Mont Saint Michel

was in 2000, when a friend of mine and me made a trip to spain throghout Belgium, French and Andorra.
We arrived at late evening and as we was heading onto the mountain a local told us, that everything would be closed at the island. In spite that warning we did, and I suggest you to do so too! You’ll get a real mediaval feeling.
We went there again at daytime, the place was really noisy, overcrowded and rubbish was sold at every corner, the lovely atmosphere of the night before was gone. The guided tour at the monastery gave a lot of information about the history of the place, so you won’t regret.

As recommended by Rick Steves, we stayed over night on the island. It was so worth it. After the crowds left around 6pm, we almost had the place to ourselves. Just us and a few other couples exploring the passageways and watching the sun go down.

We liked our hotel, “La Vielle Auberge.”lavieilleauberge-montsaintmichel.com Inexpensive and clean.

The door of our hotel, in the Annex. Tucked away near the graveyard.

Just as touristy as everyone says it is, but still magical. We drove to it but when I visit again I want to walk to it over the sand flats from the mainland (with a guide, obviously!). I’d also love to stay on the Mont for a night. The tide does move quickly but definitely not at the speed of “galloping horses”, which was slightly disappointing – check the tidal timetables and try to visit when the tide will be at its highest.

When a place like this is such a popular tourist destination, the expectations are going to be higher.

I saw dark empty rooms…but some suprises here and there…the surrounding views were interesting.

Missed:
Getting lost

magical and worth the drive from paris – make sure you dress warmly and throw a poncho or umbrella in your purse – it rains a lot there! – also – be prepared to climb some serious steps!!! amazing place.

I went twice when I was at school on a trip, that was over 10 years ago but I’m sure it won’t have changed all that much.

I recommend going straight to the top, get to the chapel, it’s an amazing sight from there, over the sand flats or over the land to Mont dol, beautiful scenery – The town itself is like a micro-Minas Tirith, it is aimed at tourists but I remember it clear as day and I’d like to go back one day (I hide an old Franc betwixt a brick and fossilised bishwop’s hat – I wanna see if it still there!)

I was only 16 but old enough to measure how beautiful this place is…

I’ve visited three times while staying with family in Britagne. It truly feels like you’re walking among the streets of Minas Tirith.

Definately one of the coolest places on earth. I was lucky enough to stay the night at a pension on Mont. St. Michel, which I highly recommend. At around dusk the sea comes rushing in around the rock, and you go from it being sand flats as far as the eye can see to water everywhere in about 45 mintues.

you can go out on the flats but be careful! people get sucked in sometimes, and you should always know when the tide is coming in.

Also, if you stay the night…be forewarned, the town shops and restaurants close pretty soon after dark, and the water completely surrounds the place so you are pretty much stuck there until the tide goes out.

This place is seriously touristy and it doesn’t matter at all; it is so not oversold.

Recommended if you are so inclined: skip mass in the village and hit it up in the chapel up top. Entirely sung, but modern.