Le Mont Saint MichelLe Mont Saint Michel is an absolute must for visitors to le Manche/Brittany area.
There is one main road (the D976) leading to the Mont and as you round the last bend and pass the last copse of trees, the sheer magnificence of this miracle of architecture takes your breath away. There is a car park at the base of the rock, which is very reasonably priced.
La Porte du Roi (the King's Gate) is the entrance to the walled village which perches at the base of the abbey (there is a ramp and steps from the car park across to the King's Gate). The winding village streets are packed with restaurants, food outlets and souvenir shops with very varying prices for much the same items, prices being more reasonable the higher up the mount you climb.
The view from the top of the village is fantastic, and many people do not bother with the steep climb to the top of the abbey. Millions of people pass through the gateway into the village each year and only about a third of them walk up to the abbey. Mont Saint Michel is the most visited monument in France after those in Paris, although it is less crowded at off-peak times of the year.
Along the same route to the Mont are the factory shops, the "Biscuiteries du Mont Saint Michel" where the rich butter cookies imprinted with a picture of Mont Saint Michel can be tasted and purchased. The original machinery used to make the cookies is on display and videos of their fabrication are on view. The barrels and tins of biscuits make lovely presents or souvenirs to take home.
The drive east to Cancale from Mont St Michel is best taken along the coastal road D797 and D155 where you can stop at one of the Garlic Farms or enjoy the picturesque Windmills.
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