Le Mont Saint-Michel is undoubtedly one of France’s most recognisable and notable landmarks. It’s a great place to spend the day enjoying the feeling of ‘going back in time’, meandering through the mediaeval cobbled streets taking in the wonderful history & ambiance.
There is so much to see and do from exploring the many museums, shops and surrounding beaches and dining in one of the lovely sea view restaurants whilst watching the tide come in plus don’t forget to stop for a refreshing espresso and crepe to help fuel your trek to the top!
The Ramparts are also a perfect place to enjoy the magical sun sets and the views from the top of the Abbey are simply breathtaking – the audio guide is a great way to appreciate the full history of the island and find out about the many wonders.
Le Mont Saint Michel is thought to date back to the 8th Century AD. It is an Island Commune only accessible at low tide due to being positioned 600m from the mainland. It is located in Normandy near the border to Brittany and a kilometer off the Northwest coast of France. The island covers almost 250 acres and has a population of around 45.
At the very top is the Abbey, Monastery and Great Halls and the bottom part of the islands consists of the Farmers and Fisherman’s houses. This historic site is World famous by its Abbey, dedicated to archangel Saint Michel.
It is extremely well-preserved and a brilliant example of gothic-style presented in some of the wonderful Benedictine monuments and historical buildings. Known as the “Wonder of the West”, the Mont Saint-Michel was consecrated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1979, currently receiving more than 3 million tourists every year. The Norman Benedictine of Saint Michel that stands on the top of the rock began its construction in 708, housing various functions due to its isolated location since then.
From a strong fortress during the Hundred Years’ War between 1337 and 1453, to a tough and notorious prison throughout the period of the French Revolution (1789 – 1863), this stunning place played a major and important role not only in French history, but also in shaping European relationships, due to its strategic geographic location.
This place is definitely a must-see if you’re staying or thinking about visiting the remarkable and astonishing region of Brittany and is easily accessible being less than an hours drive from our Luxury Farmhouse!
For more information here is a link to the Le Mont Saint Michel Tourism Office.