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Paris to Mont Saint Michel - 3 Best Ways To Get There

Mont Saint Michel welcomes approximately 2.5 million visitors each year, making it one of the most popular destinations in Europe. Known for its stunning hilltop Abbey, the country’s iconic island stands just off the Normandy and Brittany coasts in northwest France. The distance from Paris to Mont Saint Michel is 225 miles and visitors have tons of options to reach the rocky island if you wish to explore the village and its top highlights! 

Paris to Mont Saint Michel - Getting There

Paris to Mont Saint Michel by car

By Car

  • Duration: 4 hours, 30 minutes 
  • Distance: 225 miles (362 Kilometres) 
  • Recommended if you are taking a day trip from Paris to Mont St Michel alone or wish to explore the island at your own pace. 
Paris to Mont Saint Michel by train

By Train

  • Duration: 4 hours 
  • Cost: Starting from 70 Euros 
  • Recommended if you going on a day trip from Paris to Mont St Michel for a limited time.
Paris to Mont Saint Michel by bus

By Bus

  • Duration: 4 hours, 50 minutes 
  • Cost: Starting from 18 Euros
  • Recommended if you are going on a day trip from Paris to Mont St Michel on a budget.

What is the Best Way to Travel to Mont Saint Michel from Paris?

Paris to Mont Saint Michel Cheapest Way

The Cheapest Way

  • Opting for a bus from Paris to Mont Saint Michel is the most budget-friendly choice.
  • Book a seat on the direct FlexiBus offering two daily rides, allowing flexibility for your preferred time.
  • he fastest route takes 4 hours and 50 minutes from Paris Pont de Levallois, while a longer 5-hour, 35-minute journey is available from Bercy Seine bus station.
  • Both routes lead to the Mont-Saint-Michel bus stop, ensuring arrival at the island.
  • Transport timings may change per season, so confirming details before booking your trip is advisable.
  • Bus Services: Flexibus
Paris to Mont Saint Michel Fastest Way

The Fastest Way

  • For a quick visit to Mont Saint Michel from Paris, consider taking the train, the most efficient option.
  • The journey from Paris to Mont Saint Michel typically takes around 4 hours, accounting for transfers.
  • From Paris to Rennes, it's approximately a 2-hour train ride via the TGV (high-speed train).
  • Various departure times are offered, giving flexibility to choose a convenient slot.
  • Following the Paris-Rennes journey, a 40-minute train ride from Rennes-Pontchaillou to Pontorson-Mont-Saint-Michel station completes the trip.
  • Train Services: TGV 
Paris to Mont Saint Michel convenient way

The Convenient Way

  • Travel Time from Paris to Mont Saint Michel is approx. 4 hours and 30 minutes, covering 362 kilometres.
  • The most direct route, A13 Autoroute, involves tolls. Car rentals are available for non-EU residents staying in France for over 21 days.
  • Large parking lots are situated a mile from the abbey. Free Passeur shuttles are available from the parking area to the historic site.
  • Shuttles depart from the parking lot adjacent to the Tourist Information Center.
  • Long queues might occur at the parking entrance due to the requirement of paying at the ticket machine before moving cars.
  • Car Rentals: Kemwel

Best Time to Travel From Paris to Mont Saint Michel

  • The best time to go on a day trip from Paris to Mont St Michel is between May and October if you wish to experience the island’s sunny weather conditions.
  • Alternatively, you can also visit from June through September, as Mont Saint Michel has less rain during this period. 
  • Summers, weekends and school holidays are mostly packed with tourists. So, if you wish to get away from the overcrowding, explore the village at sunrise or during the afternoon. You can also stroll around in the evening to cover some of the popular highlights at Mont Saint Michel.

Things to Do in Mont Saint Michel

Mont-Saint-Michel Abbey

Mont-Saint-Michel Abbey

Mont-Saint-Michel Abbey is among France's most stunning sights. For centuries, it had been Europe's major pilgrimage destination and today this holy island is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

La Chapelle-Saint-Aubert

La Chapelle-Saint-Aubert

If you're looking to explore more hidden and quieter places to visit, La Chapelle-Saint-Aubert is just the place for you. Low tides are the best time to visit with your family.

Barrage sur le Couesnon

Barrage sur le Couesnon

Enjoy the view or have a fun picnic at Mont Saint Michel by visiting Barrage sur le Couesnon, a short stretch dam made of concrete and metal.

Eglise Saint Pierre

Eglise Saint Pierre

Step away from the crowd to witness a small, quaint chapel located halfway up the abbey for a divine experience.

Mont-Saint-Michel

La Grande Rue

Instantly transport yourself to live in a french fairytale town as you visit the stunning streets of La Grande Rue.

La Porte du Roy

La Porte du Roy

Take a moment to appreciate the simple yet beautiful built brick gateways as you make your way to Mont Saint Michel.




Book Mont Saint Michel Tickets

Mont-Saint-Michel Abbey Tickets
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Mont Saint-Michel Abbey Tickets with Round-Trip Transfers from Paris
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From Paris: Mont Saint-Michel Day Trip with Audio Guide
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Full-Day Guided Tour of Mont Saint-Michel with Round-Trip Transfers from Paris
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From Paris: Private Tour of Mont Saint-Michel and Honfleur with Transport
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Mont Saint-Michel Audio Guide Tour
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Full-Day Guided Tour of Mont-Saint-Michel with Round-Trip Transfers from Paris
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All Your Questions About Mont Saint Michel Day Trip Answered

How far is Mont Saint-Michel from Paris?

The distance from Paris to Mont Saint-Michel is approximately 225 miles (362 kilometers).

What are the transportation options for a day trip from Paris to Mont Saint-Michel?

There are multiple transportation options for a day trip from Paris to Mont Saint-Michel. You can travel by car, train, or bus.

How long does it take to travel from Paris to Mont Saint-Michel?

The travel duration varies based on the mode of transportation: car takes approx. 4 hours & 30 minutes, train takes roughly 4 hours and bus takes about 4 hours & 50 minutes.

What is the best way to travel to Mont Saint-Michel from Paris?

The best way to travel depends on your preferences. While taking a bus is the most budget-friendly option, the train is the most efficient choice for a quick visit, and traveling by car allows flexibility and direct access to the island.

Can I visit Mont Saint-Michel in a day from Paris?

Yes, it is possible to visit Mont Saint-Michel in a day from Paris. The travel time allows for a day trip to explore the island.

What are the must-see attractions at Mont Saint-Michel?

Some of the must-visit attractions in Mont Saint Michel are Mont-Saint-Michel Abbey, La Chapelle-Saint-Aubert, Barrage sur le Couesnon, Eglise Saint Pierre, La Grande Rue and La Porte du Roy.

Are there any direct trains or buses from Paris to Mont Saint-Michel?

Yes, there are direct trains and buses available from Paris to Mont Saint-Michel, offering convenient travel options.

What are the best times to visit Mont Saint-Michel to avoid crowds?

To avoid overcrowding, consider visiting during the early morning, late afternoon, or evening. Additionally, the best times are between May and October or from June through September for better weather conditions.

Can I access the abbey at Mont Saint-Michel during a day trip from Paris?

Yes, you can access the abbey during a day trip from Paris. Ensure you manage your time well to explore the various attractions on the island.

What are the historical and cultural highlights of Mont Saint-Michel that one shouldn’t miss on a day trip from Paris?

Apart from the iconic Mont-Saint-Michel Abbey, make sure not to miss exploring La Chapelle-Saint-Aubert, Barrage sur le Couesnon, Eglise Saint Pierre, La Grande Rue, and La Porte du Roy. These locations offer a diverse experience of the island's history and culture.