Mont Saint-Michel Abbey Opening Hours

Mont Saint-Michel Abbey runs on two seasonal schedules: summer hours (1 May – 31 August: 09:00–19:00, last admission 18:00) and winter hours (1 September – 30 April: 09:30–18:00, last admission 17:00). The village itself, with its restaurants and inns, is open at all hours — only the abbey and the parish church have controlled opening times. Closed on 1 January, 1 May and 25 December — plus the exceptional closure of Monday 1 June 2026. See our best time to visit page for quieter slots and the visitors guide for what to do once you arrive.

Abbey — Summer Hours (1 May – 31 August)

Daily	9:00 AM – 7:00 PM
Last admission	6:00 PM (1 hour before closing)

Abbey — Winter Hours (1 September – 30 April)

Daily	9:30 AM – 6:00 PM
Last admission	5:00 PM (1 hour before closing)

Nocturnes Evening Visits (July – August)

Monday – Saturday	7:30 PM – midnight
Last entry	11:15 PM
Sunday	No Nocturnes (Sunday Mass takes priority)

The Village & Ramparts

Open daily, year-round	24 hours (no ticket)
Free shuttle "Le Passeur"	7:30 AM – midnight (every 5–10 min)

Annual Closures

1 January	Closed all day
1 May	Closed all day
25 December	Closed all day
Monday 1 June 2026	Exceptional closure

Free Sundays: The abbey is free for everyone on the first Sunday of every month from 1 October to 31 March — a wonderful opportunity if you can plan a low-season visit.

Opening Hours FAQ

Hours, holidays, and last admission

Is Mont Saint-Michel Abbey open every day?

Almost — the abbey is closed only on 1 January, 1 May, 25 December, and (in 2026) Monday 1 June for an exceptional closure. Every other day of the year it opens at 09:00 (summer) or 09:30 (winter).

What time is the last admission?

Last entry to the abbey is exactly one hour before closing: 18:00 in summer (1 May – 31 August), 17:00 in winter (1 September – 30 April). Arrive earlier — the full circuit takes around 1.5 hours.

When are summer and winter hours in effect?

Summer hours (09:00–19:00) run from 1 May to 31 August. Winter hours (09:30–18:00) run from 1 September to 30 April. There's no transition month — the change is on 1 September and 1 May.

Can I visit the village even when the abbey is closed?

Yes — the village, the Grande Rue, the ramparts and the parish church of Saint-Pierre are open 24 hours a day, year-round, free of charge. Only the abbey itself has controlled hours and an entry ticket. The free Passeur shuttle runs 7:30 AM – midnight.

What are the Nocturnes hours?

During July and August (precise dates announced each spring), the abbey reopens Monday to Saturday from 19:30 to midnight, with last entry at 23:15. Sunday is reserved for Mass and is not available for Nocturnes. Separate ticket required.

Is the abbey closed for religious services?

The abbey church is still used by a small monastic community (the Fraternités monastiques de Jérusalem) who hold daily offices. During services (typically morning Mass and vespers), part of the abbey church is reserved for worshippers and quiet observation is requested.

What about Christmas and New Year's Eve?

Closed on 25 December and 1 January. 26 and 31 December operate with standard winter hours, although the abbey often closes slightly early on 31 December — check ahead. The village restaurants stay open and Christmas Mass is held in the abbey church (free, public).

How long can I stay inside once I've entered?

As long as you like, up to closing time. The standard circuit is one-way and takes about 1.5 hours. After exiting through the abbey gardens, you cannot re-enter on the same ticket.

Mont Saint-Michel Opening Hours