"Mont St Michel - "The Marvel of the Western World"" Top 5 Page for this destination Mont Saint Michel by Goner

Mont Saint Michel Travel Guide: 312 reviews and 834 photos

An Enchanting Site

When first seeing the great Mont from afar it looks like a mirage floating on the distant horizon. The mirage disappears when you see the parking lot full of cars and people milling about. Over 3 million tourists and pilgrims visit this monument during the year - I think most of them were there when we arrived. In August, the narrow winding streets are filled to capacity making it difficult to photograph the hidden charm along the pathway to the cathedral. But, don't let this deter you from seeing one of the most enchanting sites in France. The Mont St Michel is one of France's most well known and (most photographed) landmarks and enjoys a wonderful setting, rich in in history and well known for its characteristic architecture, rich farmland, and gastronomic specialties.

Listed by UNESCO as part of the World Heritage, the abbey of Mont-Saint-Michel is the monument for everyone.

Saint Aubert's Dream

In 708, Aubert, Bishop of Avranches erected the chapel on this site because of a dream in which he saw the Archangel Michael who commanded him to build a church on the rock in his honor. And when the bishop dared to express doubts, the Archangel thrust a finger through his skull! Of course, the Abbey took on the name Mont Saint Michel.

(This information was found in an original Xth century manuscript called ?La Revelation ecclesiae sancti Michaelis?.)
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Where is Mont St Michel

Map of Area

Le Mont-Saint-Michel, is connected by a causeway to the mainland sitting in the Gulf of Saint-Malo. The island of Mont-Tombre (Tomb on the Hill) stands at the mouth of the Couresnon River and lays strategically between the regions of Normandy and Brittany.

Pros and Cons

Pros:An outstanding icon of France you shouldn't miss
Cons:Very crowded and hot in the month of August
In a nutshell:Truly a Marvel of the Western World

Last visit to Mont Saint Michel: Aug 1998
Intro Updated Nov 23, 2004
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Reviews (18)

Houses at the foot of the Mont - Mont Saint Michel

Under the Abbey Hotels (2)

There are inns and hotels located within the Mont St. Michel fortress. One I found on the Intenet was the La Mere... more travel advice

Wonderous Architecture Views - Mont Saint Michel

A Surreal Icon of France Favorites (1)

Le Mont-Saint-Michel sits on a granite rock on an islet in northwestern France, in the Gulf of Saint-Malo which is... more travel advice

Getting to Mont Saint Michel Transportation (1)

The Mont is located 180 miles northwest of Paris. It can be reached by car (A11 & A81 west to Rennes, N175 Pontorson)... more travel advice

What a view! Hotels (2)

I didn't stay at this hotel, but wish I could have. It faces Mont Saint Michel - what a fabulous view it must have in... more travel advice

Warnings Or Dangers (1)
Watch the Tides

Things to Do (13)
See All The Gulf of St Malo

Travelogues (2)

1 - 2 of 2

Comments (10)

Rems Jan 5, 2006 at 10:13 AM Report Abuse

I discovered a beautiful shop in Mont Saint Michel which sales typical products of Normandy and Brittany. Moreover, the shop assistants are very friendly. This shop is really out of the ordinary... Have a look: www.mont-saint-michel-shop.com
roamer61 Aug 6, 2005 at 5:46 AM Report Abuse

Great pages on the Mont. Very enlightening.
JetlagCity Jan 28, 2005 at 11:17 AM Report Abuse

What a fabulous place, it seems kind of mysterious! Great tips - I had no idea there was a whole town on the islet around the abbey, complete with hotels. I'm putting this on my must-see list!
matcrazy1 Jan 14, 2005 at 5:33 PM Report Abuse

Very unique place on our globe, no doubts and your coverage is great! I love your pictures and style...
ognini Oct 1, 2004 at 10:30 PM Report Abuse

visited mont st michel many years ago...was great to reminisce through your photos. thanks!
Waalewiener Sep 22, 2004 at 4:52 PM Report Abuse

Beautiful page Nancy ,last october on our way to Brest France my brother in law surprised us by going to this fantastic Mont St Michel It is very special and you wow you have great info and pic's for others that want to see it.Great stuff Nancy
Phalaenopsis03 Aug 22, 2004 at 9:38 PM Report Abuse

Informative stuff here on such an intriguing place. Pix are equally impressive. Great job Nancy! =)
deecat May 31, 2004 at 9:38 PM Report Abuse

Nancy, spectacular pages with breathtaking photogrpahs. Such a wonderful place to visit. Thanks for all the valuable and helpful information done in such a well-written format. I appreciate the hard work you do for all of us to enjoy!
dsantosh May 31, 2004 at 8:24 PM Report Abuse

Nancy, your St.Michel page is a remarkable page. Great phtographs and information about the place. Greetings from India.
pepples46 May 30, 2004 at 9:20 PM Report Abuse

such a beautiful place I suppose you working on the page Nancy..I'll be back