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Visiting Mont-Saint-Michel as a day trip from Paris is a popular way to explore the medieval island, and opting for a tour saves you time and the hassle of arranging your own transportation. Plus, many tours include access to the Mont-Saint-Michel Abbey (Abbaye du Mont-Saint-Michel). The island is also easy to reach from Caen and Bayeux, both of which offer access to wider Normandy and places such as the D-Day landing beaches of World War II and the coastal village of Honfleur.
The parking lot is located on the mainland; a shuttle runs from the lot to a drop-off point close to the entrance.
The village is full of narrow walkways and steps, so wear comfortable shoes and prepare for crowds.
There are no stairs from the parking lot to the entrance, but 350 steps lead from the top of the main street to the abbey.
Wi-Fi is available at the tourist office in the village.
Mont-Saint-Michel is located in a bay between Normandy and Brittany about 220 miles (354 kilometers) west of Paris, roughly four hours away by road. Driving or taking a bus tour is the quickest way to reach the island, but train and public bus options are also available through Caen, Rennes, and Pontorson.
The site's tourist office is open every day except Christmas Day and New Year's Day, while the abbey is closed on January 1, May 1, and December 25. As a small island, it's a popular destination with limited space, so arrive early to avoid the crowds, which are biggest in summer.
After paying your entrance fee to the abbey, grab a visitor's guide for a self-guided tour of the Gothic landmark's cloister and rooms. Alternatively, guided 75-minute tours in French and English are available year-round; they are included in Mont-Saint-Michel tickets with no reservation required. To hear commentary without a live guide, purchase a 1-hour audio guide for a small fee.