What is Mont Saint-Michel?
Among the many World Heritage Sites scattered throughout France, the one that fascinates people with its beauty is Mont Saint-Michel and its Bay (hereafter referred to as Mont Saint-Michel). Located in the Bay of Saint-Malo on the west coast of France, the entire small island was used as a monastery, and was registered as a World Heritage Site in 1979.
Mont Saint-Michel is known as the "Wonder of the West" because of its incredibly fantastical appearance, but its history is marked by a truly strange fate.
The History of Mont Saint-Michel
This island has been known since ancient times as a sacred place for the indigenous Celts, and a chapel was built on it in 708. After that, in 966, a Benedictine monastery was built on it, and the name of Mont Saint-Michel became widely known as a place of pilgrimage.
Furthermore, when the Hundred Years' War between England and France began in the 14th century, it served as an impregnable fortress due to its strategic location between the two countries. It was restored as a monastery again in the 16th century, but was used as a prison to house dissidents after the French Revolution in the 18th century, before finally being rebuilt as a place of faith in the 19th century.
Mont Saint-Michel, located in the Bay of Saint-Malo, known for its extreme tides, is an "isolated monastery" that has been a part of France's history. Its majestic appearance is so beautiful that it is worthy of being called a "Wonder of the West." Currently, it is a World Heritage Site that attracts approximately 3 million people a year, and it attracts people from all over the world.
What to see at Mont Saint-Michel
The charm of Mont Saint-Michel, which seems to float on the sea, is not just its magnificent appearance. Mont Saint-Michel has been used in various ways for 1,300 years, and is a place where the architectural styles of each era are mixed together. When you step inside, you will find a space that can be called a "living architectural museum."
"La Merveille"
For example, the residential area "La Merveille" (meaning "the wonder" in French), located on the north side of the church attached to the monastery, is one of the highlights of Mont Saint-Michel. Built in the 13th century, this space is known as a "masterpiece of Gothic art," and the three-story building is full of beautiful architecture, such as the cloister on the top floor and the Knights' Hall on the second floor.
"Main Street Gate"
In addition, the sturdy "rampartment wall" surrounding the island and the "Grand Gate" at the entrance to the island were built in the 15th century, and tell the history of Mont Saint-Michel as a fortress. In addition, the "Abbey Church" that retains the remains of the Romanesque style from the 10th to 11th centuries is also a must-see.
In addition, the Grand Rue, the approach to the monastery, is lined with historical buildings such as inns and restaurants built in the 19th century.
Mont Saint-Michel, where buildings from various eras coexist, is like a "time capsule" that conveys the memories of each era to the present. Please take your time to enjoy its beauty.
How to get to Mont Saint-Michel
You can get there by train or bus from Charles de Gaulle International Airport, but you can also go by car. Mont Saint-Michel is about 380 km away, so it takes about 4 hours. Driving is also one of the best parts of the trip, so it's fun to take your time and enjoy the scenery as you go.
If you require assistance in Japanese, please consider joining a tour from Japan.
The specialty "Omelette" is recommended. Enjoy sightseeing in the surrounding area as well.
When you visit the coveted Mont Saint-Michel, you want to enjoy its charm to the fullest. It is possible to visit the area on a day trip from Paris, but if you have time, we recommend staying overnight on or near the island and experiencing the local gourmet food and local activities.
One of the most iconic dishes of Mont Saint-Michel is the omelette served at La Mère Poulard, a long-established restaurant located at the entrance to the island. The large omelette, made with fresh eggs and whisked for a long time, is an amazingly fluffy dish that is a must-try when you visit.
If you want to learn more about the history and origins of Mont Saint-Michel, you can visit the small museums scattered around the island. Mont Saint-Michel is home to museums such as the L'Archeoscope, which explains the architectural history of the island, the History Museum, which uses wax figures to recreate the time when the monastery was used as a prison, and the Maritime Museum, where you can learn about the nature of Saint-Malo Bay.
Furthermore, if you want to fully enjoy the beautiful scenery of Mont Saint-Michel, we recommend staying one night at a hotel on the island and one night at a hotel on the opposite shore. You will be able to enjoy the ever-changing appearance of Mont Saint-Michel from various angles, such as the majestic tranquility of the morning, the romantic twilight, and the sparkling illumination of the night.
Recently, there has been an exhilarating activity where you can view Mont Saint-Michel from the sky in a cutting-edge mini helicopter called an "autogyro," so if you're interested, be sure to give it a try.
Mont Saint-Michel and its bay
| address | ： | 50170 Le Mont St-Michel |
|---|
Travel writer/Toru Yoshihara
The Bay of Saint-Malo is known for having one of the largest tidal ranges in Europe. The scenery of Mont Saint-Michel is very different at high tide when it is surrounded by the sea, and at low tide when it is surrounded by sand, so be sure to check the tide information in advance!
*Some content was updated on June 10, 2024.
The contents published are accurate at the time of publication and are subject to change.
