Even the Iron Lady looks at Mont-Saint-Michel in awe.
The unique island and commune of Mont-Saint-Michel in Normandy inspired the town in the much-loved Disney film, Tangled.
However, this famous abbey is not actually a castle — though it is often (justifiably) mislabeled as one, thanks to its dreamy design on an enchanting island backdrop.
Regardless, you won’t be disappointed; Mont-Saint-Michel is easily one of the most captivating sights in a country that has no shortage of beautiful landmarks. This means that when we’re inundated with ticket requests for the Paris to Mont-Saint-Michel train, we’re never caught off guard. Here’s what you need to know about taking the train from Paris to Mont-Saint-Michel:
Image Credit: Getty Images, MathieuRivrin. Image Location: Mont-Saint-Michel, Normandy, France
At a glance: train from Paris to Mont-Saint-Michel
- Paris’s station: Paris Gare de Nord | Paris Montparnasse | Paris St-Lazare
- Mont-Saint-Michel’s station: Pontorson – Mont-St-Michel
- How far is Paris to Mont-Saint-Michel by train: 177 miles
- Fastest duration for high-speed trains: 3h 36m
- Average duration for general trains: 4h 19m
- Number of trains per day: 5
- Ticket prices: From around $30 when booked in advance
- Earliest departure: 07:32 AM
- Latest departure: 08:59 PM
Is a day trip to Mont-Saint-Michel from Paris worth it?
Yes, a day trip to Mont-Saint-Michel from Paris is worth it. Mont-Saint-Michel is one of the best day trips from Paris because you can see the entire site without feeling pressed for time. Your kids will love seeing the “real Rapunzel tower” (Tangled’s Corona Castle took inspiration from the abbey). Adults visiting alone will be no less impressed with the stunning architecture set against the water.
How far is Mont-Saint-Michel from Paris by train?
Mont-Saint-Michel is 177 miles from Paris by train, but 5.5 of those miles aren’t covered by rail. Don’t let this stop you from visiting. You can easily get from the Mont-Saint-Michel train station to the abbey by public transportation quickly and affordably (as in “free” if you take the shuttle bus).
How long is the journey from Paris to Mont-Saint-Michel by train?
The journey from Paris to Mont-Saint-Michel by train takes about 4 hours; a half-hour less if you pick the right train ahead of time. A seven-to-eight-hour round trip sounds rough until you realize that it’s actually quite relaxing after an early breakfast and following hours of exploring the abbey’s ancient sites.
Image Credit: Getty Images, Maremagnum. Image Location: Mont-Saint-Michel, Normandy, France
How often is the train from Paris to Mont-Saint-Michel?
The train from Paris to Mont-Saint-Michel only runs a handful of times each day. Many of these train routes end by the late afternoon, so don’t wait to grab tickets for an early train. Download the Trainline app and breathe a sigh of relief when you snag the cheapest tickets available for the time that works with your vacation itinerary.
How much is a train ticket from Paris to Mont-Saint-Michel?
Train tickets from Paris to Mont-Saint-Michel could start around $30 and reach around $150+.
Here’s some transparency for you: rates vary dramatically, especially for train tickets to popular day trips from Paris like Mont-Saint-Michel. You could roll the dice and snag that $30 ticket with ease; but you could also get burned and pay $100 more for no other reason than procrastination. Our tip: buy early, save enough for souvenirs.
Is there a direct train from Paris to Mont-Saint-Michel?
No, there is no direct train from Paris to Mont Saint-Michel; the last station before Mont Saint-Michel is 5.5 miles away. “Rails rule” may be our mantra, but even we agree that stretching railroad tracks over the water to the enchanting abbey would Disney-fy it a little too much. Plus, who needs a train when you can take a free shuttle the rest of the way?
Image Credit: Getty Images, grafxart8888. Image Location: Mont-Saint-Michel, Normandy, France
What is the nearest station to Mont-Saint-Michel?
The nearest train station to Mont Saint-Michel is Pontorson-Mont–St-Michel. You then need to take a bus from the train station to Mont-Saint-Michel or another form of transportation. Spend money on a cab or hoof it if you wish, but we prefer the free shuttle bus at the tourist information center.
How do you get across to Mont-Saint-Michel?
You can get across to Mont-Saint-Michel in three ways. The cheapest option is to take the free passeur shuttle bus departing from the tourist information center. It’s a 12-minute ride to Mont-Saint-Michel, and the bus runs from 7:30 AM through midnight. You can also pay for a horse-drawn carriage that takes 25-minutes or walk one of the three routes to Mont-Saint-Michel. Each walking route takes between 40 to 50 minutes.
🚆Trainline Tip: All train travelers need to remember that the last train from Pontorson-Mont-St-Michel to Paris usually leaves around 6:30 PM. Make sure you leave plenty of time to get from Mont-Saint-Michel back to the tourist information center then back to the train station.
When was Mont-Saint-Michel built?
Mont-Saint-Michel’s original oratory was built in the 8th century — the same century in which Charlemagne ruled the Western Roman Empire. France, at the time, was still West Francia. The Benedictine abbey standing today was built in 966. Elements of the abbey, like the nave and choir, were built between the 11th and 16th centuries.
Image Credit: Getty Images, Chris McLoughlin. Image Location: Mont-Saint-Michel, Normandy, France
Who built the Mont-Saint-Michel abbey?
While Saint Aubert was the first person to begin constructing a holy site on what is now Mont-Saint-Michel, it was a host to other leaders, like the dukes of Normandy and various French kings that helped fund and develop the Benedictine abbey that you see today.
Was Mont-Saint-Michel built on a rock?
Yes, Mont-Saint-Michel was built on a huge granite outcrop. It was originally called Mount Tombe, until Saint Aubert received a vision from the archangel Saint Michael. The angel told Aubert to build an oratory. And as the story so often goes: if you build an oratory, you attract pilgrims, then you build a village for the pilgrims, then other people visit the village, so you have to build an abbey, then other people tell more people to visit the abbey, then the holy site becomes a popular tourist attraction and gets honored on a UNESCO World Heritage list.
What is the importance of Mont-Saint-Michel?
Mont-Saint-Michel is considered an important medieval Christian site, but millions of secular sightseers over the centuries have also held this abbey in high esteem. From a historical and engineering perspective, the fact that Mont-Saint-Michel still stands is impressive. The integrity of its ancient construction still prevails despite ages of turbulence.
Image Credit: Getty Images, RolfSt. Image Location: Mont-Saint-Michel, Normandy, France
Can I do a tour of the Mont-Saint-Michel abbey and monastery?
Yes, you can tour Mont-Saint-Michel abbey and the monastery — it’s the primary reason people make the day trip from Paris. Self-guided tours are available, as are slightly longer guided tours and two-hour lecture tours that offer an opportunity to visit rooms typically closed to the public.
How long should I spend at Mont-Saint-Michel?
Most visitors spend between three and seven hours at Mont-Saint-Michel, with many organized tours allowing for four hours of exploration. Depending on how much you want to do and see (it’s an island, mind you) plan at least a four-hour visit.
How long does it take to walk to Mont-Saint-Michel?
You can walk one of three footpaths across the Mont-Saint-Michel Bay: La Lisière, les Berges du Couesnon, and the central routes. Each of these take between 40 and 50 minutes to tackle on foot.
Can you access Mont-Saint-Michel all day?
Yes, Mont-Saint-Michel is a commune and a few dozen people live there. You don’t need a ticket or reservation to visit the island. If you heard that the tides will sweep you away, you’re not wrong. Walking in the bay without a guide is risky around high-tide, which is why the walkway bridge is open-year round.
Need some inspiration for other day trips to take from Paris? We’ve got you covered — and don’t forget to book your ticket with the Trainline app:
- 22 of the best day trips from Paris by train
- Paris to Zürich by train
- Paris to Strasbourg day trip
- Paris to Versailles day trip
- Disneyland to Amsterdam: 13 unmissable trips from Paris
Header Image Credit: Getty Images, Clement LEONARD. Image Location: Mont-Saint-Michel, Normandy, France
