Pre-Trip Checklist: Mont St Michel

Essential Preparations

Plan your journey with a structured timeline for a smooth experience.

Planning Timeline

A step-by-step guide to your pre-trip tasks.

+ Months Before

Travel Documents

Apply for or renew your passport. Verify visa requirements for France (Schengen Area).

Flights & Insurance

Book international flights. Purchase comprehensive Travel insurance.

Initial Itinerary

Begin researching attractions and outline a preliminary itinerary.

-2 Months Before

Accommodation

Book your accommodation, especially for stays on Mont Saint-Michel or peak season.

Tours & Tickets

Book specific tours or guided bay walks and high-speed train tickets for better prices.

Local Transport

Research local transportation from Rennes or Pontorson to Mont Saint-Michel.

-4 Weeks Before

Health & Money

Pack prescription medications. Notify your bank and credit card companies of travel plans.

Driving Permit

Arrange for an International Driving Permit if renting a car outside the EU/EEA.

Digital Prep

Download offline maps and translation apps to your mobile phone.

Required Advance Bookings

Secure these important elements ahead of time to avoid disappointment.

Bookings

Flights (especially international and during peak season).
Accommodation (notably on the Mont or in high season).
Mont Saint-Michel Abbey entrance tickets (online purchase recommended).
Guided bay walks (due to limited availability and safety).

Pre-Trip Research Areas

Gain insights before you go to refine your visit.

Research Topics

Thoroughly research tide schedules for Mont Saint-Michel.
Confirm current opening hours for the Abbey and other attractions.
Familiarize yourself with public transport schedules from Rennes or Pontorson.

Home Preparation Before Departure

Ensure your home remains secure and managed during your absence.

Mail & Pet Care

Arrange for mail to be held or collected.
Organize pet care and plant watering.

Home Security

Secure your home: lock all doors and windows.
Set alarms if you have them.
Turn off unnecessary electronics or appliances.

Trusted Contacts & Packing

Inform a trusted friend or family member of your itinerary and emergency contact information.
Pack final items, leaving essentials for easy access.
Consider packing organizers from Eagle Creek.

Final Preparations Insight

Printing physical copies of all essential documents (passport, visa, insurance, bookings) and making digital copies (photos on phone, cloud storage, email) brings peace of mind.

Arrival & Departure

Arrival Checklist

The first few hours in a new place often shape your trip.

First Steps Upon Arrival

1
Immigration & Customs
Clear immigration and customs at your port of entry.
2
Local Currency
Withdraw Euros from an ATM if needed, or activate your local SIM card/eSIM.
3
Transport to Accommodation
Locate pre-booked transport or find connections to your destination.

Orientation Strategies

Check-in & Familiarization
Locate your accommodation and check in. Familiarize yourself with the immediate area.
Local Information
Pick up local maps and brochures from the Mont Saint-Michel tourist office or your hotel.

Transportation & Initial Purchases

Currency Exchange

Using an ATM at the airport or main train station often gives better exchange rates than currency exchange offices.

First Purchases

Purchase a bottle of water and any immediate necessities (e.g., a snack) upon arrival.

Journey to Accommodation

Follow your pre-planned transport route: train to Rennes, bus to Mont Saint-Michel, then free "Passeur" shuttle or walk.

Departure Preparation

Ensure a smooth departure from Mont Saint-Michel and France.

Souvenir & Shipping Considerations

Plan for purchasing souvenirs throughout your trip.
If buying liquids like Calvados, mind airline restrictions for checked luggage.
For larger items, inquire with the shop about international shipping services.

VAT Refund Procedures if applicable

Non-EU residents claim VAT refunds on purchases over a set amount from participating stores.
Look for "Tax Free" signs in shops.
Obtain necessary forms at the time of purchase and process them at the airport before departure from the EU.

Pre-Departure Timing Recommendations

Allow ample time for your journey from Mont Saint-Michel to your departure point.

Timing Guide

Travel from Mont:Allow extra time for shuttle & bus connections.
International Flights:Arrive 2-3 hours before departure.
Domestic/Schengen Flights:Arrive 1.5-2 hours before departure.
Train/Bus Departures:Arrive at least 20-30 minutes beforehand.

Return Trip Preparation

Confirm your flight or train times at least 24 hours before departure.
Pack your bags according to airline luggage restrictions (weight and size).
Organize all necessary documents (passport, boarding passes, visa) for your departure.

Final Reminder

Double-check all travel documents and timings before heading to your departure point.

A good night's sleep before your journey sets a positive tone for travel.

Pre-Trip Checklist