Located on the French Atlantic coast, Mont Saint Michel is a castle worthy of a Disney tale, full of magic history: an islet topped by an ancient abbey located on the river Couesnon. This place of worship has now become a destination visited by millions of people annually in search of discovery or spirituality.
Mont-Saint-Michel is a very peculiar place that with its peculiarity of rising on a rocky islet, surrounded by a wonderful bay, is the scene of the largest tides in Europe. And it is due to its majesty that the mountain and its bay are classified, since 1979, as a UNESCO World Heritage.
From far or near, the Mont-Saint-Michel is marvellous. Its reflection in the splendid bay of the same name creates a double illusion. The scenario of the largest tides in Europe, majestic with clear weather and even mysterious under the fog. Any time and all seasons are appropriate for its visit.
The magic of the tides
The Mont-Saint-Michel is, above all, a sacred place full of history, but what makes Mont Saint-Michel unique is the tides; the phenomenon takes place twice a day, and you can see how the landscape and environment are completely transformed, isolating it so that it is only possible to access the mountain through a bridge-walkway at the foot of the rock. The Mont-Saint-Michel located on the stage of the great tides of Western Europe, is the place where the sea turns the abbey and the citadel that surrounds them into an impregnable territory.
In some occasions, the intensity of the waters is greater, so that the isolation is total; the step is disabled and, for a few hours, it recovers the appearance of an island. In these large tides, the sea can reach up to 15 kilometers from the coast, to climb very quickly.
Pass Through the Bay Barefoot!
Crossing the Bay of Mont-Saint-Michel on foot is an experience you will not forget! However, it is important that on this tour you are accompanied by a guide because it is extremely dangerous to venture alone in the bay.
Much more than a simple walk! Walking barefoot on the sand, in the mud, by the rivers and the small arms of water to reach the “wonder” will offer you pleasant sensations. On the way, you will surely approach the Tombelaine rock, surrounded by legends. Your guide will tell you all the secrets of the unique ecosystem that is the bay of Mont-Saint-Michel.
The mountain
Being in Mont Saint-Michel itself is the stop you must make. Located one hour from the city of Rennes, and three and a half from Paris, it is a tempting destination.
The extensive plains that surround it allow you to glimpse at the enigmatic and imposing island as you approach, as the spectacular image of the abbey will leave you out of breath. Built 170 meters above sea level, its solid fortifications have withstood sieges and wars.
Upon arrival, you will find a car park located two kilometers away, from which you can access the mountain on foot or in a free transport. The ascent is beautiful and is done by strolling through the narrow and steep medieval streets full of bars, restaurants, hotels and souvenir shops of the small town that barely reaches 40 inhabitants.
It would be unforgivable to travel here and not visit the abbey, the only space that requires entrance payment. Occupied by Benedictine monks for more than a thousand years, it has been for centuries a true cultural and spiritual focus.
The bay of Saint-Michel is a unique place that will allow you to learn about its history, observe the most spectacular tides in Europe, enjoy a unique architecture, stroll through medieval streets and walk through the bay to see its transformation.
Although the abbey of Mont Saint-Michel attracts pilgrims and tourists, it is undoubtedly the bay that forges its legend. The landscape of a holy island, accessible both by land and by sea, only strengthens the mystical character of the place. Although, in the beginning, access to the island was favored with the construction of the successive dikes, now everything is done with the intention of preserving the bay.
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