A few days ago, I had the incredible opportunity to visit Mont Saint-Michel in northern France—a trip that truly lived up to its reputation as one of the world’s most magical destinations.
Before my visit, my understanding of Mont Saint-Michel was limited to Jay Chou’s mesmerizing album cover. I had also heard whispers that this majestic site inspired the breathtaking set designs in “The Lord of the Rings.”
This time, I was fortunate enough to witness the tides in all their glory. During the day, at low tide, Mont Saint-Michel stands majestically on a vast expanse of mudflats, resembling a fairytale castle under the endless blue sky. From the monastery perched high atop the mountain, the view stretches out to the light-colored mudflats, creating an awe-inspiring panorama. By evening, as the sea gently rises, the entire mountain transforms into a floating island, shrouded in mystery and grandeur.
The architecture on the mountain is predominantly English in style, particularly evident in the monastery garden, which feels like a miniature version of Westminster Abbey. It’s a fascinating blend of cultures and histories, adding layers of intrigue to the experience.
Getting to Mont Saint-Michel isn’t exactly straightforward, but we dedicated two full days to this enchanting destination, and it was absolutely worth every moment. Here’s our itinerary for your reference:
📍**Day 1 (P1-P3):**
We began our journey by renting a car at Nantes Airport and driving to Mont Saint-Michel in the afternoon. We arrived just in time to catch the high tide at dusk, a sight so mesmerizing that words fail to capture its beauty. Afterward, we spent the night in nearby Saint-Malo, a charming coastal town.
📍**Day 2 (P13-P18):**
Saint-Malo is a picturesque coastal gem where the old town dances with the rhythm of the tides. In the morning, the azure sea greeted us, offering stunning views. By the time we left in the late afternoon, the seawater had receded, revealing expansive mudflats. Locals and visitors alike were seen gathering fresh seafood and shells, a delightful display of life by the shore.
If you have the time, take a leisurely stroll through the cobblestone streets of the old town—it’s both beautiful and brimming with character. For a taste of the local flavors, don’t miss Café Simon (P17-P18). The owner’s warmth and the freshness of the seafood, especially the mussels, made it a highlight of our trip.
In the afternoon, we returned to Mont Saint-Michel to explore its daytime charm (P4-P5). Several official parking lots are available nearby, offering ample space for visitors. You can either take a free shuttle bus from the parking lot to the foot of the mountain or enjoy a scenic 30-minute walk.
The mountain itself is compact yet packed with charm. Along the way, you’ll find quaint shops selling souvenirs and local delicacies, as well as a small post office where you can send postcards to loved ones. The crown jewel, however, is the ancient monastery, whose tickets can be purchased online in advance for convenience.
Mont Saint-Michel remains remarkably unspoiled, surrounded by serene farmland. On our first evening, as we departed, we passed a farmhouse that instantly evoked the surreal landscapes of Magritte’s paintings (P11).
*PS: While the iconic hay bales often featured on Xiaohongshu may seem inviting, access to them has been blocked by local villagers. Alternative routes, if they exist, remain unclear—we couldn’t locate any during our visit.*
In short, if you ever have the chance, I wholeheartedly recommend a visit to Mont Saint-Michel. The breathtaking tidal landscapes here are nothing short of extraordinary and truly deserve to be experienced firsthand.
