The Mont-Saint-Michel is one of the most famous and visited place in France. It's a small island located just at the corner between Normandy and Brittany (there's a long ongoing dispute to determine whether the Mount is in Normandy or Brittany... or whether the best cider is made in Normandy or Brittany... or where the weather is better... or... well, there's a lot of long ongoing disputes between these 2..)
It's really a tiny island, it's basically an abbey on top and a few houses around.
The first establishment of monks on the island is dated in the 8th century. Except for it's religious use, it was used as a prison all along the French Kingdom.
As you can guess, space is scare and the streets are narrow, and houses are the one over the other. Well, yes, even literally.
There is 29 inhabitants on the island, as you can see. This photo is not even taken during the touristic season, but in April.
The architectural style of the village is a mix between granite walls with slate roof (Breton style) and half-timbered houses (Normand style).
Making our way to the top between fortifications.
The spire of the abbey is crowned with a golden statue of Saint Michel defeating the dragon.
Let's zoom to see it better
What the! Go away! Damned seagull!
Arriving at the entrance of the abbey.
The abbey was built and modified along the centuries, so it's a mix of architectural styles, from Romanesque to Gothic.
The oldest part of the construction was excavated not long ago. This wall is part of the original chapel built during the 8th century.
The buttresses are massive!
Is the dragon still alive?
The sea-side is less built. Mainly fortifications. Here you have a ramp that was used with an hoist to supply the monks.
It's just 1 km away from the coast.
All in all, it's a wonderful place. It catches the eyes as you see it far away in the middle on the sea. And it just gets more and more impressive as you approach. I remember seeing it as a kid, I went back again a few times, and now I can't wait that my kids are grown enough to impress them with the view.
[//]:# (!pinmapple 48.635680 lat -1.511274 long A quick trip d3scr)