There is place in Normandie that seems to stand out of time, in a realm of legends. Separated from the land by nearly a mile, the Mont-Saint-Michel is a rocky tidal island, appearing across the miles as a lone and majestic figure amidst the wide and flat expanses of the coast and the bay.
The tides — some of the greatest on the planet — are infamous for the dangerous speed at which the waters fill or empty the bay, encircling the Mont-Saint-Michel and effectively cutting it from the coast for a few hours. Staying overnight in one of the few little hotels and witnessing the tide rush around the foot of the island is a rare and thrilling experience.
The narrow, medieval cobblestone street, with its many side-alleys and leaning buildings, leads all the way up to an old abbey. Crown of the island, the abbey of Mont-Saint-Michel (a UNESCO World Heritage Site) is perched high above the world, between sea and sky. Its architecture mirrors the different periods of history, in layers as it were, culminating with the statue of the archangel Saint Michel, the vision of which first inspired the site for the religious edifice.
The surrounding region has many other wonders, including the proud walled-city of Saint-Malo. Notorious for its history of corsairs and privateers, this beautiful port boasts magnificent sailing ships; and within its old stone streets, one can revel in some of the finest traditional culinary specialties of Brittany.
-Sev, E-Tutor
