We've had a few recommendation to visit Mont-Saint-Michel, and it has always been on the list anyway so it was nice to be able to stop over on this trip.
The weather was very bleak this morning, misty drizzle so we almost decided to give it a miss until next time. Luckily we decided to chance it and it was just as well - it really is a sight to see.
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| Return of the tidal explorers |
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| Our lunch spot near the chapel |
The Gothic style Benedictine abbey is perched on a rocky island with the ancient village formed around its walls. The abbey is dedicated to the archangel St Michael (hence the name), and was built between the 11th and 16th centuries. It has been a place of pilgrimage throughout the Middle Ages, and has a long and rich history - even surviving being abolished as an abbey in 1789 and transformed into a prison until 1863.
We visited at low tide so could walk around and get different views from the tidal sands. The village itself was very busy with tourists, but we managed to find a quiet spot on the rocks outside to have our coffee and lunch. We were entertained by a mad Frenchman who decided to try and cross the rocks (to avoid the very muddy patch in front of us) with his dog who wasn't the least bit keen on the expedition. His ambition also far outweighed his skill level and we were certain we were going to have to carry him and/or his dog off the rocks again but luckily he survived. He ended up going back through the mud, though, so his shoes weren't spared.
It was also fascinating to see the groups of tourists and school kids going far out on the tidal sands, presumably to learn about the area. We had a wonderful time; it really is an awe-inspiring location and well worth a visit.
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