The climb is to see the abbey buildings, which are called the Merveille (marvel) for good reasons. There's the church, the cloisters, monks'dormitory and dining hall, great hall, and many other nooks and crannies that require going up and down still more stairs, sometimes in dim lighting. And of course, the view of the surrounding bay is glorious. If you're up to it, the experience is not to be missed

wow, I am very happy to know I'm only one of 10% who made it to the top - cool. Though back then I was only 20 and in prime physical shape - not so sure it would happen again.

I think Mt.S.M. is the most magical and beautiful place I have ever been. We went in fall(no crowds, it really can change your perception of things)We spent 2 nights on the Mt. There are plenty of steps, we did not climb to the top I actually didnt know there was a top to climb to (didnt take a tour), but like someone else said, better to tried and failed than never to have tried at all. There are shops and cafes and beautiful vistas where you can just to sit and experience. It's an incredible place dont miss it

Bless all of you who were so positive!!! I am going to do it! I'm not in a wheel chair but have some problems that make it hard climbing hills. We were in Ireland a few weeks ago and walked a lot. I had to make frequent stops, and the elevations were nothing compared with MSM. But this will probably be my only chance to see it, so I'm going. Wish me luck.

Mont St Michel was one of the most beautiful and spiritual places we've ever been. I had to laugh as we were making our way up though - every time you'd turn a corner, there was yet another flight of stairs. I ended up taking photos of them all and laying them out to show everybody.

Just take your time and go as far up as you can - the cloister gardens and the abbey are absolutely worth it.

On a more earthy note... we got all the way to the tip-top and wanted to wait for Sunday Mass - but we needed to use the facilities. We asked someone where they were, and were told...at the bottom of the hill. Great. So we walked all the way back down, and on the way back up (using a different pathway) passed another public bathroom - way up near the top. Oh well, at least we got the exercise.

I can;t imagine that only 10% make it to the top. Granted - it is up hill - and a little bit of a climb - but it's not like you're scaling Kilimanjaro.

We made it without any trouble - and my brother in law was 45 with a bum knee (football) - although we didn;t do it as fast as the teenagers. However - we are all walkers that routinely do 3/4 mile walks after brunch on sundays.

And it seems to me a lot of it was walking uphill and not just stairs (until when you get to the monastery that is a lot of steep stairs).

Don't know when the cruise is - but have you thoght about just getting in better shape by then? (You need to do a LOT of walkng just about everywhere in europe - even if it's not all uphill.)

Actually I'd believe that statistic about only 10% going to the top, but I think it is because most don't even try. The vast majority of daytrippers to Mont St. Michel seem to be on such a tight schedule and only concerned with saying they've been there, that I firmly believe most of them spend their brief time in a couple of shops buying souveniers and postcards and never bother to go up.

Just a bit more about what's on top of the Mont. Way up at the top is the statue of St. Michael, with his sword. Just below are the various abbey buildings, so complex that it's best to visit them with a guide. The cloisters are astonishingly beautiful, and the view from them is magnificent. The one time I made the climb to the top of the Mont is permanently etched in my memory.

As for the crowds, keep in mind that Mont St-Michel has been a major pilgrimage site for centuries, much like Rocadadour, and still is.