Armorica guide

How do you go to the Merveille from Paris ?

A UNESCO World Heritage site since 1979, Mont-Saint-Michel is undoubtedly a must-see when visiting Normandy and Brittany. Renowned for its picture-postcard scenery, it offers various ways to reach it from Paris.

From Paris to the Mont-Saint-Michel via Rennes

In this article, I’ll show you the way via Rennes because this is perhaps the most classic route to the abbey dedicated to Saint Michael.

You can take a TGV (French high-speed train) from Paris Montparnasse Station. After about an hour and a half, you’ll arrive in Rennes, where you can catch a bus. The bus station is situated next to the train station.

Looking for a bus station you don’t know might seem complicated. But you can find signs indicating the bus station everywhere in the train station of Rennes. So don’t worry!

Once you arrive at the bus stop in Mont-Saint-Michel, you can walk to the shuttle bus station in front of the Tourist Information Center. After a 12-minute ride in the “navette,” you’ll get off at the last stop, 350 meters from the entrance of the village. It’s for free. Allow about 30 minutes for this part of the trip, as there can sometimes be a long line at the starting station.

Shuttle Bus at the Mont-Saint-Michel — Shuttle bus at the Mont-Saint-Michel

How to buy a bus ticket

Bus tickets are sold at the Korrigo ticket window in the station, as well as on the website below:

https://keolis-armor.com/fr/

I recommend booking your ticket online because the bus can be full. During the high season, especially around August 15th, there is a risk of no available seats.

Generally, there are two or three round trips between Rennes and Mont-Saint-Michel daily.

Some Useful Tips for Your Trip to Mont-Saint-Michel

I work as a guide at Mont-Saint-Michel year-round. From my experience, I suggest buying all your tickets in advance. You can also purchase a ticket for the abbey online. Skipping the line will save you a lot of time!

https://www.abbaye-mont-saint-michel.fr/en

The high season at Mont-Saint-Michel is from April to September, especially during French school vacations. Generally, the site is very crowded in summer. The rush hour for restaurants is at 1 pm, and for the abbey, it is between 2 pm and 4 pm, as many groups visit during this time slot.

I hope this article helps you organize your stay at Mont-Saint-Michel.

Cloister of the Abbey of Mont-Saint-Michel

Palace of the Parliament of Brittany

The Parliament of Brittany served as the symbol of the King of France’s representation in the region before the French Revolution. Today, it houses the Court of Appeals of Rennes.

Constructed between 1618 and 1709 and designed by Salomon de Brosse, the architect of the Queen, the palace is in harmony with the surrounding buildings erected after the significant fire of 1720.

Saint-Peter Cathedral of Rennes

Traditionally, the Saint-Peter Cathedral of Rennes was the site where the dukes of Brittany were crowned, making Rennes one of the capitals of the Dukedom before its annexation to the Kingdom of France in 1532.

The present cathedral underwent reconstruction between the 16th and 19th centuries, and you might be surprised by its resemblance to a small ‘Saint Peter’s Basilica.

Mordelaises Gate (Portes Mordelaises)

The Portes Mordelaises served as a principal gate of the medieval fortifications. Constructed in the 15th century, it leads to Saint-Peter Cathedral.

It’s fascinating to imagine that future Dukes of Brittany swore to defend the liberty and rights of the Breton people before entering the city.

Saint-George Palace (Palais Saint-Georges)

The palace used to belong to the Abbey of Saint-George. Constructed in 1670 by order of the abbess Magdelaine de la Fayette, whose name is inscribed on its façade.

From the balcony, you can admire a picturesque view of a French-style garden in front of the building.

Would you like to delve into the rich history, uncover cultural treasures, and explore hidden gems of Rennes with your very own private guide ?