29 March 2018
"Le Mont-Saint-Michel is an island and mainland commune in Normandy, France. The island is located about one kilometer (0.6 miles) off the country's northwestern coast, at the mouth of the Couesnon River near Avranches and is 7 hectares (17 acres) in area. As of 2015, the island has a population of 50.
The island has held strategic fortifications since ancient times and since the 8th century AD has been the seat of the monastery from which it draws its name. The structural composition of the town exemplifies the feudal society that constructed it: on top, God, the abbey and monastery; below, the great halls; then stores and housing; and at the bottom, outside the walls, houses for fishermen and farmers.
The commune's position—on an island just a few hundred meters from land—made it accessible at low tide to the many pilgrims to its abbey, but defensible as an incoming tide stranded, drove off, or drowned would-be assailants. The Mont remained unconquered during the Hundred Years' War; a small garrison fended off a full attack by the English in 1433. The reverse benefits of its natural defense were not lost on Louis XI, who turned the Mont into a prison. Thereafter the abbey began to be used regularly as a jail during the Ancient Régime.
One of France's most recognizable landmarks, visited by more than 3 million people each year, the Mont Saint-Michel and its bay are on the UNESCO list of World Heritage Sites."
Unlike the pilgrims, our pilgrimage had us walking a couple miles to a shuttle bus, which put us onto the bridge a short distance to the front doors of the Mont.
The island has held strategic fortifications since ancient times and since the 8th century AD has been the seat of the monastery from which it draws its name. The structural composition of the town exemplifies the feudal society that constructed it: on top, God, the abbey and monastery; below, the great halls; then stores and housing; and at the bottom, outside the walls, houses for fishermen and farmers.
The commune's position—on an island just a few hundred meters from land—made it accessible at low tide to the many pilgrims to its abbey, but defensible as an incoming tide stranded, drove off, or drowned would-be assailants. The Mont remained unconquered during the Hundred Years' War; a small garrison fended off a full attack by the English in 1433. The reverse benefits of its natural defense were not lost on Louis XI, who turned the Mont into a prison. Thereafter the abbey began to be used regularly as a jail during the Ancient Régime.
One of France's most recognizable landmarks, visited by more than 3 million people each year, the Mont Saint-Michel and its bay are on the UNESCO list of World Heritage Sites."
Unlike the pilgrims, our pilgrimage had us walking a couple miles to a shuttle bus, which put us onto the bridge a short distance to the front doors of the Mont.
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These modern day pilgrims, aged around 16-25, experienced the walking on the tidal flats at the foot of the Mont. This is how the people of old walked out to the commune/abbey, without the high and dryness of a causeway/bridge.
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Entry through the imposing front gate way, and into a version of "enter/exit through the gift shop".
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Past the French Knight, and going up, up, up.
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Bird on a perch, deciding between the refrigerator magnet or the miniature china keepsake. Gerri relishing the arduous climb to the abbey summit.
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The tide returneth, run pilgrims run.
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Upward and onward to the dizzying heights.
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High vantage points overlooking the modern day causeway/bridge, and outward across the English Channel.
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Altar with amazing masonry; tour group in the nave pews - it is a bit chilly in here.
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 Pilgrim exhibiting the fear of God. |  |
Out into the cloister - awash with deep green color. A drawing "pilgrim" interprets what she sees onto paper.
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This island commune is really hanging out in the middle of a desolate place. Gerri trying on for size one of the two kitchen fireplaces.
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More amazing masonry, and a human gerbil wheel used as a winch to bring up supplies from far below.
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The knight's hall.
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Arhggg, it's raining again. Apparently Gerri is okay with that. Our tour is complete.
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