The island of Mont-Saint-Michel in Normandy, France
© DaLiu/Getty Image
A saintly vision inspired the first chapel. Mont-Saint-Michel
The stunning sight of Mont-Saint-Michel rising out of the bay is unforgettable. And visiting the island will be too, if you time it right. The paved causeway is accessible only when the tide is out; otherwise, you’re at the mercy of the muddy flats, dangerous quicksand, and the quickly rising tide.
Today's visitors are following in the footsteps of pilgrims who for centuries traversed Europe to pray at the sacred site. The local bishop of Avranches built a chapel on this rock in 708 after the archangel St. Michael visited him in a dream, and the rest, as they say, is history. Now the island is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Its permanent population is fewer than 50 people, including a dozen or so monks and nuns, but more than three million visitors cross over to the island most years.
Related Images
Castelbouc and the Gorges du Tarn along the Tarn River in France
The Sanctuary of Madonna della Corona in Italy
Urquhart Castle and Loch Ness in the Scottish Highlands
Guaita Tower in San Marino
The Dourbie Gorge Corps Mill and adjoining bridge in Grands Causses Natural Regional Park, France
The Harbin Ice and Snow Festival in China
Castillo del Morro in Old San Juan, Puerto Rico
Chapel St-Michel d'Aiguilhe, Le Puy-en-Velay, France
Bing Today Images
