Mont-Saint-Michel

As the name may have suggested to you, Mont-Saint-Michel can be found in Normandy, France. Specifically, it’s located in the estuary at the mouth of the Couesnon River, the nearest town being Avranches. If you’re seeking to travel somewhere that looks like it was pulled directly out of C.S. Lewis’ Narnia novels, then Mont-Saint-Michel is just the place. Reminiscent of Cair Paravel, this enchanting tidal island is a wonder not only of construction but of beauty.

It was constructed, so the story goes, when St. Michael the archangel appeared to a bishop, and told him that he should build a church upon the hill in the estuary. Obviously, he did just that, but the truth of the matter is that the hill was in use long before any bishop came along. It was a humble monk, one from Ireland, who founded the original site. It grew with the coming of the Romans, Francs, Vikings, and all sorts of other cultures until it was molded into the abbey that is seen today.

Now the island is ‘owned’ by various shop keepers and restaurateurs, and the small populace who live on the island all year round. Monks who were chased out during the French Revolution have returned in small numbers as well. I believe when I visited there may have been eight or twelve of them currently living in the abbey.

Arrow and I happened to go on a tour where lunch was provided at a lovely restaurant off the island. It provided a panoramic view from the dining room of the island, and it’s a good chance to meet your fellow travelers, and share some stories. You can then either walk the bridge or take a bus for a couple of euro to the island. I would recommend the bus, so that you have more time to spend on the island itself. We were given a tour of the abbey with a guide, but we were also given time to explore on our own. Give the abbey a thorough look-over, but don’t neglect the other aspects of the island. There are not only other churches and cute shops to visit, but higher up in the abbey there are spectacular views of the estuary on all sides.

It is a lot of climbing, but it’s not for nothing! There is beauty all over the island if you’re willing to work for it.

Are there any other tidal-islands that you love? Let me know in the comments!