Mont Saint Michel
History
The history of Mont-Saint-Michel starts in 708, when Archangel Michael appeared in a dream to Aubert, Bishop of Avranches, and asked him to build a church in his honor on the rock that from then on would be known as the Mont-Tombe. The next year, a church was devoted to him and the mountain became known as Mont-Saint-Michel. In the XIVth century, walls, towers and battlements were built to protect Mont-Saint-Michel against the English during the Hundred Years’ War. During the French revolution, it was used as a prison and continued to serve as such until 1864. Since 1874 it is listed as a French historic monument and was classified as a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1979.
Today
Mont-Saint-Michel is a village full of history. Once you enter Mont-Saint-Michel, you will find yourself on the main road where there are shops, hotels, restaurants, museums and other amenities for sightseers. Take a stroll through the narrow streets, enjoy the view, and immerse yourself in the medieval era thanks to the area’s architecture (roman and gothic). On your way, you can visit Saint-Pierre church and see the cemetery where Mère Poulard (known for her famous omelet) and her husband rest, you will also pass by their old house which now serves as a hotel.
If the tide allows, walk on the bay of the Mont-Saint-Michel to have a magnificent view from below. It is an experience not to be missed. Also, don’t miss the impressive view that the sunset offers you with its golden colors, which are reflected on the Mount and the bay, a particularly spectacular view as the Mount is surrounded by water.
