Day 8: Le Mont Saint Michel

After breakfast with fresh baguette, we leave the campsite around 10 o'clock and 2 hours later we are in the parking lot of Le Mont Saint Michel. I thought we booked the campsite in the same town, but then I realize that the place with a similar name is 5 kilometers away. So we have a picnic in the car and then we set off on foot to the old abbey. Unfortunately, David doesn't want to walk and after a lot of drama, he convinces René to carry him on his shoulder for the 2.3 kilometers. The sun is shining and the hill with the town rises in front of us. A great view of the rocky island in the bay. It is low tide and some visitors are participating in a mudflat hiking tour.
After a 45-minute walk, we enter through the entrance gate. There are many people on site. Le Mont Saint Michel has been a World Heritage Site since 1979. A narrow road with cafes, restaurants, and souvenir shops leads up to the abbey. The monastery is located on top of the 90-meter-high hill. Construction began in 708 as a sanctuary for the archangel. The mountain quickly became a place of pilgrimage. In the 10th century, Benedictines settled in the abbey, while a village developed below. During the Hundred Years' War, the fortress proved to be impregnable. After the revolution in 1863, it became a prison. Fortunately, I already bought the tickets for the abbey at the parking lot, so we can visit this unique building without waiting. Its layout is unlike any other, as it is based on the pyramidal shape of the mountain. The buildings were arranged in a spiral pattern. The church at the summit rests on crypts, which form a platform and support the weight of the 80-meter-high church. We are impressed by the architecture and walk through the corridors, rooms, halls, church, and chapels. We are also rewarded with a great view of the bay from the terraces of the abbey. The tour takes about 45 minutes and then we walk down the narrow street and find ourselves in front of the island's gates again. For the return journey, we use the free shuttle bus. The parking fee of 14.90 € includes all services such as shuttle bus, visitor center, and admission to the island. The price is reasonable for that. Shortly after, we are back at our campsite. After dinner, we play boules with the children. The popular French game delights both the children and us.