Located on the east bank of the Couesnon River, Beauvoir is a small commune in the Normandy region of France. It’s home to a UNESCO-listed flour mill and a family-friendly zoo with more than 800 reptiles. Beauvoir is best known as a departure point for visiting nearby Mont Saint-Michel.
Things to do in Beauvoir
Wildlife enthusiasts can visit Alligator Bay, which is home to not only alligators but also crocodiles, snakes and giant tortoises. Get up close to caimans in the Alligator Greenhouse and explore the Labyrinth of Dragons’ observation tunnels before seeing more than 400 different turtles from a variety of species in the Turtle Farm.
Beauvoir serves as a gateway to Mont Saint-Michel, a rocky islet topped by a majestic abbey and one of France’s most photogenic destinations. Now designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, it’s connected to the mainland via a causeway, which can be accessed on foot from Beauvoir. Climb the 350 stairs that lead to the abbey and soak up the coastal views from the ancient ramparts.
Also classified as a UNESCO World Heritage Site is the Moulin de Moidrey, which was originally built in 1806 and is considered one of France’s most beautiful mills. It produced flour until the early 20th century before being transformed into a hayloft at the end of World War II. Today, the Moulin de Moidrey is once again producing flour and offers spectacular views toward Mont Saint-Michel.
Getting around Beauvoir
Beauvoir is around 45 minutes’ drive from Saint-Malo, which has regular ferries to the United Kingdom. Airport Rennes Bretagne is just over an hour away and has flights to destinations across Europe. Buses connect to Beauvoir and Mont Saint-Michel is within walking distance of the town.