Mont-Saint Michel

Sunday

Sunday morning, we arose, ate breakfast, and were out the door on a very special journey. The two of us pointed the car towards Mont-Saint Michel. A little less than a two-hour car drive from La Haye-du-Puits, this Benedictine Abbey is a UNESCO World Heritage site and one of the most popular places to visit in France.

The ride was very pleasant and mostly backroads through rural Normandy. The roads were not busy, and only an occasional biker was spotted along the way. As our first view of this unique island was spotted from a distance, a yellow carpet of vegetation laid in front of the abbey making it even more stunning.

The closer we came we were shocked on how few people and cars were in the parking lot. Parking almost right next to the visitor center just seemed too lucky. We stopped into the visitor center to use the facilities and check out this unique looking building. Once again, we found it empty also.

We now had to decide how we were going to traverse the last three kilometers across a manmade land bridge which connects the mainland to the island.

Tom got his first choice… and it was…. The Bus!

The closer one gets to this sacred antiquity the larger it appears. The abbey and the town that surrounds it would be a marvel using modern construction, but it is just hard to believe that the construction started over a 1000 years ago.

Supplies would have to be pulled up this ancient manual funicular.

Our arrival coincided with low tide, which gives one the full effect of isolation. Standing on the walls looking out in all directions one is surrounded by mud.

There are tours of the mud flats, and some will explore on their own, however, it can be dangerous. The mud is wicked slippery and the tide change is rapid.

Albeit, we were considerably late, but we were able to attend Mass. The St Peter's Church is about the halfway point of the climb as you head to the abbey and offered a cool place to sit.

After Mass was over we took a short break for lunch and a cold beer. Simple fish and chips, but they were good… the beer was better. Then we started again through the maze of steps and pathways to the top.

Still amazed at the lack of crowds, ever upwards we walked. Before leaving for Europe some had asked about if were we nervous about terrorism in France. The presence of police and military patrols were present at all the tourist destinations. These young men and women in camouflage with berets are carrying automatic weapons with the clip in.  They walk quietly in formation constantly scanning. So, to answer the question, no we were not concerned. Honestly, it is somewhat discomforting. Unfortunately, it is the time we live in.

Finally, reaching the top and completing our cardio stress test there was one last set up steps to conquer. Oh No - It can’t be!

A red piece of rope and a sign halted us in our tracks! The pilgrimage to the top was over.

Do you know what happens on May 1st in France? Why it is Labor Day and everything is closed. I guess that applies to the religious also.

Well… the view from here was fantastic. We checked out a nice art show, and had some wonderful time together. And of course, we did not see the apex of this beautiful edifice.

C'est la vie

We made our way down back to the entrance and just sat at the base of Mont-Saint Michel feeling blessed that we got to see and experience what we were able to. Janet was tempted to do one more thing…

Thinking it best not to after a man in front of her slipped and went down with a SPLASH, we sat back down and watched the children play in the mud and gather gifts for their mothers. This proud boy was so excited with his find that he was singing.

Yes, it was a very special day!

Janet opted to walk the 3 kms back to the visitor center and Tom took the bus. Sitting under a tree in shade when Janet arrived, we were both very happy with our decisions.

Back on the road again, we got one last glance at Mont-Saint Michel. Exiting on a different road, we saw the famous sheep that feed on the grasses of the wetland that surround the abbey. The high salt content seasons the meat and is considered a delicacy.

We retraced our ride back to Sabrina and Rui’s house, and it was still void of cars and traffic. You know it is May 1st, Labor Day in France. We do now!

We had a light dinner and more quality time with our host before calling it an early evening at 11 o’clock. Sabrina has a big day at work in the morning, and we must start another phase of our adventure. We said our goodbyes and thank you to Sabrina and Rui and went to bed.

A bit of history in closing:  In the year of 708, the Archangel Michael appeared in dreams to Saint Aubert, Bishop of Avranches and asked him to build a sanctuary in his name.  The granite rock island that Mont - Saint Michel was originally called Mont Tombe.  For more on this special place visit:  Normandy Tourism