The first sanctuary was built here in 708 to honour the Archangel, Michael. It became a site of pilgrimage and in the 10th century the Benedictines settled on the island and improved the Abbey further. By the 14th century a village spiralled up from the beach closest to land to support and further secure the church while providing comforts for the visiting pilgrims.
During the Hundred Years War, Mont St. Michel proved to be impregnable and became a symbol of national pride. The Benedictines left as a result of the French Revolution and the Abbey became a prison until 1863. Since then major restorations have been made and the mont has been listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Channeling my inner medieval sisterhood, and with the arm of my sweet man, I climbed all 350+ steps and I can report is was worth every 'limpy', sweaty, step!
The night before she just hinted at all her charms.
And the day of our visit was a little overcast, which was lovely for all the climbing involved.
In the past few years they have built a long bridge out to the island, it still gets covered by the ocean on very very high tides. The trams from the parking lot drop everyone far enough out from the island to get the quintessential photo.
Where they greeted visitors at the beach. And that cute guy again!
The cannon they had in the entry was certainly impressive.
As was the drawbridge if they didn't want your company.
The medieval town at the base of the mountain is now converted to shops, bars and restaurants for visitors.
All the old-style signs had interesting designs.
As we edged around the bottom of the island, there were glimpses of what was to come.
Just near the true beginning of the climb where the nice ramps turn to serious stairs.
Fortunately there were places to glimpse how much elevation we had already gained. See some of my merry band of men down there?
And we continued, thanks to Ibuprofen.
Okay, from here we can at least see the top!
I had forgotten that St. Michel killed a dragon - symbol of the devil.
A honking big tap, I hope it dispensed wine in the day.
And on the tap a mark with fleurs de Lys and scallop shells. Scallop shells mark the route to Santiago de Compostela in Spain and appear here as the French adjunct to the route.
One more peek before the last of the stairway to heaven.
If he killed the dragon, I'm not sure who this bird is; perhaps the phoenix?
And finally we are as high as they will let us climb and on a wide square in front of the Abbey.
These large inflatable mylar balls made very interesting views of the large site possible.
The views of some of the sights below are amazing. Did you notice how I strategically caught the bird in flight? It was all planned.
Great friends and our hosts for the next couple of weeks, Steve and Vern.
Inside the Abbey was delightfully simple compared to some of the highly decorated churches. Continuous services make sure this Abbey stays true to its raison d'être. Nuns were chanting in beautiful clear voices and it was inspiring.
The tail?
I am impressed that at the very top of the Abbey they left an area open for a contemplative garden. This was just off the entry to the monks refectory.
The dining hall for the monks has an amazing sculpture made exclusively of feathers and fishing line. It floats impressively and to me added a sense of awe and inspiration to the grand space. The tables were all hand planed and solid. There was a pulpit where scriptures were read while monks ate in silent contemplation.
One floor down was where guests were entertained for dinner and the rather large fireplaces were located that presumably cooked the food. This was one of two that were side by side. Roasted ox anyone?
Every once in awhile you could find an amazing view!
Love the scallop shells, not sure what's in the urns. Dennis would hope it is was coffee.
This gigantic wheel was used to pull supplies up to the Abbey from hundreds of feet below. Not sure if it was monks or prisoners that climbed into the wheel and 'hamstered away' to hoist their grub.
This was how far they had to raise it.
This is what they were dragging up the wall along with the supplies!
The whole Abbey was built to conform to the mountain.
Another receiving hall for VIPs.
Another cool mylar ball. I'm pretty sure we need some of these in BC.
Totally random bell.
A small chapel near the base of the mount for the villagers.
St. Michel in pride of place.
Thank you Mont St. Michel for a glorious day. I think I may paint this when I get home.
And to end on something totally random, chairs in our hotel's breakfast room are the same design as the one famously painted by Van Gogh. Why change a good thing?
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