Le Mont-Saint-Michel (English:
Saint Michael's Mount) is a magic island commune in Normandy, France.
The island has held strategic
fortifications since ancient times and since the 8th century AD has been the
seat of the monastery from which it draws its name. The structural composition
of the town exemplifies the feudal society that constructed it: on top, God,
the abbey and monastery; below, the great halls; then stores and housing; and
at the bottom, outside the walls, houses for fishermen and farmers.
Its unique position — on an
island just 600 metres from land — made it accessible at low tide to the many
pilgrims to its abbey, but defensible as an incoming tide stranded, drove off,
or drowned, would-be assailants. The Mont remained unconquered during the
Hundred Years' War; a small garrison fended off a full attack by the English in
1433. The reverse benefits of its natural defence were not lost on Louis XI,
who turned the Mont into a prison. Thereafter the abbey began to be used more
regularly as a jail during the Ancien Régime.
One of France's most
recognizable landmarks, Mont Saint-Michel and its bay are part of the UNESCO
list of World Heritage Sites and more than 3 million people visit it each year.
Additional information
Website: http://www.ot-montsaintmichel.com/index.htm
Phone: +33 2 33 60 14 30
Address: 50170 Mont Saint-Michel, France
Latitude: 48.636033 Longitude: -1.511086
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