Mont St. Michel

The mighty rock rising from the sea in Normandy ... Mont St. Michel...is quite a sight. If the prespiration from the sweltering heat wasn't burning my eyes, it would be a bit more comfortable but the discomfort is worth it.... Mont St. Michel is awesome.

This island in the bay is a fortified town crowned with a 10th century abbey. This commune — on an island just 600 metres from land —was made accessible at low tide to the many pilgrims to its abbey, but defensible as an incoming tide stranded, scared off, or drowned would-be assailants. The Mont remained unconquered during the Hundred Years' War.

There is one main cobble-stoned path and all roads lead to and from it. To get to the "Rock" we cross a causeway via shuttle and once across we start to wander. Of course, this is the second most visited sight in France...tourists galore. We make our way up the crowded, winding cobblestone street. The temperature has reached 95 + degrees and it's not even noon yet. Can you say "choux" (hot)! Oooh lala but the views are worth every step.

Take a look....

We are in the Normandy region which is known for the three C's...cider, calvados and Camembert. All favs of mine!

It rains here frequently (except today...we've brought the heat wave)... so little bursts of sunshine are always very welcome.

The coastline is made up of jagged cliffs of limestone and granite and is bordered by the English Channel.

Apple brandy is made here.

The regional flag consists of a red flag with 2 yellow lions.

It is considered a "Pearl" on every tour...a real gem......and it is.

Three million people visit it yearly.

Consists of 250 acres in size, 44 people live on the island permanently..mostly shopkeepers.

It was once a prison and closed by the 19th century by Napoleon Ill

There is quicksand in the bay and the tide can come in quickly. They have the tide of the century every 18 years. There is a 6 foot difference between low tide and high tide.