Mont Saint-Michel - Man Inspired by God

Mont Saint-Michel, one of the world's most recognisable tombolos, is an island city in France, featuring a grand Abbey, shops, cafes and actual homes (a population of only 33)! It lies on the border between Brittany and Normandy, and is a magnificent piece of French coastline (closely followed by Dune du Pilat). The island was founded as far back as 708AD and it was dedicated to Saint Michael, the patron saint of sailors (quite fitting). In 1066, the Duke of Normandy conquered England, which left the mount in English possession. However, in 1204, the French captured the island and burned it to the ground, before rebuilding it. For years after, and during the Hundred Years' War, the British were unable to seize it, and it remained part of France.

In my first article, I'd love to speak about my experience at Mont Saint-Michel and talk about what makes it so breath-taking!

Firstly Mont-Saint Michel is a wonderful example of man inspired by God. Upon it's discovery, Bishop Aubert Avranches was instructed, in a dream, by Saint Michael to build an oratory on the peak of the mount. After much contemplation, he gave in, and now the island is the destination for thousands of great Christian pilgrimages, and tourists (lots of tourists) from all over the world. The Abbey is a stunning example of the Medieval Gothic architecture of it's time, with a modern 19th century renovated spire. Nonetheless, the Abbey at Mont Saint-Michel is a colossal piece of architecture, and by colossal, I mean was out of breath once I reached the top. The structure of the mount itself, represents a feudal hierarchy, where God is at the top (above the 302ft tall city), the abbey and monastery below, the churches and parishes, then shops and housing, and right at the base, the houses of the fishermen and farmers.

Mont Saint-Michel further represents the power of the French, especially through it's defence. After the French captured the island, the British were never able to conquer it, despite numerous attempts. The island has almost indestructible fortifications. In fact, in 1434, the English were commanded to give up battle, and abandoned two iron cannons, les Michelettes, which are displayed as a representation of the protection of God. The fortress in impenetrable, at least by 15th century standards, and it's rich history of battle and siege is easily forgotten when wandering through, yet there are elements which still linger.

Mont Saint-Michel also became a prison during the French revolution, named Bastille de Mer (prison of the sea) and it took in prisoners until 1860. After the prison was closed by Napoleon III (who was buried with his wife in St Michaels Abbey, Farnborough), 650 prisoners were transported over to main land France.

In terms of physical geography, Mont Saint Michel is a granite tombolo, with a circumference of around 3,000 feet, stemming 78 metres out from the Couesnon river. When the tides are super high, like during a spring tide, the waters surround the island. These tides move incredibly fast and can be incredibly dangerous. However, most of the time, the island is surrounded by vast sands. The difference between highest and lowest tide can be as great as 14 metres! Originally, the island would have been difficult to reach, since the same vast sands are scattered with pools of quicksand, which occur where the mud become slushy from the incoming tides, which makes the surface act almost like jelly!

Mont Saint-Michel is almost indescribable and an extremely valuable physical manifestation of both French and British history, and definitely worth a visit if you happen to be anywhere near Saint Malo. The city is truly alive, and thriving and somewhere to enjoy, even if you just hope to pick up some souvenirs and be on your way. But the mount holds an extraordinary and haunting history, which is worth the experience!