Mont Saint Michel

Nice place but they charged €1 per person for the toilets

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