Visiting Mont Saint-Michel – A Dream Photography Destination

Mont Saint-Michel, a tidal island on the Normandy coast, is probably one of the most photographed landmarks in France. It is certainly one of the most photogenic place I have ever visited. A grand old monastery sits on top and punctuates the skyline, creating a beautiful juxtaposition of landscape and architecture. A dream photography destination, here are my tips for visiting Mont Saint-Michel.

Visiting Mont Saint-Michel

Visiting is perfectly possible as a day trip on your way to St Malo or Honfleur or any one of the beautiful seaside villages along that coastline. Or as an overnight trip from Paris. To do this magical place justice, I recommend staying overnight so that you can enjoy the sunset with the silhouette of the monastery piercing the skyline.

I recommend visiting in the off-season or bridging seasons if possible, as these will be less chaotic.  The actual streets on the island are tiny and narrow and not really meant for accommodating a huge volume of humans.  We visited in early June and mid-week, and it was bearable.

History of Mont Saint-Michel

Mont Saint-Michel and the bay around it were classified as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1979. Rich in both natural and man-made heritage, around 3 million tourists now flock to this beautiful 11th Century Romanesque Monastery every year. The island fortifications have also been used as a jail, which closed in 1863. Connected to the mainland by mud flats and a bridge (which recently replaced the old causeway), the tide can come in very quickly, so it is not advised to walk on the mud flats without a guide.

Hotels near Mont Saint-Michel

We stayed in Ardevon, at the Auberge de la Baie which turned out to be a wonderful decision, as the view (below) was seen from just opposite.  Further along the road, the town of Pontorson is the most popular town to stop in (it has a train station), however it is extremely touristy.  Personally, we were happy to be in Ardevon, as the views and hotel restaurant were perfect.  There are hotels on the island itself, but I would suggest staying on the mainland, so you can enjoy the views back towards the island. The Relais Saint-Michel hotel looks out over the causeway with rooms oriented to take advantage of the view. There is even a campsite near the causeway.

Practicalities

Car parking

A recent rejuvenation of the car park and a new bridge have allowed higher visitor numbers while ensuring the island and eco-systems are protected.  There are vast numbered carparks that go on for miles; so unless you visit on a Saturday in July / August, you should manage to get a spot.  Be prepared to walk a fair distance to the shuttle stop if you get a carpark at the far end.

The carpark payment machines only take credit/debit cards with chips, so get yourself one of those before visiting.  There are shuttles that go from the carparks to the island regularly, as well as the romantic horse-drawn Maringotte carriages (that can carry up to 24 people); mimicking the horse-drawn journeys the pilgrims used to take to the Monastery.

Bringing your pet

Pets aren’t allowed to travel on either the shuttles or maringottes (unless it’s a guide dog / handbag dog), so we had to walk the 2 miles from the car park to the island.  I recommend taking lots of water (for yourself and your pet) if you are walking across in summer, as the walk has no shade, and no seating.  

Pets are also not allowed in the monastery monument either – so you are limited to the streets and terraces of the township below.  I believe there is a kennelling service nearby, but I haven’t used it. For more info on travelling with a dog, read our guide to road-tripping with your dog.

Food & Drink

Remember that, unlike some countries, the French still believe in down time; so things are not open 24 hours a day.  In fact, in order for restaurants to prepare for evening service, they will shut mid-afternoon until 6:30/7pm. So don’t expect an early dinner or a mid-afternoon aperitif on Mont Saint-Michel!  Luckily, there are vendors on the island that stay open and sell water, beer, and snacks all day long.

Why don’t you combine a visit to St Malo when you visit Mont Saint-Michel!

Photography Spots at Mont Saint-Michel

The sweeping road and bridge actually leads your eye toward the island and makes for some beautiful directional photos. Other great spots are from the fortifications, or up in the monastery, where you get a view back towards the mainland. Pre-dawn is special at Mont Saint-Michel, as the island reveals itself in the new light. And of course, sunset is dramatic. But for daytime photos, take advantage of the various spots along the mainland where you can get the full vista.

Mont Saint-Michel – A dream photography destination

Sometimes a natural landscape and man-made architecture come together in spectacular harmony. Mont Saint-Michel is one of those places. The tidal island would be striking on its own; but with the spire of the monastery reaching for the sky, it is exceptional. This dream photography destination is the jewel in France’s already shining crown. It is a perfect spot to practice night photography techniques and focal lengths. And it is a perfect spot for a romantic weekend away too – why not combine the two?

Travelling in France is a speciality of mine. Contact me for itinerary planning advice.

All photos © Hannah Henderson and may not be used without permission (sharing this blog post is fine, though!). Images shot with a Canon DSLR T3i Rebel + Canon EF Lens 50mm 1:1.8 STM; and an iPhone6s.