No trip to Normandy is complete without seeing the world-famous Mont Saint-Michel. Rising from tidal sands like something from a dream, the abbey-island has drawn pilgrims, poets, and travellers for over a thousand years.
For Gloria, it was a true bucket-list moment — and just under two hours from her cosy Mayenne Holidays gîte in Hercé, it made the perfect day trip.
Morning: First Glimpse of a Legend
Driving through quiet country lanes, Gloria’s heart skipped a beat as Mont Saint-Michel first appeared on the horizon — its spire rising high above the shifting sands, glowing in the morning sun. No photograph can prepare you for the magic of that view.
She parked on the mainland and took the shuttle bus across the causeway (you can also walk, if tides allow). Each step brought her closer to the cobbled streets, medieval houses, and the towering abbey that crowns the mount.
💡 Travel Tip: Arrive early (before 10am) to avoid the crowds. Parking is well-signposted, and the free shuttle buses run every 10–15 minutes.
Climbing to the Abbey
Gloria wound her way up narrow medieval lanes lined with shops selling caramel sweets, postcards, and souvenirs. Musicians played, the smell of toasted almonds drifted through the air, and the excitement built with every step.
At the summit, the reward was worth the climb: the Benedictine Abbey of Mont Saint-Michel. Its soaring gothic arches, peaceful cloisters, and views across the vast tidal flats were breathtaking. Standing in the silence of the abbey church, Gloria understood why pilgrims had travelled here for centuries.
💡 Travel Tip: Entry to the Abbey is around €11 (free for EU residents under 26). Allow at least 1.5 hours for the visit.
Lunch: The Famous Mère Poulard Omelette 🍳🥖🍎
After all that climbing, lunch was well-earned. Gloria headed straight for the Auberge de la Mère Poulard, famous for its fluffy, soufflé-style omelettes — a recipe created here in 1888 and still served to this day.
Her golden omelette arrived with crusty bread, a slab of salted butter, and a cool glass of apple juice from the bay. For dessert, she chose a slice of Tarte Normande, packed with apples, cream, and a hint of cinnamon. Simple, traditional, and unforgettable.
Afternoon: A Wild Detour at Alligator Bay 🐊🐢
On her way back to Mayenne, Gloria made a spontaneous stop at Alligator Bay, just a stone’s throw from Mont Saint-Michel.
Inside, she discovered over 700 reptiles — Nile crocodiles, giant tortoises, iguanas, and even rare albino alligators. The steamy alligator greenhouse was a world away from the cool abbey cloisters she’d just left. Quirky, surprising, and great fun, especially for families.
💡 Travel Tip: Alligator Bay is open daily and takes about 1–2 hours to visit. Perfect for kids (and curious adults!).
Evening: Back to Mayenne Calm
By early evening, Gloria was back in Hercé, unpacking her souvenirs: a tin of salted caramel, a packet of biscuits, and a little jar of sea salt from the bay.
She poured a glass of crisp Normandy cider, settled into a deck chair, and watched the sun set over the Mayenne fields.
What a contrast — an abbey in the sea, giant reptiles, and now the soft stillness of the countryside.
“This,” she thought with a smile, “is why travel is magic.”
✨ Fancy a day trip to Mont Saint-Michel?
From your base in Hercé, Mayenne, the abbey is just a short drive away — meaning you can tick off one of France’s most iconic landmarks, then return to the peace and charm of rural life.
