Among the world’s travel gems, there occasionally emerges a treasure offering a unique opportunity to enjoy it without the crowds of tourists.
One such place is a picturesque island reminiscent of the magical settings from Harry Potter. It is Le Mont-Saint-Michel in France—a complex on a high hill surrounded by the sea, a hidden gem of Normandy. The first structures include a Romanesque church from the 10th century, a Romanesque abbey from the 12th century, and a magnificent Gothic building from the 13th century, known as Merveille – The Wonder. Two buildings with three floors are seemingly glued to the steep rock.
The main attraction for tourists who decide to visit this enchanting place in Normandy is the impressive complex majestically rising above the sea. This unique structure is the unmistakable landmark of an island covering only 55,000 square meters. A first glance at the island, the medieval village with only thirty permanent residents, and the majestic abbey in the background will tell you that you are dealing with a nearly magical place. It is said that famous director Peter Jackson sought inspiration here for depicting the city of Minas Tirith from the famous Lord of the Rings trilogy. Today, the abbey is not just an exciting backdrop for religious pilgrims but also offers a cultural experience.
On the island of Le Mont-Saint-Michel and in the abbey itself, there are many unique architectural monuments. The traditional Norman architecture of the abbey, the pre-Romanesque church, and the Gothic monastic buildings invite you on a journey into the past. Inside the abbey, you can visit the historic refectory, where monks once dined together. The cloister, the knights’ hall, the colonnade, and the vast guest hall are also impressive. The sight of altar servers preparing for mass or the sound of bells ringing through the abbey grounds is equally enchanting.
When visiting the abbey, you have the choice between a guided tour and a free visit. During the guided tour, you can be sure that you won’t miss any points of interest. The tour can be taken in several world languages. Guided tours typically involve larger groups of visitors. The cost for guided tours is higher than for self-guided visits.
