Mont Saint-Michel Abbey was a centre of pilgrimage in the Middle Ages, and is one of the most remarkable examples of religious and military architecture from the medieval period. The Abbey forms part of a UNESCO World Heritage Site and more than 20 of its rooms are open to visitors. This extraordinary national landmark features a whole host of wonderful works of architecture including the abbatial church, cloister, refectory, monks’ walkway, Merveille gardens and the West terrace overlooking the vast bay.
And why not experience Mont Saint-Michel Abbey in a different way, by attending some of the exceptional concerts held there each year or discovering it at nightfall in July and August by taking a nocturnal walk, accompanied by a music and light display.
Photos © Centre des monuments nationaux
Throughout the year, no matter the season, the “Chemins de la Baie” team offers guided walks and hikes in and around Mont Saint-Michel bay and the Chausey islands. Our experienced guides, qualified or in training, are all passionate about the Bay and will share their knowledge with you whilst walking through beautiful open spaces in a fascinating natural environment.
You too can leave your footprints in the sand when you take one of the many paths across the bay, endlessly reformed by the rise and fall of the tides. Discover shifting sands, enjoy guided walks across the bay with commentary, morning and night, be part of a lantern procession, and watch the spring tides… these are just some of the experiences to be shared and open to all.
The widest selection of souvenirs and local products from Brittany and Normandy, all at great prices.
The apple is the “Queen of Fruits” in Normandy! We sell a range of apple-based beverages including sweet and dry cider, Pommeau (made from apple juice and apple brandy), Poiré (perry, or pear cider) and Calvados. Warning! Excessive consumption of alcohol can cause harm to your health. Drink in moderation.
Enjoy dulce de leche, a delicious, traditional Norman delicacy made from sugar and milk. You can buy it plain or flavoured with Calvados, Pommeau, hazelnut, coffee, honey, chocolate, praline and even coconut!
Our cakes and sweets include Caramels au Beurre d’Isigny AOC (Isigny butter caramels), Palets Bretons (Breton biscuits), Sablés Normands (Norman shortbread biscuits), Kouign-Amann Breton cakes, Quatre Quart Breton (Breton pound cake) Nonnettes Normandes (iced gingerbread), Madeleines (small traditional cakes), Crêpes, Galettes (a type of Breton pancake), and Gavottes de Dinan (thin and crispy rolled pancakes).
For lovers of savoury products, we have Andouille de Vire (chitterling sausage), Tripes à la mode de Caen (traditional Normandy tripe dish), cured ham, and Sel de Guérande sea salt.
Local dairy products include cheeses from Normandy: unpasteurised camembert, Pont L’Evêque and Livarot. We also sell local butter, cream and the famous Teurgoule: a sweetened rice pudding cooked for 3 hours! We also offer a selection of books about Mont Saint-Michel and the region, a whole range of clothes inspired by the seascape (striped t-shirts and sweaters…), postcards and a large array of souvenirs.
At the Champrépus zoological gardens the animal kingdom and natural environment come together in a way that is quite unique in France.
60 species of animals can be seen across a range of themed gardens. There are lions, leopards, giraffes, zebras, penguins and even rare lemurs from Madagascar.
Claire Collin, Specialist Tour Guide, offers guided visits in French, English and Spanish. She works at Mont Saint-Michel, Saint-Malo, Cancale, Granville, the Normandy Landing beaches and lots more…
Get to know the region by signing up to bespoke tours – sit back, relax and let yourself be driven to the location of your choice in her minibus.
Come and discover Mont Saint-Michel and the Abbey by taking a guided tour.
Gaëlle Lotton, a qualified guide-interpreter since 2003, will take you on a journey of discovery to little-known places in Mont Saint-Michel, along the backstreets and through the numerous gates. The tour of the medieval village and Abbey will include historical information and anecdotes.
