The Mont Saint Michel is actually a small rocky island where a sanctuary was built in the year 709 in honour of the archangel Saint Michel. It is located in the Manche department, in the Basse Normandie region. The island is famous for its abbey with spire on the top and the dungeon which has been through numerous fires and restorations.
Indeed the monument is registered with the UNESCO world heritage since 1979 and receives more that 3 250 000 visitors every year which makes it the second most visited site in France after the Ile de France. The special architecture of the abbey and the charm of the bay (called "Baie du Mont Saint Michel") are the main reasons to explain so many visitors.
The Mont Saint Michel is nowadays surrounded by water except for 50 days a year during the equinox tide when the sea leaves the bay. When it happens it is particularly impressive and admired by all. However, keep in mind that the sea returns as fast as lightning!
With more than 300 shops and restaurants, the economy of the island is prosperous. If ever you decide to visit , the restaurant "la Mere Poulard" should be on your agenda since you will eat the best "crepes" (pancakes) in France and the "omelette de la mere Poulard" is known in every part of France. And the "cidre Normand ou Breton" will redefine your views about cider.
The monument is really the representation of all the wonderful landscapes the Manche has to offer, with unique cliffs and beaches underestimated by many despite their natural beauties. Hopefully, some lovely Norman properties managed to keep its natural charm. Typical villages nearby the monument such as Avranches are well worth a visit. These places are full of history, tradition, charm, character and the Mont Saint Michel is the perfect combination of all these factors.
The Mont Saint Michel has to deal with the highest tides in Europe and the sea can be 15 meters high in a day. The strongest tide generally occurs 36 to 48 hours after a full or new moon. Actually the more the sun and the moon are aligned, the less strong the tide would be and vice versa.
The village has a strong religious culture and since 2001 the brothers and sisters of the Monastic Communities of Jerusalem pray in peace in the abbey. Alongside all the religious aspects, the village has developed nicely and now some interesting artistic (pictures, paintings…) exhibitions are scheduled through the year and will delight both young and old alike.
If you are interested in moving to Normandy, there are several charming properties available at affordable prices and not far away from the Mont Saint Michel.
http://goarticles.com/article/Mont-Saint-Michel-between-fantasy-and-reality/5135386/
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