NormandyMont-Saint-Michel

Mont Saint Michel is truly amazing. From afar it looks like a castle rising out of the water. Its pointed silhouette is world famous but until you have seen it for yourself you can't really understand what the fuss is all about.

Mont-Saint-Michel has had a rich and varied history that has seen it go from an abbey to fortress to prison to its present day incarnation as tourist attraction. It's origins date back to the 8th century when the Bishop of Avranches reportedly saw the Archangel Michael and then after his encounter founded an oratory on the island of Mont-Saint-Michel.

One little know fact about Mont-Saint-Michel is that during the 100 years war it never fell into enemy hands because of its remarkably fortifications.

Mont-Saint-Michel is actually located on an island and linked to the mainland by a road. At one point there was a railroad line going right up to the base of Mont-Saint-Michel.

Mont-Saint-Michel is surrounded by ever changing (and dangerous) sandbanks and offers you a view to look at and a view, once on top to look out from. Mont-Saint-Michel is not for the faint of heart as there are over 300 stairs to reach the 'summit'. Another word of warning, Mont-Saint-Michel is very small and receives a very large amount of tourist so it is advisable to either visit in the off-season or arrive early in the morning.

Make sure to give yourself enough time to visit Mont-Saint-Michel; it takes a good few hours to walk to the top and a walk around the outside.

Related Links:
Le Mont-Saint-Michel
Mont-Saint-Michel and its Bay

Mont-Saint-Michel Hotels