Mont Saint Michel and its Majestic Bay

Mont Saint Michel and its bay form a monumental ensemble which is extraordinary and fantastic. A major place of pilgrimage and devotion, Mont Saint Michel is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The rocky island dedicated to Archangel Saint Michel is located in the Manche department in Normandy. This unique tourist site is called the “Wonder of the West”.

The Mont Saint Michel Abbey is a major monument, a heritage masterpiece, with its remarkable architecture. Its construction undoubtedly represents a technical and artistic feat thanks to the know-how and the mastery of the builders of the Middle Ages. The long history of Mont Saint Michel begins in the year 708, when Bishop Aubert erected on Mont-Tombe at an altitude of 80 meters, a first sanctuary in honor of Archangel Saint-Michel.

The history of Mont Saint-Michel begins with a legend:

At the beginning of the 8th century, in 708, Aubert, Bishop of Avranches, would have seen the Archangel Saint Michael appear. He receives the order to build an edifice to praise the merits of the Archangel. Bishop Aubert, believing he is going mad, decides to do nothing and wait. The Archangel appears a second time to Aubert who still doubts. But at the third appearance of the Archangel there is no longer any doubt in Bishop Aubert’s mind, because Saint-Michel, furious at not having been listened to, leaves Aubert with proof of his power. He makes a circular hole in the Bishop’s skull. The Bishop complied and had an oratory erected on Mont-Tombe in honor of Saint Michael.

Today the skull of Bishop Aubert is kept in the basilica of Avranches. He bears the trace of the Archangel’s finger!

The bay of Mont Saint Michel is unmissable with its spectacular landscapes. Walking in the bay at low tide is a unique experience with its quicksand and the mesmerizing beauty of its endless horizon. It is one of the most beautiful sedimentary basins in the world. The crossing of the bay is fabulous and guides in the bay offer safe crossings.

To access the Mont there are shuttles that make the round trip from the parking lot. There is also an entirely pedestrian path and accessible to all to enjoy the view of the Mount for a long time and soak up it.

The town of Mont Saint Michel has 30 inhabitants called the Montois.

Le Mont-Saint-Michel is open all year round.

https://www.bienvenueaumontsaintmichel.com/

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Claudine BESSOU

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