Mont Saint Michel, FRANCE
Airing Date: Jul 4th, 2005
Lying on the Atlantic coast of north western France, Le Mont-Saint-Michel is a rocky cone-shaped islet in the Gulf of Saint Malo, connected only to the mainland via a causeway. The towering cluster of 13th century gothic architecture rises 73m above sea level, with the Benedictine Abbey Church standing as the village's central heart.
Only 280km from the French capital of Paris, Le Mont-Saint-Michel is located amidst the vast sandbanks between Normandy and Brittany and was originally known as Mont-Tombe, when in the 8th century the bishop of nearby Saint-Aubert had a vison of the archangel Saint Michael, and as a dedication to Saint Michael himself, he built an oratory on the 256 foot high granite outcropping and named it Mont-Saint-Michel.
Later on in 966 the Benedictines built an abbey on the spot, which was nearly destroyed in 1203 by the then French King Philip II. However with only partial fire damage, a three-tiered La Merveille building was then built on the north side of the Mont, which still to this day rises majestically to the pointed spire of the abbey church, which in itself seems to rise celestially towards the heavens.
Known as the 'wonder of the west' it isn't hard to see why over three million people are drawn to Le Mont-Saint-Michel each year.
One of regions most spectacular sights is the village of Mont-Saint-Michel itself, which rises like a dream from the coastal flats of the Atlantic. Like any European village there are cafs, museums and quaint little shops selling all sorts of things including souvenirs.
But what makes this beautiful yet mysterious place even more intriguing is that while many tourists come by bus in the morning and leave by early evening, you can actually stay right in the village at L'Hotel Mere Poulard.
Opened in 1888, the hotel has welcomed many of the 20th centuries who's who, with prime ministers, presidents and even royals staying in the rooms of L'Hotel Mere Poulard, all of whom have come not only to see the famed abbey and intriguing village of Mont-Saint-Michel, but also to experience the renowned taste of Annette Poulard's omelet's.
Further Information
Thai Airways International UK Europe Dollar Deals will get you to Paris from
$2196 ex west coast & $2285 ex east coast
Includes taxes. Subject to exchange rates. Conditions apply
Includes domestic side trip in Thailand & $200 spending money. thaiairways.com.au.
Car hire starts from $37 a day
Based on economy 2 door manual
DriveAway Holidays Ph) 1300 363 500
