Parish Church of Saint-Pierre (Église Paroissiale Saint-Pierre)

The Parish Church of Saint-Pierre sits halfway up Mont-Saint-Michel's main street, built against the rock face in a blend of Romanesque and Gothic styles. First documented in 1022, the current structure dates from the 11th century with restorations through the 17th century. The church became an official pilgrimage sanctuary in 1886 when Saint Michael's cult was transferred from the abbey. Inside, visitors find a silver altar created by Parisian goldsmith Jean-Alexandre Chertier in 1873 and a monumental silver statue of Saint Michael slaying the dragon, crowned by Pope Pius IX. The walls display numerous military ex-votos honoring Saint Michael as patron of armies, alongside 15th-century stained glass and polychrome statues including a 15th-century alabaster Saint Catherine from Nottingham. The small cemetery behind the church holds the tomb of Annette Poulard (la Mère Poulard) and offers peaceful views of the bay.