Mont Saint Michel in Normandy, France
Ranked #7,949 in Travel & Places, #210,611 overall
The Mont At Night
On my last trip there, we left the Mont a few minutes before sun down and parked the car on the road out where we had a good view.
As the sun came down and the night came up, lights progressively lit up. First one here and there, around the cathedral, then around the town, one after the other... until the night was dark and the Mont was light.
What a sight!
There is not describing the excitement and thrill to see such a wonder come to life this way.
My Travel blog: Boots-On-Dirt-Roads
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Art blog: DancingBlender
Facebook: RiverbyNight
As the sun came down and the night came up, lights progressively lit up. First one here and there, around the cathedral, then around the town, one after the other... until the night was dark and the Mont was light.
What a sight!
There is not describing the excitement and thrill to see such a wonder come to life this way.
My Travel blog: Boots-On-Dirt-Roads
*****
Artist Author Self-Publisher
Art blog: DancingBlender
Facebook: RiverbyNight
High Tide Low Tide
The Mad River Cuesnon
flowing boundaries
There is a little saying forever carved into my memory, having heard it countless times as a kid.
"Et le Cuesnon dans sa folie
mi le mont en Normandie."
For the benefit of non-French speaking readers, here's what it says:
"And the Cuesnon in its madness
placed the mont in Normandy."
The "Guenon" is the river that flows between present Brittany and Normandy and the border between the two regions. It used to change its course now and then, at times placing the Mont in Brittany, and others in Normandy. With modern life evolving and construction taking place around it, the river has since been restricted to a more permanent path... only when that took place, the Mont happened to be in Normandy.
Oh, and yes, the little saying above is quoted by folks from Brittany off course, which is where I grew up.
So now you know... :-)
"Et le Cuesnon dans sa folie
mi le mont en Normandie."
For the benefit of non-French speaking readers, here's what it says:
"And the Cuesnon in its madness
placed the mont in Normandy."
The "Guenon" is the river that flows between present Brittany and Normandy and the border between the two regions. It used to change its course now and then, at times placing the Mont in Brittany, and others in Normandy. With modern life evolving and construction taking place around it, the river has since been restricted to a more permanent path... only when that took place, the Mont happened to be in Normandy.
Oh, and yes, the little saying above is quoted by folks from Brittany off course, which is where I grew up.
So now you know... :-)
Mont Saint Michel Photography
These are family pictures taken during various trips to France.
The images are my own (RiverbyNight) and my mother's (PurpleCactus)
The images are my own (RiverbyNight) and my mother's (PurpleCactus)
Tombs of the Sea
Origins
The Mont Saint Michel was not always the incredible world treasure that you see now.Its history starts as a simple rock, about 80 m. tall (240 ft.).
Originally called Mont-Tombe, or "Mont Tomb," as Celtic mythology refered to these "tombs of the sea," and thought to be a refuge for the souls of the departed.
That is, until October of the year 708...
Bishop Aubert orders a chapel dedicated to St. Michael to be build on the very rock. It is to be identical to the one on Mont Gargano, in Italy.The archangel Michael had appeared three time to Bishop Aubert, commanding him to do so, and only upon the third request did Aubert agree.
12 monks were to reside at the chapel, living off donations from surrounding villages.
note: further history coming soon.
More Photography from France
and other travels
More photos from France, not necessarily Mont Saint Michel specific.
People Blog About It
What are people saying about the Mont
- Mont Saint-Michel's lost causeway stirs local passions
- In preparation for the tourist season, two dray horses and their drivers go back and forth along the causeway to Mont Saint-Michel. It is a practice run and the cart is carrying two large water-tanks, instead of live passengers.
- Shipping information for Friday June 1
- COMMERCIAL, PORTSMOUTH: Normandie Express (out 7am), Commodore Clipper (in 6am, out 9am), Mont St Michel (in 6.15am, out 8.15am), Expedition (in 8.15am, out 6pm), Normandie (in 1pm, out 2.45pm), Cap Finistere (in 1.45pm, out 4.30pm), Normandie Express ...
- Normandy, familiar to Americans for its D-Day beaches, features more history ...
- ( Special to the Pioneer Press: Donna Tabbert Long) Outside La Mere Poulard restaurant in Mont-Saint-Michel. ( Special to the Pioneer Press: Donna Tabbert Long) In the United States, we honor those who have died in all wars on Memorial Day; ...
The Mont on eBay
I placed an automatic search for Mont Saint Michel in eBay. Hopefully what comes up will actually be related.
Important!
Restoration of the Mont's Maritime Character
Here are 2 amazing sites explaining the reasons behind this project, the actual steps needed to accomplish this, and a time line of operation with what it means to the Mont itself, the community at large, and future visitor access to the Mont.
Through The Sandglass
Through The Sandglass
Displaying It's Medieval Majesty
My Other Travel Lenses
He he he... watch for the sheep! (photo by me)
For Further References
In The News
- Mont Saint-Michel's lost causeway stirs local passions
- In preparation for the tourist season, two dray horses and their drivers go back and forth along the causeway to Mont Saint-Michel. It is a practice run and the cart is carrying two large water-tanks, instead of live passengers.
- Shipping information for Friday June 1
- COMMERCIAL, PORTSMOUTH: Normandie Express (out 7am), Commodore Clipper (in 6am, out 9am), Mont St Michel (in 6.15am, out 8.15am), Expedition (in 8.15am, out 6pm), Normandie (in 1pm, out 2.45pm), Cap Finistere (in 1.45pm, out 4.30pm), Normandie Express ...
- Normandy, familiar to Americans for its D-Day beaches, features more history ...
- ( Special to the Pioneer Press: Donna Tabbert Long) Outside La Mere Poulard restaurant in Mont-Saint-Michel. ( Special to the Pioneer Press: Donna Tabbert Long) In the United States, we honor those who have died in all wars on Memorial Day; ...
Flickr Photos
Fly In To Paris...
... then take the train to Normandy.
To visit, I would suggest flying in to Paris Charles-de-Gaulle and then taking a train to Normandy.
A lot of traveling agencies will tell you it's better to buy your train ticket beforehand from the States -DON'T!
Strikes in France happen every other day, and if you have a pre-bought ticket, you won't be refunded. Agencies just want the commission.
Buy your ticket directly from the train station when you get there. It's easy and trains leave all the time.
The TGV, High Speed Train (Train Grande Vitesse) will get you there in a couple hours. It's fun and a comfortable way to travel.
Fr.e.e images for your lenses
Hello Traveler!
Thanks for visiting. I hope you will consider the Mont Saint Michel on your next trip to Europe. I can guarantee you will love it!
Please kindly rate this lens and do let me know what you think of it here.
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poutine
Jan 23, 2010 @ 4:47 pm | delete
- I enjoyed reading about Mont Saint Michel in Normandy, France.
My ancesters came from Normandy, but unfortunately, I've never been there.
Poutine
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Ramkitten
Apr 9, 2009 @ 1:31 pm | delete
- I had the pleasure of visiting Mont St. Michel when I was teenager, on a high school trip to France. It was one of the highlights of the trip for me, and I recall the tour guide saying the tide comes in like galloping horses. I remember walking up the winding cobblestone streets to the top. I will definitely go back for another visit someday. Thank you for the trip down memory lane.
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janices7 Mar 7, 2009 @ 4:48 pm | delete
- Great lens....just visited Mont St. Michel last summer. What a site to behold. I've featured your lens on my Visit Normandy France (http://www.squidoo.com/visit-normandy-france) lens. 5*!
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poddys
Nov 29, 2008 @ 10:48 pm | delete
- I haven't been to Mont St. Michel in years, but I was there at least 3 times - lost count it was so long ago. I love Normandy and Brittany, such spectacular scenery. Thanks for the lovely comments on my Bournemouth lens.
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MuddyLaBoue
Aug 8, 2008 @ 12:04 pm | delete
- p.s. I've added you to my lensroll on Travel Tips: Focus on France!
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St. Michel watching from up high (photo by me)
My Travel blog
Boots On Dirt Roads
I take tons of pictures while traveling, to be sorted out later after getting home. A selection of the best (or funny shots) will make their way onto this blog. Enjoy. :)
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