France – Mont Saint-Michel (En)
A magical island topped by a gravity-defying abbey, the Mont-Saint-Michel and its Bay count among France’s most stunning sights. For centuries one of Europe’s major pilgrimage destinations, this holy island is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site, as is its breathtaking bay.
Where to stay
We stayed at Camping Les Galentes (48.614772, -1.509017 lat, long) inside of the barrier to visit the town. The camping cost 21 euros all included and to exit the barrier you have to pay 10 euros, so in total 31 euros. The plots are big but the facilities leave a lot to be desired, no pressure in the showers and to wash the dishes the water goes everywhere. But the worst thing is the mosquitoes, being repellent, because they are everywhere and they are huge! The location is great, you have the free bus which takes you to the town and restaurants at the camping door, and there are statues of colourful cows everywhere!
What to see
We took the free bus which leave you at the entrance of the Mont. The Mont-Saint-Michel is one of Europe’s most unforgettable sights. Set in a mesmerising bay shared by Normandy and Brittany, the mount draws the eye from a great distance and stands as “Wonder of the West”, a Gothic-style Benedictine abbey dedicated to the Archangel St. Michel and the village that grew up in the shadow of its walls. The story of how the mount came to be a great Christian pilgrimage site dates back to the early 8th century, when Aubert, bishop of Avranches, claimed that the Archangel Michael himself had pressured him into having a church built atop the island just out to sea.
The town is like being in a medieval fairy tale. The Grande Rue, the village’s main thoroughfare, has kept its mediaeval shops and signs and is full of restaurants.
Walking through the town we found the Sanctuary of the Archangel St. Michael, which is a chapel that we were able to enter to see. They told us that it was free to visit the Abbey and we continued on until we reached it, a very steep slope with numerous stairs!
Abbey of the Mont-Saint-Michel, this Benedictine abbey sat atop the mount has always been the final destination for pilgrims and tourists alike. The abbey’s imposing architecture dates back to medieval times, and still inspires awe, showing both military and religious strength. Once inside, soak in the atmosphere of the church, cloisters and the wing of the abbey nicknamed the Marvel due to the gravity-defying way it sits upon the rock. In 1966, the abbey celebrated 1000 years since being founded. Far above the abbey’s spectacular buttresses and gothic pinnacles is a statue of St Michael, weigher of souls, marking the highest point on the mount with amazing views of the bay.
Then we went around the ramparts at the base of the island were built to keep the English forces out and which has given Mont Saint-Michel its reputation as an impregnable fortress. Seven towers are connected via a walkway open to the public. The North Tower (13th century) is an excellent advantage point for observing the tidal bore. The Gabriel Tower built around 1524, protects the west side. Over the years it has served as a mill, and then as a lighthouse to direct the boats entering the river Couesnon.
The parish church, a small building constructed in the 15th and 16th centuries, is dedicated to St Peter, patron saint of fishermen and believed by Catholics to be the holder of the keys to heaven. Other fine buildings line the steep village street, now converted into museums, restaurants, hotels and shops for today’s tourists. There were people climbing the walls, an incredible sight to see.
It really is one of the most impressive places to see in France and you can’t miss it! And from this fascinating place we went to Dinan, a town in Brittany, northwest France. It’s known for its medieval ramparts, cobblestone streets and half-timbered houses which you can see in the next post!
