Mont-Saint-Michel

A rocky tidal island in the bay between Normandy and Brittany, crowned by a Benedictine abbey begun in the 8th century and rebuilt over the following centuries. A steep main street (the Grande Rue) of shops, restaurants and hotels winds up to the abbey, with views over the vast sand flats of the bay. It's a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of France's most visited places.

Since 2014 a footbridge has replaced the old causeway, and the car parks are on the mainland about 2.5 km away. From there, take the free shuttle bus (le Passeur) or walk along the bridge (about 45 minutes). The abbey has an entry fee; book online in summer.

Go early or stay late: the day-trippers leave by evening, and the island is magical lit up at night. The bay has some of the biggest tides in Europe, which race in, and patches of quicksand, so only walk on the sands with a qualified guide. Guided bay walks leave from Genêts and the Bec d'Andaine.