Surrounded by its mesmerising bay, which has the highest tides in Europe, access to the world-famous Mont-Saint-Michel is limited. Where can I park? Is parking free or charged? Is there a shuttle bus to reach the foot of the Mount? Where can I leave my bike? See below for the best ways to get to the Mont-Saint-Michel.
How do I get to the Mont-Saint-Michel?
- By train
Getting to the Mont-Saint-Michel by train has just become easier! Catch the train from Paris Montparnasse and hop off at Pontorson station, the closest to the Mont-Saint-Michel, where a shuttle bus will take you directly to the site.
The seasonal service* called ‘Le Train du Mont-Saint-Michel’ runs from June to September.
*The rest of the year, shuttle buses or taxis leave from Villedieu-les-Poêles station. - By car
To get to the Mont-Saint-Michel by car: From Paris, Rouen and northern France, take the A13 motorway towards Caen and the A84 towards the Mont-Saint-Michel. - By bike
If you have a bike, the nicest way to discover all the riches of the Bay area and to enjoy shifting perspectives on the mount itself, is to follow the green way, a 12km-long level cycling path that approaches the Mont-Saint-Michel from the western side. But do note that you have to dismount and leave your bike on the mainland like the cars do, and either walk or take the shuttle to the mount itself. It pays to take into account extra time needed at busy times. 70 bike racks are available at the entrance of the Mont. - If you’re into long-distance cycling, look into the Veloscenic cycle route which links Paris to the Mont-Saint-Michel, or the Velomaritime which links Roscoff to Dunkirk via the Mont-Saint-Michel.
Where can I park at the Mont-Saint-Michel?
You can’t park at the foot of the Mont-Saint-Michel. A major car park with 4,000 parking spaces is provided on the mainland, over a mile from the mount. It is open 24/7. From there, you can either catch the free shuttle bus or walk along the beautiful footbridge.
Parking is free from 6.30PM (only in low-season). Price list and information HERE (for car, motorbike and camper van).
A free shuttle bus to reach the mount
From the car park, you can either:
- Catch the shuttle bus to the Mont-Saint-Michel, called ‘Le Passeur‘
Just outside the tourist information centre, you’ll find the passeur shuttle bus to take you to the Mont-Saint-Michel. It’s free, and runs without interruption from 7:30am to midnight. The journey takes about 12 minutes and is easy to use for people with mobility issues. - Ride a horse-drawn carriage is also available. A paid service that takes you to the entrance of the Mont-Saint-Michel via the bridge in 25 minutes. The frequency of the departures varies according to the season.
- Walk to the foot of the Mont-Saint-Michel
There are three ways of approaching the Mont-Saint-Michel Bay area on footpaths: la Lisière, les Berges du Couesnon and the central route. You should allow about 40 to 50 minutes for any one of them.
By train, by bike or on foot
Our top tips for your trip to the Mont-Saint-Michel
Explore Normandy at your own pace and enjoy a more responsible holiday. You’ll also find some of our best addresses: hotels, restaurants and places to visit, all accessible without a car.
