Mont-Saint-Michel is one of the most striking and iconic buildings in the world. Perched atop of a rocky islet, it dominates the bay where Normandy and Brittany merge and can be seen for miles away. Around the Gothic-style Benedictine abbey is the town that grew up around it and both are historic gems that have remained unspoiled for century.
Just find a vacation rental in Normandy or a holiday rental in Brittany and be sure to set aside some time to visit this beauty for yourself – it is well-worth it!
Just find a vacation rental in Normandy or a holiday rental in Brittany and be sure to set aside some time to visit this beauty for yourself – it is well-worth it!
The origins of this extraordinary structure are said to lie with Aubert, the bishop of the nearby hilltop town of Avranches. Early in the 8th century, he claimed that the Archangel Michael himself pressured him into building a church atop the island that was just out from the coast nearby. From 966 onwards, the project benefit from the support of the dukes of Normandy and then the French kings themselves. This lead to the development of a major Benedictine abbey, to which an unending parade of magnificent monastic buildings were added throughout Middle Ages.
In fact, the building is so extraordinary that it was one of the first sites to be acknowledged by UNESCO and became a UNESCO Heritage Site in 1979. Today, it is one of the most visited attractions in all of France.
In fact, the building is so extraordinary that it was one of the first sites to be acknowledged by UNESCO and became a UNESCO Heritage Site in 1979. Today, it is one of the most visited attractions in all of France.
Sadly, however, due to the silting of the bay, the island is often not much of an island these days. It has Europe’s highest tidal variations; the difference between low and high tides – only about six hours apart – can reach an astonishing 15m. The island is only completely surrounded by the sea every month or two. Since the eighties, there have been efforts to preserve its island status.
Regardless of the water levels, it is still an extraordinary sight and a must-see in France. Just park up in the car parks 1.5 miles away from the island, head for Place des Navettes and take shuttle buses to the island. For further information, visit the official site.
Regardless of the water levels, it is still an extraordinary sight and a must-see in France. Just park up in the car parks 1.5 miles away from the island, head for Place des Navettes and take shuttle buses to the island. For further information, visit the official site.