Mont Saint Michel

Description:

Introduction

Mont Saint Michel is a world heritage site in Manche, Lower Normandy. It is located on a dramatic site surrounded by sea and marsh just off the south-western tip of Manche. The site is  one of France's major tourist attractions with more than 3 million visitors each year. The Grande Rue is a lively shopping street lined with beamed houses from the 15th and 16th centuries. Here you will find the Mère Poulard restaurant famous for the legendary omelette of Mère Poulard(1851-1931).

Geography

The mount  lies in the tidal basin of the bay of St Malo just west of Avranches and very close to the border with Brittany.

Commerce

The towns commerce is based on tourism. There are numerous small shops
and restaurants. 

Culture

Mont Saint Michel was an important stronghold for the Anglo-Breton culture that pre-dated the Roman occupation of France and Britain. The community survived the departure of the Romans and became a monastic settlement in the 8th century AD. The Abbey which dominates the site dates from the 8th century and very quickly became a place of pilgrimage. It has remained so for more than 1,000 years and is now a UNESCO World Heritage site.

Tourism

The mount's principal feature is its wonderful Gothic abbey perched on top of the rocky mount rising dramatically out of the sea. Apart from the Abbey, visitors enjoy walking on the defensive ramparts and the spectacular views of the Bay with its dunes, marshes and rich flora and fauna.  Abbey opening hours: every day except 1 Jan, 1 May and 25 Dec, Summer 9am to 7pm; 1 Sept to 30 April 9.30am to 6pm. Prices: Over 25's 8,50€,18-25 (EU citizens)Free, otherwise 5€.

The area has some of the highest tides in Europe and, although at present the island is accessible at most times, it is proposed to allow the sea to reclaim the surrounding marshlands so that the mount becomes an island once more.

Worth a Visit

The Abbey especially during the Son et Lumière spectacles. Best to visit in the early morning or late afternoon or early evening when there are fewer visitors. There is also a Museum of medieval furniture and artefacts displayed in a medieval Norman house. There are several restaurants. Some are particularly good.

Check out Guide2Normandy for Property in Normandy, Events, News, Classifieds, Places to Stay, Normandy Attractions and Business Directory.