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Mont Saint-Michel

Mont Saint-Michel 

While not as well known as Disneyland Paris, the second most visited sight in France is the grand Mont Saint-Michel.  This magnificent abbey is located on a rocky island half a mile offshore, and use to be cut off at high tides.  People have died crossing at the wrong time!

Located over 200 miles away from Paris (4 hours drive) you can expect limited transportation options.  At first I was consider taking the train & bus, but the time schedules would be too tight.  Fortunately I ended up finding a tour bus service at http://www.cityrama.com/visit-french-provinces/visit-mont-saint-michel-on-your-own/4A317.html for the same cost.  The schedule worked out as a one full day trip:

  • 7~11am: Paris to Mont Saint-Michel
  • 11-5pm: wander around!
  • 5~9pm: Mont Saint-Michel to Paris

We begin the pictures at the rest stop, two hours into the trip…but wait!  Guess who I bumped into at the creperie?  Dave & Julie!!! =P  Yay!!!

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They’re having coffee and pain au chocolat!

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We spent some time wondering around the small town…

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Back onto the bus and another two hours go by before our first sighting of the abbey!

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Mont Saint-Michel…like a castle in the sky.  Absolutely stunning!

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Entering the town:

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Shops and restaurants everywhere!

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Journeying up to the abbey!

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We finally made it to the top!  The Mont Saint-Michel had a great audio tour system using…yeah, those cell-phone looking devices!  The following photos were taken at the entrance, just outside the chapel:

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I’ve become Dave & Julie’s private photographer! =)

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The tranquil chapel where the monks and nuns use to hang out:

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The courtyard…epically amazing!

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It was hard not to feel like being in Helm’s Deep (from Lord of the Rings):

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Saint-Michel slaying evil!

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Venturing outside of the city walls during low tide can be dangerous, but makes for great pictures!

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At the end of the day, we had to leave Mont Saint-Michel…you will be missed!

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…and the journey continues!!!