Oh dear! I just realized that we will have to climb over 900 steps to get to the top. Could someone please share experiences? My understanding is that it is brutal. How long does it take and are there places to rest along the way? Thanks.

I don't remember doing that when I was there! I believe there were some steps to get to the main road on MSM. We walked up the road most of the way, it was uphill but didn't seem strenuous. Once we got to the top, there were some steps, I don't remember how many. There were a lot of steps going down, but not all once, if I recall. I would suggest you get there very early or go later in the day. It gets mobbed with people. We were there in the evening and it was great and peaceful. The next morning around 10, it was packed and made it difficult to move around on the main road. I'm very glad I experienced it all though - but I enjoyed the view OF it more than being ON it.

I did the steps in 2007. Took me about 1/2 hour longer than my husband who has no health issues. I have some knee problems so steps are not easy. I am also not the young, skinny lass I once was. But it is something not to be missed. I don't remember places to sit, but I can usually find a curb or a window ledge, etc. to rest on. Difficult yes, brutal no. It is an experience I will always treasure.

It was 95 degrees in September when we were at Mont St Michel. I climbed the stairs as far as the ticket booth and there I stopped. Looking up at the stairs left to climb and I said no way. My friends went on only to come back down too - there are a lot of stairs. There are places to sit - the stairs if nothing else.

You look at where you come into the mont and where the abbey is located and you can see you will be climbing. Think it would have been okay except for the heat that day.

We also walked the entire distance of the drive to the mont so it was a lot of walking.

I went there a couple of years ago in October, and did find it brutal, I'm middle aged and active, but not an athlete. There were no resting places that I noticed. It was too crowded when I was there for anyone to sit on the stairs. That said, if you're going to go to MSM, you miss a lot of the views and perspectives and drama, imo, if you don't go to the top.

An alternative to those terrible steps is to take the ramp road that goes up behind the post office: much easier on bad knees.

There is a long climb uphill (mostly not steps but fairly steep) to get up to the top. Once there, there are many more steps inside (up, down and back up again several times). The walk up from the base is about 30 minutes or so - depending on crowds. The step inside are also sept and some are uneven.

Not something for people who have trouble with stairs or balance.

I second the recommendation to go in the early evening if possible -- gorgeous! And much easier. But then IMO you can do any number of steps if you can take your time. If you go in the less crowded late p.m. /early evening you can do so, and it will be cooler besides.

I wouldn't want to have missed getting to the upper part, and my only regret now is that I missed the Monks sung evening prayers/Vespers.

My favorite view, though, was walking toward MSM at dusk as the lights come on.

Sounds like I did the same as Underhill - took a ramp road first. There were still steps later on. Consider your physical condition. I don't do a lot of physical exercise (shame on me) and am in my 60's. However, I do have some determination. My husband usually has to wait on me. This is a worthwhile adventure if you can do it. I did have a guide and was with a group. Our guide made it all the better for me as she was so interesting. Hope you can make it. Happy travels!!

My 82 year old mother-in-law did it. She is not in the best physical shape, she told us it was not too bad. She also walks with a cane.

If I did it, almost anyone can. There are places to sit along the way--places to stop to take photos as the view opens up. Just take your time. Most of it isn't steep--I only remember steep steps at the approach to the abbey but I may have blocked it from memory.

Hi; As suggested, there is a clinb before you reach the steps. Keep in mind that there are stops to visit along the way to the top. [Chapels] You can do it. I don't know how many steps, but we have done the climb three times and i'm only 75. Forget how many steps. There is no one watching if you take the road. Just get to the top and view this incredible monument.

My mom did it at 72 following 2 hip replacements -- she used a cane & took it at her own pace. Plenty of places to stop & rest. She was concerned about the trip down, but the route to the top takes you down on the other side, which is more gradual and we had no problems either way. I have a picture of mom sitting in the cloisters at the top with a very tired but satisfied look on her face. Do it! You won't regret it!

I was in my fifties when I did it. I was staying nearby so got there good and early and did not have to contend with crowds on the way up. It was worth every step. I can't remember it being brutal, but I do recall that I was glad for a chance to sit and think. Same trip did it at evening and watched the sun set. I don't think I went quite all the way at sunset. I would just say, take it at your own pace and savor the experience.

It's not like climbing the Empire State Building -- you meander through the town, go up various levels, and ultimately climb around the abbey to the top as part of your handheld guided tour.

My wife did it when she was 6.5 months pregnant so go (wo)man up and do it!