Found in France, one kilometer off the north-western coast near the mouth of the Couesnon River at Avranches, Mont Saint- Michel, earlier known as Monte Tombe”, can be described as a vital point of fortifications since 8th century AD. In earlier times, the bay was a land which was shaped into today’s landscape and several blocks of granite, granulite rose up which later became Lillemer, the Mont-Dol, Tombelaine and Mont Tombe, later called Mont-Saint-Michel.
This Mont-Saint-Michel has many legends woven around it. One such is that the Archangel Michael descended here and instructed Bishop of Avranches to build a church on this rocky islet but as he ignored it, the Archangel burnt a hole through the Bishop’s skull with his finger. The mount however had its ideality as a strategic battle station. During many wars, the enemies assaulted the island but could not capture it due to its abbey’s improved fortifications. However by the time of the French Revolution, there were hardly any monks. The abbey was converted into a prison but by 1836, people like Victor Hugo who understood the utmost importance of the place worked for the restoration of the abbey. Finally, the prison was shut down in 1874 and the site was declared as a historical monument.
The same person who built the Abbey of Fecamp in Normandy, the Italian architect William de Volpiano was chosen to design the abbey. The Romanesque church of the abbey is a design of him. The Duke of Normandy, Robert de Thorigny built the main façade of the church in the 12th century. The Abbey caught fire set by Breton Guy de Thouars in 1204. Charles VI added major fortifications to the abbey-mount, building towers, courtyards and strengthening the ramparts.
Earlier Mont-Saint-Michel was part of the mainland connected by a thin natural bridge covered at high tide and revealed at low tide. The tides can vary up to 14m above and below the water marks. Ideal meadows for grazing sheep have been formed by the occasional flooding here.
Travellers’ Guide
If you are planning to visit the Mont-Saint-Michel, the best way is to drive but nonetheless you can use train or bus. The specialty in food here is the omelettes and the special lamb dishes. So try out these restaurants if you are going to peak in.
Du Guesclin
La Mere Poulard
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