An exceptional stay at Mont-Saint-Michel, a World Heritage jewel
Listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1979, Mont-Saint-Michel, its Bay and its Monuments are naturally among the most visited tourist attractions in France. Are you still unfamiliar with this “Wonder of the West” between Brittany and Normandy, celebrated by Victor Hugo and others? Follow our guide for a more-than-perfect wellness holiday in France!
Mont-Saint-Michel: one of France’s first Unesco World Heritage monuments
Did you know? Mont-Saint-Michel is not just one UNESCO World Heritage Site, but two! Celebrated first and foremost for its exceptional value “which transcends national borders”, “this most beautiful place in the world (…)” was also consecrated in 1998 as part of the “Pilgrim’s Way to Santiago de Compostela in France”!
No wonder! This “marvelous pyramid”, so aptly described by Victor Hugo in his famous “Lettre à Adèle Hugo” (1836), is an extraordinary sight, in terms of both its natural and built heritage. A gigantic bay of some 500 km², the scene not only of prodigious tides, but also of a practice that dates back to the 11th century: the pastoral breeding of salt-meadow sheep. An emblematic abbey that gave its name to this Normandy treasure. A remarkably well-preserved medieval village.
A jewel to be (re)discovered along ancient pilgrimage routes classified as a Cultural Itinerary.
A major pilgrimage site for 13 centuries, Mont-Saint-Michel was originally called Mont Tombe. It was the Archangel Michael, who appeared in a dream to the Bishop of Avranches (708), who gave it this name. Following the arrival of Benedictine monks in the 10th century, pilgrims from all over the world, and even kings, came to pay homage to the archangel. Along with Rome, Jerusalem and Santiago de Compostela, it was the largest pilgrimage sanctuary in medieval Christianity!
There’s no better way to visit Mont-Saint-Michel than on foot, along the ancient pilgrimage routes rehabilitated since 1998 by the ‘Les Chemins de Saint-Michel’ association. On the program: walking excursions along more than 2,500 km of mountain paths to discover the rich natural and architectural heritage of Mont-Saint-Michel. Classified as a Cultural Route by the Council of Europe in 2007, these forgotten paths attract more and more miquelots every year, departing from Barfleur, Cherbourg, Caen, Rouen, Chartres, Tours and Paris.
It takes 2 months to cover the 1,656 km between Mont-Saint-Michel and Santiago de Compostela, with an average of 25 to 30 kms/day! Interested? Book your stay at Bonneville-sur-Mer now.
Two Mont-Saint-Michel must-sees: Les Grandes Marées and La Mère Poulard
Although Mont-Saint-Michel is less than 1 km in circumference, there’s no question of getting bored! Have you seen the Benedictine abbey, the church of Notre-Dame-Sous-Terre, the chapel of Saint-Aubert and its fountain, the church of Saint-Pierre, the former presbytery, the ramparts, the Logis Saint-Symphorien and Tiphaine Raguenel, the Maison Blanche, the Hôtel du Mouton Blanc and the Hôtel de la Mère Poulard…?
During your stay in Normandy, don’t miss the Great Tides of Mont-Saint-Michel: an exceptional phenomenon! When the moon and sun are aligned with the earth, the ‘vives-eaux’ awaken, transforming the Mont into an island. The wave that precedes the rising waters, the tidal bore, is a must-see spot for surfers and kayakers alike.
As for gourmets, it’s impossible to go on vacation to Mont-Saint-Michel without dining at Mère Poulard, an authentic historic house which, for Paul Bocuse, “is France”!
To visit Mont Saint-Michel and the other wonders of Normandy, stay in our theme village at Hauteville-sur-Mer. On the program for your stay are not only the discovery of our heritage, but also the beach, the Channel Islands, festive evenings, entertainment for young and old… In short, a unique experience in one of our Theme Villages that will satisfy every desire.