Rising out of the sea in the Baie de Saint-Michel on the coast of Normandy, the island of Mont Saint-Michel and its magnificent abbey are among France's most striking sights. The Abbey of Saint-Michel is a Wonder of the Western World and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Perched on the highest point of the rocky islet and surrounded by ancient walls and bastions, it looks like a fortified castle. At high tide, Mont Saint-Michel appears from afar as a mystical island with its Gothic spires soaring 155 meters above the sea; at low tide it is possible to walk around the island. Legend has it that Archbishop Aubert of Avranches founded an abbey here in 708 after the Archangel Michael appeared to him in a vision, and since then it has been an important place of pilgrimage. Medieval pilgrims arrived by foot crossing the Bay of Mont-Michel at low tide, sometimes challenged by unexpected riptides and quicksands. However the treacherous journey was ultimately rewarding. With its serene sanctuary overlooking the bay, the Abbey of Saint-Michel is one of the most awe-inspiring Gothic churches ever built.
Abbaye du Mont Saint-Michel
Known as "La Merveille" ("The Marvel"), the Abbey of Mont Saint-Michel is truly a marvel of medieval architecture. Since the Middle Ages, this ultimate pilgrimage site has also been called "The Heavenly Jerusalem" and "Pyramid of the Seas." Soaring to a height of 155 meters above the sea, the abbey is an amazing feat of construction. It is even more miraculous considering the difficulties of bringing building materials across the Bay of Saint-Michel; many perished while attempting to cross the bay's sandy shores during unforeseen riptides. In spite of great technical challenges, the abbey was built between the 11th and 13th centuries in exquisite Gothic style.
To arrive at the abbey, visitors and pilgrims must begin at the old gates, walk through the village and ascend 200 meters. Then there are 350 steps up the "Grande Degré" (Grande Staircase) to reach the entrance of the abbey. The lowest floor has peaceful gardens and a spacious hall called the "Aumônerie," which was a dormitory for pilgrims in the 13th century. On the middle floor is the vaulted "Salle des Chevaliers" (Knights' Hall), where noble knights were received, and the "Crypte des Gros Piliers" (Crypt of Large Pilars). The most magnificent area of the abbey is on the second floor: the Cloisters, Refectory, and the Abbey Church. Exemplifying serene monastic architecture, the cloisters feature 220 graceful granite columns in double alternating rows. The splendid Eglise Saint-Michel (Abbey Church), begun in 1020, has a majestic Romanesque nave and an ornate 15th-century Gothic choir. The sanctuary astonishes visitors with its breathtaking beauty and inspiring spiritual ambience. From the Abbey Church, the "Escalier de Dentelle," (staircase) leads up to a terrace with spectacular views overlooking the sea.
Ramparts
The island of Mont Saint-Michel takes visitors on a spiritual journey into the world of the Middle Ages. The entire island is a pedestrian zone, and most of the stone buildings date from the 13th-16th centuries. Typical of the medieval era, the island is surrounded by ancient walls (ramparts) that protected against invasions. Tourists can take a walk around the "Chemin des Remparts" (Ramparts Pathway) to enjoy the scenic views. To arrive at the ramparts, a 1.8-kilometer walk leads along a causeway from the mainland to the foot of the rock (where the parking lot is located). Beware, sometimes high tide reaches the parking lot. From there, continue through the outer walls at the Porte du Roi. The immense stone ramparts circle the edge of the island and feature battlements that were used to fight off invaders. From many points along the Chemin des Remparts," there are sweeping panoramas of the Bay of Saint-Michel.
Grand Rue
The island's only street that runs parallel to the ramparts, this cobblestone pathway takes visitors through the medieval village of Mont Saint-Michel. Tourists enter the island of Mont Saint-Michel at the old Burgher's Guardroom, which now houses the Tourist Office, and then walk through the Boulevard Gate and then the King's Gate to arrive at the Grand Rue. This charming street is lined by tightly-packed stone houses of the 15th and 16th centuries, which now are occupied by souvenir shops, snack bars, cafés, restaurants, and hotels, including the famous Auberge Mère Poulard. Tourists will stroll past the 15th-century parish church dedicated to Saint-Pierre. Other noteworthy attractions along the Grand Rue include the Archéoscope (an entertaining multimedia show that describes the construction and history of Mont Saint-Michel Abbey) and the History Museum with a collection of old weapons, paintings, and sculptures that gives insight into the historic prisons and monks' lives of Mont Saint-Michel. Also worth visiting is the Logis Tiphaine (Tiphaine's House) built in 1365 by the Knight Bertrand du Guesclin (constable of the King of France's armies) for his wife Tiphaine. Now a museum open to the public, this historic house has wonderful period furniture and other medieval artifacts. The Grand Rue ends at the Grand Degré, a flight of steps leading up to the entrance of the Saint-Michel Abbey.
Mont Saint-Michel Pilgrimages
At the end of July, there is a pilgrimage across the Bay of Saint-Michel. However the pilgrimage depends on the tides. Those interested in taking this pilgrimage should check with the tourist office before planning a trip. There is also an important pilgrimage, known as the Autumn Pilgrimage, at the end of September on Saint Michael's Day. The pilgrimage celebrates the Archangel Michael and several religious events. On the nearest Sunday to Saint Michael's Day, a solemn mass is held in the Abbey Church. Later that day, there are vespers and an evening mass at the Parish Church. On September 29th (Saint Michael's Day), the Abbey Church and Parish Church hold morning prayers and mass.
Summertime Concerts at Mont Saint-Michel
Mont Saint-Michel Abbey hosts an annual music festival with a series of concerts between June and September. The festival mainly focuses on classical music, including performances such as orchestra concerts, chamber concerts, chorals, and piano recitals. Performances are held at the exquisite venues within the Abbey: the Salle des Chevaliers (Knight's Hall), Crypte des Gros Piliers (Crypt of Large Pilars), and the Eglise Saint-Michel (Abbey Church), as well as at the Chapelle Notre-Dame-sous-Terre.
La Mère Poulard (Hotel and Restaurant)
This charming auberge is a legendary institution on Mont Saint-Michel. In 1888, Annette and Victor Poulard opened an inn on Mont Saint-Michel. Annette was only twenty at the time, but she was a good cook and spent the following years perfecting French recipes. She became fondly known as La Mère Poulard (Mom Poulard). The inn welcomed pilgrims as well as visitors who came to sample La Mère Poulard's famous cooking. On the Grand Rue, the Auberge Mère Poulard includes the hotel, a fine dining restaurant, and a more casual café. Both the restaurant and café serve La Mère Poulard's culinary specialty: the omelette. La Mère Poulard was also well known for "biscuits" (butter cookies made with the finest Normandy butter) and the company still produces top-quality biscuits. A Mère Poulard boutique on the Grand Rue sells the biscuits in packages and decorative tins.
Address: 18 Grande Rue, Mont Saint-Michel
Tips and Tactics: How to Make the Most of Your Visit to Mont Saint-Michel
- Be advised that the Abbey of Mont Saint-Michel is not accessible to visitors with impaired mobility. There is a 200-meter pedestrian path to the top of the mount and then a staircase of 350 steps.
- Plan in advance if you wish to take a guided tour of Mont Saint-Michel; many tour companies offer day trips departing from Paris by minivan. Local tour companies also offer guided tours, such as a "traditional crossing" (walking tour) across the Bay of Mont Saint-Michel.
- Coordinate the timing of your visit to participate in a pilgrimage.
- Consult the Abbey's schedule of summertime events if you wish to attend a classical music concert. Concerts are held at the Abbey of Mont Saint-Michel in July, August, and September.
Getting to Mont Saint-Michel
- If arriving by car, park in the parking lot which is located on the mainland two-and-a-half kilometers from Mont Saint-Michel. From the parking lot, a shuttle bus drops visitors off 400 meters from the entrance gates to Mont Saint-Michel.
- If planning to arrive by foot, first inquire about the tides. It is important to pay close attention to the schedule of the tides as it is extremely dangerous to venture into the bay when the water is rising. During spring tide days, visitors must cross two hours before the tides. Also note that walking across the bay is best done in bare feet.
Official site: http://www.ot-montsaintmichel.com/en/accueil.htm
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