Trip Part 2: Mont-Saint-Michel and Saint-Malo

After our time remembering the great sacrifice of so many brave men on June 6, 1944, we continued to drive west to explore other parts of Normandy (the name of the entire region) and Brittany (the neighboring region). We began with a visit to Mont-Saint-Michel, which towers over the horizon from miles away.

The church history of this abbey/island began as early as the beginning of the 8th century, when the Archangel Michael supposedly appeared to the Bishop of Avranches and told him to build an abbey on the island, located about 1 kilometer off the northern coast of France. He did so, and the abbey (which was added on to over the centuries) has rested on the peak of this little island ever since.

Since the island is so close to the shore, it actually is only an island at high tide; low tide offers a dangerous, marshy, mudflat which could be (and was) crossed on foot with great caution and trepidation for centuries. Mont-Saint-Michel was a place of pilgrimages for years and years. It wasn't until the 1800's that a causeway was built, allowing safe access to the island at all times. Due to its location (on the northern coast of France, facing England, France's long-standing enemies), the island also has acted as a strategic defensive point for centuries. Since even crossing to the island could only be done at certain times of day and in favorable conditions, and since the island's own geography and the ramparts provide excellent defenses, this point was not only a defensive post during the hundred years war but also a prison during the 1800's. Imagine trying to scale these walls!

And just look at the mudflats around the island when the tide is out:

The island's tortuous (and steep!), medieval streets that wind up to the abbey are full of tourists traps, but are entertaining nonetheless.

The main attraction, though, is the abbey itself. I know this is not the best picture, but I can't get over the image of these three headed into the light of heaven as they ascend the steps to enter the abbey:

The belltower (topped by a golden statue of St. Michael slaying the dragon) is so grand:

The cloisters (where the monks would go for reflection and solitude) are lovely:

The architects had a thing for oversized stone items:

Tiffany was sure to try every side door (which were all locked, unfortunately), determined to find secret passageways to explore:

But I think we all found it rewarding nonetheless:

That evening, we drove over to Saint-Malo, a medieval walled city just off the coast of Brittany (basically 45 minutes further west along the coast from Mont-Saint-Michel). Like Mont-Saint-Michel, Saint-Malo's situation changes with the tides. At low tide, there are beautiful beaches surrounding the traditional walled city; at high tide, the water laps the walls, creating an island effect (though a causeway keeps it always accessible from the mainland). The highlight is walking around on top of the city wall, seeing the medieval fortification around you and the ocean beyond:

At low tide, you can see the beautiful beaches stretched out below:

And look how beautiful God's creation is!

The trip overall was a HUGE success in my mind. If you ever want recommendations for a 2-day trip from Paris, let me know... And, of course, we loved having Ben and Tiff at our apartment and enjoying this beautiful city we now call home!