The project forms part of a wider programme led by the Centre des Monuments Nationaux, to develop visitor reception areas in around thirty historic monuments in France. The layout of the ticketing and shop area at Mont-Saint-Michel extends over two rooms: the Almonry and the Cellar, which mark the starting and ending points of the abbey visit. These spaces are located within the La Merveille building, one of the most spectacular parts of the monument, whose origins date back to the 13th century.
The ticketing area in the Almonry follows the longitudinal arrangement of the two naves, providing the flow of visitors—among the highest in France—with both an introductory path to the visit and a waiting and resting space. The shop in the Cellar takes advantage of the three naves: the central nave accommodates merchandise displays, while the side naves house cashier counters and staff offices.
Installing the ticketing and shop facilities required integrating a range of furniture and technical equipment within each room, ensuring a layout coherent with the longitudinal orientation of the vaulted spaces divided into naves. The arrangement aims to preserve the perception of the volumes and the existing light atmosphere. The project’s objective is not limited to improving visitor reception and staff comfort; it also seeks to highlight the exceptional spatial qualities of the monument, emphasizing both its historical significance and its remarkable spatiality.
The project forms part of a wider programme led by the Centre des Monuments Nationaux, to develop visitor reception areas in around thirty historic monuments in France. The layout of the ticketing and shop area at Mont-Saint-Michel extends over two rooms: the Almonry and the Cellar, which mark the starting and ending points of the abbey visit. These spaces are located within the La Merveille building, one of the most spectacular parts of the monument, whose origins date back to the 13th century.
The ticketing area in the Almonry follows the longitudinal arrangement of the two naves, providing the flow of visitors—among the highest in France—with both an introductory path to the visit and a waiting and resting space. The shop in the Cellar takes advantage of the three naves: the central nave accommodates merchandise displays, while the side naves house cashier counters and staff offices.
Installing the ticketing and shop facilities required integrating a range of furniture and technical equipment within each room, ensuring a layout coherent with the longitudinal orientation of the vaulted spaces divided into naves. The arrangement aims to preserve the perception of the volumes and the existing light atmosphere. The project’s objective is not limited to improving visitor reception and staff comfort; it also seeks to highlight the exceptional spatial qualities of the monument, emphasizing both its historical significance and its remarkable spatiality.
Architecture Design Nomade, associates
Choulet, fluids
BMF, economist
