Mont-Saint-Michel is such an impressive sight--a dramatic abbey at the top of a hill that becomes an island when the tide rolls in.
You cannot drive to the island. Instead, there are free shuttle buses that take visitors from the parking lot or from hotels in La Caserne. The buses operate from 7:30am to midnight and the drive takes 12-20 minutes depending on where you catch the bus.
Alternatively, you can take a horse-drawn carriage (for a fee) or walk 25 minutes.
The entrance to the island is through a series of gates.
The island has one road, the Grand Rue, that winds its way up to the abbey. It's lined with shops, restaurants, hotels and museums. I felt like I was in a medieval Disney theme park.
The best known restaurant on the island is La Mere Poulard and the specialty is an overpriced €34 omelet. The egg whites are whipped separately then folded into the egg yolks to make the omelet light and airy.
On the walk up to the abbey, you'll pass by St. Peter's Church. It's a tiny chapel. St. Peter is the patron saint of fishermen.
Stand in the doorway and look back at the town--it's an adorable view.
Cute little props along the road to the abbey.
The abbey at the top of the island.
The ticket office opens at 9 am and the abbey closes at 7 pm (midnight in mid July & August) We got there around 8:30 am and the line wasn't too long yet. Admission is €10.
As you exit from the ticket office, climb the stairs
to reach the abbey church on your right and a small terrace on the left.
The interior of the church is pretty stark.
Exiting the church, you'll walk through the cloister.
St. Michael driving a thumb into the bishop of Avranches making him build the abbey on Mont-St-Michel.
Guests' Hall where guests were wined and dined. The double fireplace served as a kitchen.
Hall of the Grand Pillars--four sturdy crypts such as these propped up the abbey.
The rear garden of the abbey and the end of the tour.
I recommend seeing the island at night as well. It's a different feeling.
In some ways, it's better to not stay on the island so you can see Mont-St-Michel all lit up at night.
2017 05 27
No comments:
Post a Comment