An architectural masterpiece, the Mont Saint-Michel stands at the heart of an immense bay invaded by the highest tides in Europe.

It was at the request of Michael the Archangel that Saint Aubert, bishop of Avranches, built and consecrated the first church on 16th October 709. In 966, at the request of the Duke of Normandy, a community of Benedictines established themselves on the rock. For eight centuries, they did not stop building, enlarging, improving their Abbey to such a point that in the 13th century it was given the name “Wonder of the West”.

Together with Rome and Saint James of Compostella, this major spiritual and intellectual centre was one of the most important pilgrimages of the medieval West. For almost one thousand years, pilgrims have come to seek the assurance of eternity from the Archangel of judgement.

Along with the development of the Abbey, a village existed and prospered at the foot of its walls. Registered on UNESCO’s “World Heritage” list, the Mont welcomes more than three million visitors a year.

For more information on Mont St-Michel please visit our friends – www.abbaye-montsaintmichel.com