiring meant. The sights seen by thousands of tourists crammed into the corridors seemed to pale in comparison to the captivating natural beauty of this tidal flat.

Here comes the Mont Saint-Michel 🇫🇷 guide! Stop drooling over photos and read this before you go—it will save you a lot of trouble (especially regarding ticket pitfalls). For transportation tips from Paris to Mont Saint-Michel (public transport, same-day round trip from Paris), feel free to message me in the comments. It’s too much to cover here. ⛰️ How to explore the attraction? Actually, it’s mainly divided into two parts: The medieval village at the foot of the mountain (Village): This area is free! It’s where the shops, restaurants, and cobblestone streets are. You can wander freely and feel like you’ve traveled back to the Middle Ages. The abbey at the summit (Abbey): This is the soul of Mont Saint-Michel and a UNESCO World Heritage site. You must buy a ticket to enter this part, which is the spectacular building interior you see in photos. 🎫 About tickets Here’s a summary of the most concerned ticket prices and types: - Abbey admission ticket: The official website currently shows a price of €25 (often sold out, so booking in advance is highly recommended). If it’s your first visit, this core area is definitely worth seeing, though climbing the stairs can be tiring. - Local village experience tour: Costs €50, includes guided commentary but no abbey ticket. The focus is not on the abbey but on experiencing local rural culture. - Day/multi-day tours from Paris: If you’re in Paris and don’t want to deal with train transfers, these tours are convenient. Prices range from €99 to €119, including round-trip transportation and tickets, emphasizing ease. ⏰ Don’t get the opening hours wrong - Summer (May–August): 9:00 AM – 7:00 PM - Winter (September–April): 9:30 AM – 6:00 PM Note: No entry is allowed one hour before closing, so don’t arrive at the last minute. Also, the abbey is closed on January 1, May 1, and December 25—don’t go empty-handed (if you do, you can only eat in the village and enjoy the sea view). 🚌 Transportation and entry details - How to get there: All vehicles park at the main parking lot. From there, a free shuttle bus (Le Passeur) takes about 10 minutes to the Mont Saint-Michel entrance. You can also walk, which offers nice scenery, but be prepared for strong winds that might blow you around. - Entry flow: You can enter the village freely without ticket checks. However, you must queue for ticket inspection to enter the abbey. Sometimes the abbey requires one-way visits inside—just follow the crowd, it’s hard to get lost. - Final tips: Prices on the island are high, especially in restaurants, so bring some water and snacks. There are many steps inside the abbey, so wearing comfortable shoes is much more important than wearing a skirt for photos (though photos do look great). If you want to see the tides at Mont Saint-Michel, it’s truly spectacular but requires checking specialized tide prediction websites and tide indexes. I’ll cover that in a separate guide next time.

💎 Trip Highlights​ ✅ Check off the three sacred mountain wonders​ Jungfrau summit experience with a snow mountain lunch + Mont Saint-Michel tidal phenomenon + Elephant Trunk Coast white cliff secret spot ✅ In-depth tour of four major art cities​ 2 nights stay in Paris + Louvre Museum visit + Venice gondola ride + Rome ancient ruins tour ✅ Worry-free gourmet experience throughout​ Includes all meals + four specialty dishes (Turkish kebab / French roast chicken / squid ink pasta / snow mountain lunch) ✅ Visa and tips all included​ Direct flight from Shenzhen + group visa + guide tips all-in-one price, travel with peace of mind . 📅 Daily Highlights Guide​ D1-4 Italian Art Journey​ → Milan Cathedral for stylish photoshoot📸 → Venice squid ink pasta for a "black lips" fun experience → Roman Colosseum to feel the millennia of history D5-7 Alpine Wonderland​ → Innsbruck Golden Roof → Neuschwanstein Castle with a view of the Disney prototype castle → Lake Lucerne photo guide dancing with swans D8-10 Romantic Time in France​ → Paris Montparnasse Tower night view from the top → Close-up viewing of the Louvre’s three masterpieces → Seine River cruise with a chance encounter of the Eiffel Tower D11-12 Natural Wonders Exploration​ → Mont Saint-Michel tidal island mysterious experience → Elephant Trunk Coast Monet painting scenery check-in → Brussels Manneken Pis tasting waffles . 🍽️ Gourmet Experience Officer​ ▫️ Jungfrau snow mountain restaurant panoramic lunch ▫️ Venice squid ink pasta dark cuisine challenge . 💡 Travel Tips​ ▪️ Jungfrau’s high altitude, recommended to bring a windbreaker ▪️ Venice main island has many stone pavements, prepare comfortable shoes ▪️ Group visa approval rate as high as 98%

When the plain outside the car window suddenly rises into a pointed stone island piercing the clouds, I know Mont Saint-Michel has arrived. At this moment, it is low tide, and the bay that usually separates the mountain from the land has turned into a vast expanse of shallow gray mudflats. Visitors walk along wooden boardwalks toward the foot of the mountain. In the distance, white-topped buses and yellow construction vehicles become rare "modern footnotes" in this medieval relic. The alleys at the foot of the mountain are folds of time. The narrow stone steps, barely wide enough for two people to pass, are flanked on one side by an old church made of brown stone—moss curls in the wall cracks, iron lamps hang on the window sills, and a statue of the Virgin Mary has stood quietly in a niche for a hundred years; on the other side are half-timbered houses, where the ochre beams and cream walls create the unique warmth of Normandy. Behind windows covered in ivy, you can occasionally glimpse dining tables set with porcelain plates. Turning the third stone step corner, the red and white sign "LA MÈRE POULARD" suddenly comes into view—this is the legendary century-old "Mother Poulard's" shop. Pushing open the door, warm yellow light and the scent of butter greet you. Old photos hang on the walls: a woman in an apron pouring egg mixture into a frying pan—that is the founder, Anne Poulard, who a hundred years ago made pilgrims and kings alike guests with her famous "soufflé omelette." Walking up the mountain steps, the stone walls gradually cool. The closer to the summit, the sharper the building outlines: the Gothic church’s spire pierces the clouds, the flying buttresses resemble wings of an eagle, and the monastery’s stone windows are so narrow they let in only a sliver of light. Standing at the battlements looking down, the mudflats shimmer coldly under the overcast sky, the distant coastline blending with the clouds. The wind carries the salty sea scent past your ears—suddenly you understand why monks chose this place a thousand years ago: the tides form a natural moat, and the spire is a ladder reaching toward heaven. On the way down, the tide has risen somewhat, and small waves lap at the edge of the mudflats. Looking back at Mont Saint-Michel, it floats like a piece of amber on the sea, sealing a thousand years of prayers, cooking smoke, and footsteps into the stone’s grain. And we, these brief visitors, are merely strangers stepping through the waves in the intervals of the tides.

Complete Guide to Mont Saint-Michel, France｜The Sky City Above the Tides, A World Wonder You Must Visit in Your Lifetime 💫【The World's Only Dual Heritage Wonder】 When the tide rushes in, 15-meter-high waves turn this place into a sea island; when the tide recedes, the vast mudflats connect it to the mainland. This medieval marvel, known as the "Western Wonderland," is the only sacred site in the world with both natural and cultural heritage. Within a single day, you can witness two completely different landscapes, as if traveling between reality and a fairy tale. 📸【Three Must-Do Experiences】 1️⃣ Explore the Millennium-Old Abbey · A Gothic architectural treasure built in the 8th century · The "Heavenly Gallery" is breathtaking under the 4 PM sunlight · Climb to the top for a panoramic view of the Mont and feel the echoes of a thousand years of history 2️⃣ Wander the Maze-Like Alleys · Winding stone steps connect the medieval charm · Must-try: La Mère Poulard, established in 1888 · Recommended signature fluffy omelet, rich in creamy flavor and super comforting 3️⃣ Watch the Tidal Phenomenon · The city wall terrace is the best viewing spot · Capture the stunning moment when seawater engulfs the causeway · It’s recommended to check the tide schedule in advance to catch the best viewing time 🎬【Recommended Photo Spots】 🌟 Causeway on the Opposite Shore · Best spot for panoramic views and reflections · Atmosphere peaks at sunrise and sunset 🌟 Abbey Cloisters · Backlit shots of Gothic spire silhouettes · Wearing a flowing long dress is recommended for better photos 🌟 Hiking Area Grassland · Same filming location as Jay Chou · Black-faced sheep + winding stream + Mont Saint-Michel backdrop · A niche yet soothing scene easily captured 🚗【Complete Transportation Guide】 From Paris: ✓ 1.5-hour train to Rennes ✓ Transfer to a 1-hour direct bus ✓ Only 2.5 hours one way ✓ Day trips are totally doable Self-Driving Guide: ✓ Navigate to Aire de Carentoc parking lot ✓ Transfer to a free shuttle bus ✓ Or walk 1.5 km to enjoy the scenery along the way 🏨【Accommodation Recommendations】 Highly recommend staying at least one night! ► Le Relais Saint-Michel: · Great value choice · Enjoy the peaceful Mont Saint-Michel in the early morning and at night exclusively · Book 3 months in advance to secure a room ⚠️【Important Safety Tips】 ❌ Do not explore the mudflats alone! · The tide rises as fast as a speeding car · Every year, visitors get trapped ❌ Be rational about viral photos · "Moon in the frame" shots are mostly post-processed ✅ Essential Gear: · Non-slip waterproof hiking shoes · Windproof jacket · Tide timetable When night falls and the millennium-old abbey lights up under the starry sky, you will understand that all the effort was worth it. This awe-inspiring experience is worth witnessing in person! 💝 Follow me to unlock more world wonders! Click to save and get ready to start your magical Mont Saint-Michel journey!

💫 🏰 Palace of Versailles | The Hall of Mirrors and Fountain Gardens, the true grandeur of French royalty 🌳 Palace of Fontainebleau | Napoleon’s imperial residence, a tranquil palace hidden in the forest 🐎 Château de Chantilly | An ancient noble estate, exquisite and full of stories ☁️ Mont Saint-Michel | A medieval town at low tide, an island at high tide, unbelievably beautiful 🍾 Reims Champagne Estates | Visit the birthplace of Champagne and drink in the romance all at once 🌊 Elephant Trunk Hill Coast | Cliffs, lighthouse, sea breeze, like stepping into a postcard 👗 La Vallée Village Outlet | Big brand discounts + super convenient tax refunds 🏰 Loire Valley Castles | A real-life fairy tale route, each castle more stunning than the last 💫

Don't just visit S Bay Farm when you come to Mont Saint-Michel✨ The tidal phenomenon is the true magical moment! As the sea water gradually rises, Mont Saint-Michel becomes isolated from the mainland🌊, transforming into a true island paradise. You can even capture stunning reflections like those in Jay Chou's music videos📸. ⚠️ Note: During high tides, a "tidal bore" phenomenon (Mascaret) may occur🌊, where a wave several dozen centimeters high rushes upstream into the estuary, forming a spectacular water wall. Its awe-inspiring nature rivals the Qiantang River tidal bore! 🔍 Viewing Conditions: ✅ Tidal coefficient > 90 (110+ is ideal) ✅ Arrive 2 hours before high tide (to secure a good spot) ✅ Clear weather + moderate wind (better photo opportunities!) 📸 Recommended Viewing Spots: 1️⃣ Mont Saint-Michel's city walls/west terrace (panoramic view, excellent vantage point) 2️⃣ Roche Torin à Courtils Bay 3️⃣ Grouin du Sud in Saint-Léonard 4️⃣ Gué de l’Épine in Vains-Saint-Pair 5️⃣ Nearby farms (photographers' favorite spots) with fewer crowds and more angles! 📅 High Tide Dates for Late 2025: ▪️ October 8: Tidal coefficient 106 (one of the year's highest tides!) ▪️ November 6: Coefficient 106 ▪️ December 6: Coefficient 98 Ps. Other days with coefficients over 90 are also worth visiting! (Specific times can be checked in the tidal charts shown in images 2-5) 🚌 Transportation Tips: ▪️ From Paris: Join a group tour (day or multi-day) for convenience and included transfers ▪️ Self-driving: Park at the outer parking lot and take the shuttle bus ▪️ Wear non-slip shoes! The mudflats can be slippery after the tide recedes, so stay safe Ps. High tides in late 2025 mostly occur in the morning or evening, so staying overnight locally is highly recommended 💡 Additional Tips: ▪️ Tidal times vary daily, so always check the latest schedule before heading out! ▪️ Book tickets for the abbey at the top in advance, as it gets crowded during peak season ▪️ Bring a windproof jacket, as coastal weather can be unpredictable ▪️ Combine evening tides with sunset for maximum romance🌅 —— 【Mont Saint-Michel】 Daily tours from Paris, now open for booking Day trips/multi-day tours/private car tours available, with Chinese/English-speaking guides. Itineraries are ready—check out the "France 🇫🇷 Travel Collection" on the homepage. Perfect for those who prefer hassle-free planning, family trips, or photography enthusiasts! For recommendations and booking details, contact

🌟If you plan to travel to France, don’t miss the mysterious and spectacular tidal island of Mont-Saint-Michel! It is the third most important Catholic pilgrimage site, known as the "Pyramid on the Sea," and also the filming location for Jay Chou’s new album. Today, I’m sharing my exclusive guide to help you explore this magical island~ · 🚗Transportation From Paris, there are several main options: 1⃣️Train + Bus: Take the TGV high-speed train from Paris Montparnasse Station (Gare Montparnasse) to Rennes, about 1.5-2 hours; or to Pontorson, then transfer to a direct bus (about 1 hour 10 minutes from Rennes). 2⃣️Direct Bus: Flixbus offers direct buses from Paris to Mont-Saint-Michel, about 4.5 hours, but with limited schedules. 3⃣️Self-drive: Navigate to the Mont-Saint-Michel parking lot, about 4 hours from Paris. All private cars must park in designated lots, then transfer to a free shuttle or paid horse-drawn carriage to reach the foot of the mount. · 🏰Must-See Attractions & Activities ✅Mont-Saint-Michel Abbey (Abbaye du Mont-Saint-Michel) The abbey sits atop the mount, blending Romanesque and Gothic architectural styles, originally built in the 8th century. 💳Tickets: About €11 for adults (recommended to buy a combined ticket with audio guide), 🌈Tour route: Pass through the cathedral, cloisters, knights’ hall, monks’ refectory, and finally enjoy a breathtaking panoramic view of the bay from the west platform! The whole tour takes about 2 hours and involves climbing over 350 steps, so be sure to wear comfortable shoes! · ✅Stroll along Grande Rue This is the only main street leading to the mount’s summit, a medieval-style alley lined with souvenir shops, restaurants, and small museums. Take your time wandering—it’s very atmospheric. · 📸Recommended Classic Photo Spots 🔸Pont Passerelle Viewing Platform: A classic spot for panoramic and reflection shots. 🔸North Ramparts Walkway: Less crowded with great angles, perfect for shooting the abbey against the bay backdrop. 🔸Near La Caserne Parking Lot: Free and less crowded, ideal for panoramic photos. 🔸Sheep on the Tidal Flats: Search for “Méandres” to see black-faced sheep grazing, combined with winding river channels creating a pastoral scene. · 🛌Accommodation Options 🔸On the island, Hotel La Mère Poulard offers a unique experience with high prices and night views, but luggage handling is inconvenient. 🔸Near the mount, Le Relais du Roy offers dorm beds around €25, great value and convenient for viewing the mount, but requires shuttle transfers. 🔸In the nearby town of Pontorson, Ibis Budget offers affordable options around €60, with more choices but a bit farther away. · 💡Practical Tips & Pitfall Warnings 🔸Wear the right shoes: The abbey has many steep steps, streets are cobblestone, and if you plan to walk on the tidal flats, prepare old shoes that can get dirty. 🔸Tide times: Be sure to check the tide schedule on the official website or visitor center before you go; arriving at the viewpoint 2 hours before high tide is ideal.

Sisters! Discovered the "Atlantic Tide Magic"! 🏰 The ultimate guide to Mont Saint-Michel's "Sunset Spectacle + Starlight Enchantment" is here👇 ✨Soul-Stirring Highlights ▪️Sunset Magic🌇: Drone shots of "Gothic castle + golden sands"! Wear white dresses for "Tindal rays piercing through tides" in the abbey cloisters—Instagram-ready straight out of camera. ▪️Starlight Magic🌠: Top 5 global stargazing spot! Kids hunt for shells to win "Little Sailor Badges," learn "star trail tracking" from astronomers, and caption posts with "Chosen by the Sea God" for instant likes. ▪️Luxury Stay🏨: Resort's "floor-to-ceiling windows"! Butler delivers "exclusive tide timetable" and unlocks "starry bathtub" experience. ▪️Transport Hack🚇: Free shuttle's "golden route"! Includes "tidewalking" tips. 📸Epic Photo Spots 1. Abbey Cloisters: Shoot "spires & sunset glow" (best 7:00-8:00 PM) 2. Tidal Sands: Low-angle shots of "reflections & flowing skirts" 3. Starlight Terrace: Backlight shots of "milky way & castle" 4. Sunrise Deck: Wide-angle "mudflats & morning mist" 🎢Unmissable Experiences ✔️05:30 Dawn Chase: Learn "blue hour" photography from pros! Includes "equatorial mount calibration" guide. ✔️15:00 Creative Fun👩🎨: Free "shell frame-making" + crêpes! Kids win "Little Explorer Badges" in tidepool treasure hunts. ✔️21:00 Starlight Tales🌌: Campfire stories of "siren legends"! Flashlight "star trail doodles," butler teaches "galaxy timelapse" photography.

#AbsolutelyFreeTrip Mont Saint-Michel, a monastery that stands as if floating on the sea. The mysterious appearance of the island and land depending on the tide took my breath away✨ Walking along the narrow streets where the medieval townscape remains intact, I felt as if I had wandered into a fantasy world🎠 It takes about 2 hours from Paris to Rennes station by TGV, and then about 1 hour by bus🚌 There is a free shuttle bus to the island, and you can also walk across (especially recommended at low tide!)🚶♀️ The key to success is to "check the low and high tide times before visiting"🌊 At high tide, it looks fantastic floating on the sea, and at low tide, you can feel like an adventure walking across. There is a fee to enter the monastery, but it is free for EU residents aged 18 to 25🎟️ My impression of the trip was "so moving that I forgot reality." This place, where nature and history are woven together, is not just a tourist spot, but a place where you can take a "journey of the heart." On your next trip, be sure to try a "timeless experience" at Mont Saint-Michel 🌅 Domestic travel #couples trip #solo trip #absolutely free trip #Mont Saint-Michel #France trip #World Heritage Site #spectacular spot #medieval town #travel record

❤Reasons to visit: Mont-Saint-Michel is a famous historical monument in France and a Catholic pilgrimage site. It is the third largest Catholic holy site after Jerusalem and the Vatican. It has a long history and beautiful natural scenery. In 1979, Mont-Saint-Michel and its bay were added to the UNESCO World Heritage List. 🌟Features: The construction of the Abbey of Mont-Saint-Michel lasted more than 60 years, from the laying of the first cornerstone in 1017 to its completion in 1080. The church is divided into three parts: the altar, the transept, and the main hall. Since the uneven mountain top could not provide a wide and flat foundation, several buildings were built along the hillside to keep the church on the same level. 🚉Transportation: There are several routes to reach Mont-Saint-Michel from Paris: Take a train from Paris Vaugirard Station to Dol-de-Bretagne or Deauville, or take a train from Paris Montparnasse Station to Rennes and transfer.

We were so lucky. It was rainy in Paris for several days, but it was sunny on the day we went to Mont Saint-Michel. Mont Saint-Michel is more than 4 hours away from Paris by car. The advantage of joining a day tour is that you don't have to transfer between different modes of transportation, and a tour guide is provided. The disadvantage is that the itinerary is very tight. You leave at 7:15 am and return to Paris after 9 pm. If you want to have fun, you don't have time to eat a proper meal. If you want to eat, you don't have much time to have fun. So, if possible, you can stay there for one night and visit the nearby towns.

📍 Itinerary Overview 🚩 Sightseeing Route 🏖️ Must-Visit Attractions 🚇 Transportation 📷 Photo Spots 🍜 Local Cuisine 🏠 Accommodation 1.Meruorah Komodo Labuan Bajo 💡 Tips

This sacred Mont Saint-Michel, revered by travel enthusiasts as a holy place in the midst of the sea, is a famous attraction in Normandy, France, and is said to be one of the 'must-visit' towns in a lifetime. When I arrived at the town, it was cloudy. I took the free 'Shuttle Bus' to the terminal at the foot of the mountain. The fierce wind carried heavy rain, and after walking about 30 meters, I became a 'drenched chicken'. Despite it being April, the temperature plummeted, and the rain was ice-cold to the bone. I immediately crossed the road to take a ride back to the hotel. In the evening, the rain stopped, and it seemed that the clouds in the sky were a bit sparse. I went to the island mountain again. Mont Saint-Michel is located on a small island in the middle of the sea, and from a distance, it looks like an equilateral triangle with a towering abbey spire in the middle. The abbey, which was founded in 708, is said to have a gold statue of the Archangel Michael, as imagined by Bishop Aubert of Avranches, who is stepping on a conquered dragon. The tidal range of Mont Saint-Michel is very large; during high tide, the causeway is submerged, making it appear as if it is standing alone in the middle of the sea. This is a common image in the works of painters and photographers, and it is also what we see. Due to the blockage of the causeway, the tide slowly accumulates silt, which will turn Mont Saint-Michel into a peninsula, losing its original unique charm. In 2014, a bridge was built to solve the problem of siltation. A monastery was built on the island, and from the entrance to the island, you can see that the entire island's buildings are constructed of thick blocks of stone. The outer defensive facilities include bunkers and high walls, and there is even a drawbridge at the entrance, which was easy to defend but hard to attack in the era of cold weapons. The entrance begins with a commercial street, and it is probably difficult to explain why a commercial street was formed. But the entire narrow street and defensive facilities make you feel as if you have traveled back to the Middle Ages. In 966, Duke Charles I of Normandy gave Mont Saint-Michel to the Benedictine order of the Catholic Church, and later it became a center of learning, eventually becoming a church fortress in the 11th century. During the Hundred Years' War between England and France in the 15th century, the English army could not conquer it, and it became the only place in the northwest of France that did not fall into the hands of the English. Later, it continued to serve as a prison, and in 1966, on the 1000th anniversary of the Mont Saint-Michel Abbey, it was symbolically returned to the Benedictine order. In 1979, Mont Saint-Michel and its bay were listed as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO. I arrived too late, and the abbey had already stopped selling tickets for entry. The weather was also gloomy with occasional light rain. After walking around the accessible areas twice, I decided to eat first. Perhaps touched by my spirit at such an old age, after dinner, in the evening (it gets dark very late), the clouds suddenly dispersed, and the sun appeared, giving me the opportunity to witness the elegance of Mont Saint-Michel. Travel is always like this; you need to have confidence and perseverance, and the scenery will always be with you. Mont Saint-Michel itself is an attraction, and to be precise, the Mont Saint-Michel Abbey is one of the highlights. The ticket is 13 euros, with an additional 5 euros for the audio guide, which includes the abbey church, Merveille. Tips: You can stay on the mountain, but it is quite expensive. There is a parking lot 🅿️ near the visitor center, and accommodations nearby are also quite expensive. In fact, there are many guesthouses within a few kilometers or more than ten kilometers, and it is also possible to drive to the attractions, which is a way to save money. Whether you drive and stay on the mountain or nearby, you will park near the visitor center, where there is a free shuttle bus service.

Maybe many people have never heard of Mont Saint-Michel, but if I tell you that it is the location of the cover photo of Jay Chou's album "The Greatest Work", will you have some intuitive impression? But its glory goes far beyond that. It is the third largest holy place in Catholicism after Jerusalem and the Vatican, the first French castle to be listed as a World Cultural Heritage Site, and ranked second among the top ten most beautiful ancient castles in Europe. The great writer Victor Hugo once said: "Mont Saint-Michel is to France as the Pyramids are to Egypt. In the hearts of pilgrims, it is the door to heaven and the pilgrimage to heaven!" In 1979, Mont Saint-Michel and the entire bay were recognized as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO. In 709 AD, Archbishop Avranches dreamed of the Archangel Saint Michael, who asked him to build a church on the highest point of a small island in the sea, thus the original chapel on the top of Mount Saint Michel was built. For nearly a thousand years, men, women, and children have come to the Holy Land via the "Road to Heaven" that only appears briefly at low tide, hoping that Saint Michael the Archangel will grant their souls eternal life. 🚗How to get there: 1️⃣ Self-driving: The best way is to drive yourself. Drive from Paris to Mont Saint-Michel, and you can also visit the beautiful and unique towns in Normandy along the way. The coordinates of the parking lot outside the town are 48.610377, -1.507542. The price is free for less than half an hour, 6.3 euros for less than 2 hours, and a full-day ticket for 11.7 euros after that. From the parking lot you can take a shuttle bus or horse carriage to the foot of the holy mountain, or you can walk there. 2️⃣ Public transportation: You can take a bus from Paris. After getting off the Saint-Michel bus station, you will see the tourist service center and the official parking lot. It is still a 35-minute walk to Mont Saint-Michel. The official thoughtfully provides a free shuttle bus every 10 minutes, saving tourists half of the travel time! ⛰️How to play: Look for Grande Rue, the main road at the foot of Mont Saint-Michel, and go up along the main road. Basically all the attractions can be reached. Counterclockwise: Entrance - Visitor Center (left hand) - Mama Brar Gourmet Restaurant (right hand) - Grande Rue - La Confiance - Military Museum - Mama Brar Café - Historical Theater - Gasclin House - Saint-Pierre Church - Historical Museum - Entrance to Saint-Michel Abbey.

In my teenage years, when I first saw a photo of Mont Saint-Michel similar to photo 1, I didn't believe it actually existed on Earth. I thought it was a fairyland in the sky or a mirage in the sea. It wasn't until 2003 when I stood in front of Mont Saint-Michel for the first time that I believed it was real and exactly the same as in the photo. There is a saying that if you haven't been to Mont Saint-Michel, you haven't truly been to France. Mont Saint-Michel is more magnificent, spectacular, and soul-stirring than the Eiffel Tower. Its fairyland-like temperament, unique geographical structure, legendary history, simple yet magnificent architectural style, and fascinating aura, relying on its unique and solitary momentum facing the sea, make it different and unparalleled. Saint Michael is the archangel who leads the battle in the Bible. Legend has it that he appeared in a dream three times to the bishop of nearby town Avranches, Aubert, instructing him to build a church on the same mountain. Centuries ago, when the monks decided to build a church on the reefs in the sea, they could not have imagined that this place would become France's most famous pilgrimage site and even be hailed as a spiritual symbol of France. The strict medieval walls and changing tides allowed the Mont Saint-Michel Monastery and the ancient town at the foot of the mountain to serve God and pilgrims undisturbed for centuries. Today, as you walk into the towering church and peaceful courtyard 100 meters above sea level, time seems to stand still in that era; while the bustling town, although full of modern commercial atmosphere, can also make people experience the simple and enthusiastic side of Normandy, full of human touch. On the spire of the Gothic cathedral, one can vaguely see the shining archangel Saint Michael, who spreads his wings and points his sword towards the sky, as if protecting Mount Saint Michael and imparting the will of heaven to the world. His image is vivid, giving people a feeling that he could appear at any moment. Due to the "capriciousness" of the tides in the Bay of Saint-Malo, at dusk, the tides of the Atlantic Ocean rush in like thunder, submerging the road leading to the island monastery and restoring Mont Saint-Michel to the appearance of a solitary island. Every year on the spring equinox (March 21) and the autumn equinox (September 23), the largest tides will arrive here, with waves over ten meters high hitting the railings of the embankment, as if thundering, so there are many terrifying stories circulating, such as the rising tide chasing knights, the cart loaded with goods suddenly disappearing without a trace in the huge quicksand, and the traveler who got stuck in the mud and died tragically. This is also one of the reasons why Mont Saint-Michel is impregnable. Even during the hundred-year-long Anglo-French War, Mont Saint-Michel became the only military fortress in the region that did not fall. On Mont Saint-Michel, there is still a great feature today, the ubiquitous French crepe shops. After enjoying Mont Saint-Michel, you can find a restaurant with a terrace, enjoy the view, and savor the Normandy specialty of French crepes with apple cider. On Mount Saint Michel, there is only one hotel, Hotel - le terrasses poulard. Its founder is the famous Madame Poulard, who has been running the hotel here since the late 19th and early 20th centuries. She often helped the poor and took care of the food and lodging of the faithful. Today, almost half of the tourism industry in the mountain belongs to Madame Poulard's descendants, as well as the same-named biscuits, full of butter, crispy and delicious, which I always buy a few boxes to bring back whenever I travel. Don't forget to buy them when you come. Photo 16 is the storefront sign, very easy to find, because there is only one road up and down the mountain, and the storefront is also on this road. There are always endless tourists at the entrance and inside the store.

Mont Saint-Michel in Normandy, equivalent to the Potala Palace in Tibet, is a pilgrimage site for the Christians and a NO.1 attraction for tourists. In fact, the panoramic view of Mont Saint-Michel has to be blue in the evening, and the lights on the mountain are good to see. If there is water, the reflection is very beautiful. However, because the temperature is too low, the temperature of the body is about a few degrees. The first thing we wear in the autumn clothes is to go back to the hotel during the day. The first thing is to rush into the toilet and huddle together to hold the radiator. There is no courage to go out at night.

La Mere Poulard, a restaurant in Mont Saint-Michel, is just a short walk up the mountain pass. It features a huge, fragile quiche, similar to the omelette, which we all feel. Later, when I ordered the dessert, the two speculated that the French menu saw a word like caramel and apple and ordered a dessert. The dessert was a big bite with foamy applesauce, and we both In the face of the waiter, he laughed.

As the world heritage and the third largest sacred place in the Catholic Church, Mont Saint-Michel has almost become the must-see sight of France. In fact, the French locals have been controversial about whether Mont Saint-Michel belongs to Normandy or Brittany. I can't help but remind me of the farce of the "hometown dispute" in China. However, no matter who they belong, it does not affect our appreciation of this "miracle". Although I just entered the mountain, I have the feeling of going to Lijiang or Xitang, narrow roads, crowds of people, small shops with lots... Angel Saint Michel 3 times dreaming cardinal Aube, and the story of the seal of the gods, any Raiders and travel notes will not let go, you can search and read, it is said that in the St. Vijay treasure room of Afranche, you can also see that it is said to stay Bishop's skull with angel finger holes. For Catholics, this is a miracle. For us, it may be a legend. However, miracles or legends, when you really see how the devout congregation used eight hundred years of time, when the bricks and bricks rounded the dream of the cardinal, they will still be deeply shocked. .

Mont Saint-Michel is a magical town that becomes an island every high tide, and the tides recede, it is connected to Saint-Malo, which is mysterious, and it is a famous French pilgrimage site for tourists. There is always an endless stream. The top of the mountain is a long-established monastery. Why not make a life-long wish with the beloved in front of the main church?