Mont Saint Michel

The history of Paris Mont Saint Michel dates back to 708 when the first tomb was erected after Bishop Aubert of Avranches saw a dream one night where Archangel Michael was ordering him repeatedly to build a sanctuary. Later in 966 the Benedictine monks came to settle here on the behest of Richard I, the then Duke of Normandy. The monks later played a crucial role in the building of the monastery, which has been one of the main reasons for pilgrims to visit Mont Saint Michel.

The abbey turned into a revered pilgrimage spot that attracted pilgrims from all Christendom despite its inhospitable locale that made reaching here a tough feat. In the Middle Ages, it also became a center of medieval culture where a huge number of manuscripts were written and preserved, so much so that it soon earned the moniker, ‘City of Books’. Over the next few centuries the place continued to grow in prestige and drew pilgrims by the thousands including the Kings of France and England.

The construction of the monument was completed over a period of almost 1,300 years and features considerable influences of the historical, political, and economic situations of the Middle Ages on its architectural style. The abbey has been built, destroyed by fire, restored, and reconstructed several times ever since and today stands on the summit of the Mount at a height of 80 meters.

Suggested Read: Beaches Near Mont Saint Michel

Started in the 9th century, construction work on the Mont Saint Michel abbey continued till the 19th century. Today this Benedictine abbey is viewed as an architectural marvel that is an amalgamation of West Roman and Gothic styles. The wondrous structure has been exposed to strong tides between Normandy and Brittany, but has technically and artistically stood the test of time and forces of nature.

The older part of the abbey was built in granite masonry and flat bricks that date back to the 10th century. This contribution of the Romanesque period on the architecture can still be felt in traces. During the Gothic period they built the high walls, airy pinnacles, and open masses and gave it the silhouette on the rock that you see today.

It comprises rooms in the top floor, has a massive refectory, and is open on one side to the sea. After several collapses, and restorations, today the cloister stands on the summit on a mount at a height of 80 meters and sits on a platform which is 80 meters long. It also has four crypts which have been built into the spur of the rock, making the architecture one of the main reasons for tourists to visit Mont Saint Michel.

Suggested Read: Inside Abbey Mont Saint Michel

Experience breathtaking coastal camping near Mont Saint Michel, where nature's beauty and historical charm converge.

• O2 Camping: located at the eastern end of Paris Mont Saint Michel, this 27 acre site is a haven for campers, glampers, caravans, and campervans. This is a great place to stay with its tree lined meadows, farmlands, walkways, a pool, restaurant and bar.
• Le Balcon de la Baie: If you want a camping site that offers great views of the Mont Saint Michel Bay, this is what you should choose. Although slightly smaller than other campsites, it offers a lot of privileges like a heated swimming pool, volleyball and table tennis play areas, and a croissant delivery service, among others.
• Camping Lez-Eaux: This campsite also houses a chateau from the olden times right on the property. There are several other outdoor activities on offer like paddling, tennis, swimming pool, volleyball, basketball, and bouncy castles to name a few.