One of my travel consultants Peter, has visited France numerous times, but September 2017 was his first visit to beautiful Mont Saint Michel and he loved it!
To visit Mont Saint Michel is to take a step back in time. It’s one of France’s most iconic images and is recognised as one of the Europe’s most stunning sights. The slender spires, stout ramparts and rocky slopes of Mont St-Michel rise dramatically from the sea – towering over sands laid bare by the receding tide. The waters can sweep in at an astonishing clip and the tidal race is said to be as fast as a galloping horse during the peak change periods which occur every month or two and can be as much as 15 metres.
Mount-Saint-Michael was founded around the year 450 as a medieval castle. It was built on an island in the mouth of the River Couesnon which flows through Normandy. A couple of hundred years later a local Bishop, Aubert of Avranches claimed to have had a visitation from the Archangel Michael who by fair means or foul persuaded the Bishop to build a Chapel on the peak of the Island. This was the beginning of what is now a significant UNESCO World Heritage site that attracts millions of pilgrims and visitors each year.
Over the ages the site been developed, been partially destroyed then restored. During the 100 year war with the English it was the only part of western and northern France that did not fall into foreign hands. The island is now attached to the mainland by a causeway which is submerged during large high tides.
Entering the castle via the fortified towers you are transported back through the centuries with cobblestone passages and alleys that snake past old store houses and stables that are now occupied by restaurants and shops. Some of the hotels and inns have been in business for centuries. As you gradually ascend to the upper levels you are treated to a variety of different styles of traditional French architecture culminating with some of the best Gothic representation anywhere to be found.
There are so many highlights to experience but for me the cloisters framed with gardens containing both medicinal and culinary herbs along with spices grown the same way as centuries before was my favourite.
My enduring memory of this very special place was when a cluster of giggling African nuns shuffled together for a photo pose in one of the massive fireplaces as, overhead, the cathedral bells rang out the call to prayer.
