Mont Saint Michel nowadays

Since its listing as a Historic Monument in 1874, Mont Saint-Michel has embarked on a new chapter in its history. Substantial restoration works have been carried out successively, reviving the site's glory. In 1897, the abbey was crowned with a statue of the Archangel Saint Michael vanquishing the dragon. Sculpted by Emmanuel Frémiet, it also serves as a lightning rod, and is key to the abbey's current appearance.

A Hub for Artists and Tourists

In the 19th century, authors and painters flocked to Mont-Saint-Michel, drawn by its charm and picturesque landscape. An impassable causeway, stretching 1,930 meters, was constructed from 1878 to 1880. The advent of the steam tram on this road bolstered tourism and pilgrimage to the site.

Since the 1950s, this Norman town has morphed into a major tourist hotspot in France. It was listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1979, and now welcomes up to 16,000 visitors daily during summer.

Spiritual Presence and Infrastructure Improvements

The religious aspect of the abbey hasn't been overshadowed, as worship was restored in 1969. Brothers and sisters from the Monastic Fraternities of Jerusalem, based in the Saint Gervais Church in Paris, have been ensuring spiritual services throughout the year since 2001. They succeeded the Benedictine monks who gradually left the Mount since 1979.

A decade-long series of projects completed in 2015 sought to restore the site's maritime character, transforming it back into an island complete with its bay and tides. The causeway was replaced with a light bridge, and a new car park, situated 2.5 kilometers away from the intramural mount, was established.

Tourists can now reach the site by train-bus, shuttle buses, personal cars, or by hiking a few kilometers with the guides from The Paths of Mont-Saint-Michel Association, walking in the footsteps of the pilgrims. For a more private experience, they can book one of our car services directly in Paris.