We are having such a fun time traveling, and it's great to have a travel partner who is ready to go on a minutes notice. Jordan has been dreaming of visiting Mont St-Michel for quite some time now and since we were traveling along the coastline of France, there was no better time to go!
Mont St-Michel is one of the top pilgrimage sites in Christendom since 708 A.D.! As locals tell the story, the Archangel Michel instructed the bishop of Avranches to "build here and build high", with reassurance that "If you build it...they will come." Well, today tourists are still flocking to the beautiful tiny island to explore its beauty.
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| Lucky sheep wakes up to a beautiful view of Mont St-Michel |
From afar Mont St-Michel floats like a mirage on the horizon, and depending on the tide, it is either surround by widespread mudflats or water. The tiny island has three main attractions to see: the fortified abbey, the cute little village, and the medieval fortifications.
It doesn't look like something that exists in real life...yet it does.
Since we arrived at low tide we scampered around in the mudflats before wandering the island. The mud has the texture of a ceramic clay and is fun to play with...walk too far out to where theres a bit of water and you might find yourself in quicksand!
It's best to go to Mont St-Michel in the early hours of the day to avoid getting caught in a human traffic jam. There is a lovely village called La Caserne to wander around and plenty of tourists shops to find a postcard or magnet.
We wandered the the streets up to the medieval fortifications where the views were spectacular. The bay stretches from Normandy to Brittany.
I needed to stop for a snack
We hiked up to the Abbey that the Monks built on the tip of the rock; they thought that the higher up it was built, the closer they were to heaven.
There is a peaceful cloister garden decorated by staggered columns and ornate detail in the ceiling carvings.
...and the crypts
One of the highlights was the Grande Roue-a giant tread-wheel, which six workers once powered hamster-style to haul stones and supplies from the landing below.
We explored the town below before heading to a town in Brittany, France called Danin to enjoy the rest of our afternoon.
Au Revior!
Ger had always wanted to see St. Michel, too. We went on our last trip to Europe. Loved it. Stayed a couple of nights I think. Used it as a base to wander around the area. Suzanne
ReplyDeleteGer had great taste! I had been wanting to see it since I was a freshman in high school after a good friend went there and it did not disappoint. Looking at this now to help my parents plan a trip in the spring to visit.
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