Mont St Michel

My husband and I were there last summer. There are indeed 900 steps as Nigel mentioned. However it is a slow gradual ascent. My husband has a heart condition, controled by medication, and he was able to climb without any problems(but didn't want to do it again the next day!). We saw people of all ages climbing. If your fellow travelers are able to walk without difficulty, they should be OK.

Unless they are capable of doing a lot of steep stairs your going to be able to do only about the first 50 or so meters, enough to go for lunch and buy a gift. And although I like the hustle and bussel and crowds, I don't think they would be enjoyable with elderly and children in tow. The early evening view from the causeway is in my opinion one of the best in France and well worth the effort of traveling to MSM.

You'll walk the upward-sloping "Grande Rue" to get to the steps to the abbey. Then there are 90 steps. I'd call it a difficult climb for elderly, not-so-fit visitors. http://www.eriksvane.com/mtstmich.htm

Thank you so much for this helpful response. There is not one tourist information (and even not so turistical) that dares mention the steps....let alone how many.... When I called the turist office they said 350 when I called the hotel they said 30!! huge margin as far as I am concerned - so this info is really down to earth and it gives a good perspective! Have a super week
Virginia

It took me about 10 seconds to write a Google query and cross check the first 5 answers, and come up with this answer which is similar to others: - From Sacred Destinations :- The climb to the abbey is hard -- by the time you have mounted the celebrated Escalier de Dentelle (Lace Staircase) to the gallery around the roof of the abbey church, you will have climbed no fewer than 900 steps -- but it's worth it. Halfway up Grande-Rue is the medieval parish church of St-Pierre, which features a richly carved side chapel with its dramatic statue of St. Michael slaying the dragon.

Thank you both kindly. And also for the google search. Obviously I may have missed the 900 steps - I wonder why the tourist office halved the number of stairs!!
Gratefully

I was in a tour group visiting MSM last may and a 93 yo lady made the climb up to the abbey. I did not think she would be able to make the climb. There are resting places on the way up and if you have time can be done.

I agree with Peter and direct your attention to the last part of his comment - the evening view from the causeway (parking lot which is likely to be nearly empty after dinner) is one of the best in France and it requires no climbing at all.