About this experience
On my individual tour, you will not only see the famous Mont-Saint-Michel abbey but also visit medieval towns in Normandy. You will admire the cathedral and ancient water mill in Bayeux, explore the ramparts in Saint-Lô. Along the way, enjoy the views of French villages and castles, then delve into all the terraces and alleys of the fortress island and learn about its legends and history.
What to Expect
Typical Norman town
Our tour starts in the historic town of Bayeux. We will visit the Cathedral, older than Notre-Dame in Paris. In its underground, treasures were kept and prisoners were held. You will learn about the city's development and the different peoples who lived here over the centuries. Wander through charming streets and take atmospheric photos by the canal with an old 15-16th century mill. I will show you the remains of the rampart wall - not every resident knows about this place.
Saint-Lô, rising from ruins
Then, through local roads amidst colorful Norman landscapes and small villages, we will head to Saint-Lô. Founded in the 5-6th centuries, it was almost wiped out by Allied bombers. Some buildings have been lovingly restored, but many have vanished forever. We will stroll along the rampart wall, see the gates of the old prison - I will explain what this tragic monument resembles. You will visit the cathedral, half of which still lies in ruins, and the church of the Sacré-Cœur abbey. And then admire the beautiful view of the Vire River.
Castle above water
On the approach to Mont-Saint-Michel, we will stop for lunch at a local restaurant. The island fortress rightly attracts tourists - only Paris arouses more interest. The cliff, mighty walls above the water, and the buildings nestled near the abbey create a stunning impression. I will tell you about the establishment of this Benedictine monastery and the appearance of the archangel Michael to the bishop. You will understand why this castle is truly impregnable and what vicissitudes it had to endure.
Organizational Details
- Additional expenses: lunch (30-35 euros per person) and entrance ticket to the paid upper part of the Mont-Saint-Michel abbey (10-15 euros). I recommend purchasing tickets in advance at the following link to avoid long queues on site: https://www.cometoparis.com/normandy-attractions/abbey-of-mont-saint-michel-m9000594
- The tour is not available on weekends, as Mont-Saint-Michel is very crowded on those days.
- We will have about an hour each for walking around Bayeux and Saint-Lô; we will spend approximately 4 hours in Mont-Saint-Michel.
- The tour will be conducted in a seven-seater Volvo XC 90.
