Inside Mont Saint Michel - Medieval Village Normandy France
Mont Saint-Michel, this magical island topped with a medieval skyscraper has been a holy place since the year 708.
Climb its winding cobbled streets, pass age old gauntlets and eateries, all whilst surrounded by the vast sea inside this world heritage site that has stood on these shores for well over 1000 years…
Pilgrims first came to the mound to be hermits, attracted by the tides that rush in so fast, they could cross quickly and be alone here.
In the year 966, its first church opened.
After dark, its enchanting streets take on a whole new atmosphere, wherever you are on the mound, you can look up at its shinning beacon above.
During the Hundred Years War between England and France, the English besieged and blockaded Mont-Saint-Michel three times.
The French had built strong walls in the 13th century, that would enable it to withstand a 30-year long siege by the English.
In 1622 monks had to cope with the arrival of prisoners, imprisoned without trial.
The monks were driven from the abbey in 1790, but the prison wouldn’t close until 1863, when the monument was left in a state if severe dilapidation.
By 1876, the long process of restoration had began and two years later the causeway linking it to mainland was constructed, this was when visitor numbers really began to grow.