Mont Saint Michel has been on our bucket list for a very long time. Captured by the beauty of its location, and construction, it is one of Europes most recognisable landmarks.
You are immediately in awe when you first see it, a shame if you happen to be driving at the time!
It was difficult for Jasmine to see what we were driving to so it was easier to say ‘can you see the big rock in the water with a pointy building?’ and bingo – she got it!
Again blessed with incredible weather, Claudine was determined to capture the island at sunset, so we took to the road to find that perfect spot. It seems the French don’t really want to capitalise on this stunning outlook, anywhere else in the world there would be restaurants and bars as far as the eye trying to cash in on the view. Alas it is left to the local livestock to relax and enjoy.
We hit the queues early to get the shuttle bus from the oversized carpark to the island. You cant simply drive over the bridge that connects the island to the mainland unless you are staying on the island, and even then it is recommended that you don’t. Buses (free) ferry tourists though the gated town of La Caserne, a tourist ‘buffer’ before you reach the modern bridge. You can still walk across the mud flats if you choose to but be warned, there is quick sand.
It must have been quite a spectacle watching the construction of the Abbey over time, all the rock (granite) was quarried from the neighbouring Chausey islands and ferried across in boats and badges. Rock from the same quarries also went as far as Paris and London for the reconstruction of sidewalks post WW2.
We learnt a great deal about the island. How it has been the centre of many sieges including the 100year war where it was never taken by the English. The Abbey was closed in 1791 and converted into a prison until 1863. It was declared a historic monument in 1864 and has been in a constant state of restoration ever since.
We enjoyed a light lunch in the ramparts of the city, benefiting from an amazing view back to the mainland at almost low tide.
Our visit exceeded our expectations in may ways. The Abbey is spectacular and the tour is fantastic. The weather will influence your visit significantly and we were blessed with a great day. We will definitely go back and have a personal tour next time. It is not overly touristy place, well it does not feel that way at least. The visual brilliance of the island and the local natural beauty adds to create a magical and stunning landscape.
Top tips for Mont-Saint-Michel
- Get there early. The cooler weather in the morning is a plus but it is getting in before the crowds fill up the car park and queues become significant for the buses to the island.
- Walk the ramparts, these provide an amazing view of the island and its surrounds plus there are less people than walking through the city street.
- Take comfortable walking shoes. Its a small island but there is a lot of walking to do.
- Plan to stay for lunch. Reward yourself in one of the fantastic restaurants – its a great way to cap off a visit. There are restaurants for every budget, we went to a Bar Creperie Restaurant La Nouvile Terrace.
- The sun set is spectacular. We stopped at this spot and walked out through the paddocks with locals, but in early July sunset is around 10:30pm.
❤️ Now on my itinerary is the Big Rock with the Pointy Building!!