Visiting Mont St Michel was a dream come true. During a trip to Paris several years ago, we decided to visit the Mont St Michel which is located between Normandy and the English Channel. The origin of the Mont St Michel date back to 708 when the Bishop of Avranches dreamt of the Archangel Michael who ordered the Bishop to build a shrine to dedicated him. From this strong granite rock rising two hundred and fifty feet out of the sea, the Bishop built the Abbey which was later settled in by the Benedictines. The Abbey became a pilgrimage town in honour of Archangel Michael. The Mont eventually grew into a village with settlers building their houses and shops around it that still stands up to this day. The Mont has survived numerous Wars and over many Centuries have resisted erosion from the wind and water. When you get a chance, visit it as you can still see the grandeur, the history and sacredness that lies within its walls. It is a marvel to see the accomplishment of what Humans can accomplish with the guidance of the Divine.
Stop by the restaurants and Inns here especially at La Mere Poulard Hotel to taste the Mont St Michel Omelette which has a filling of frothy egg whites inside. The Crepes in the Village is also delicious to try.
The Benedictines built this outdoor elevator to bring in provisions into their Abbey.
The whole Mont is a walking area only. Everywhere there are stairs to climb up all the way to the Abbey and the Church dedicated to Archangel Michael.
As we climbed higher, we can't help but look up into the sky.
Inside the Church were symbols of the scallop shells representing the journey of the pilgrims to this Site.
The architecture inside is Gothic and there are Romanesque influences around the Abbey.
On top of the Mont is the Abbey.
Image of the Mother Mary and Archangel Michael, always depicted as the Warrior Archangel defeating the dragon.
Surrounding the Mont are views of the sky, earth and sea. During low tide, visitors walked around the sand. Then at high tide, the whole Mont was surrounded by water coming from the English Channel.
Visiting the Mont St Michel is to discover all those who, down through the centuries, built this peerless monument and to understand why and how they managed to accomplish this gigantic undertaking between sky, earth and sea.
May you all have a fantastic Weekend!
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