Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
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Mudlat Stroll Around Mont St-Michel
To resurrect that Mont St-Michel dreamscape and evade all those tacky tourist stalls, you
can walk out on the mudflats around the island (to reach the mudflats, pass through the
gendarmerie,
a former guard station, on the left side of the island as you face it). Take
your shoes off and walk barefoot (handy faucets are available on your way back by the
gendarmerie
). At low tide, it's reasonably dry and a great memory-maker. But this can be
hazardous, so don't go alone, don't stray far, and be sure to double-check the tides—or
consider a guided walk (described under “Helpful Hints,” earlier). Remember the scene
fromtheBayeuxtapestrywhereHaroldrescuesNormansfromthequicksand?Ithappened
somewhere in this bay.
The Village Below the Abbey
Visitors usually enter the island through a stone arch at the lower left. However, during
very high tides, you'll enter through the door in the central tower. The island's main street
(Rue Principale, or “Grande Rue”), lined with shops and hotels leading to the abbey, is
grotesquelytouristy.Itissomeconsolationtorememberthat,evenintheMiddleAges,this
was a commercial gauntlet, with stalls selling souvenir medallions, candles, and fast food.
Withonly30full-timeresidents,thevillagelivessolelyfortourists.Ifcrowdsstickinyour
craw, keep left as you enter the island, passing under the stone arch of the
gendarmerie,
andfollowthecobbledrampuptotheabbey.Thisisalsotheeasiestrouteup,thankstothe
long ramps, which help you avoid most stairs. (Others should follow the directions below,
which still avoid most crowds.)
