Mont Saint Michel plan. Medieval castle in France - Mont Saint-Michel. What to see in the area

Tell me, dear readers, do angels often visit you in your dreams and give you tasks? Does it happen that when you do not fulfill the demands of the angels, they hit you on the head, so much so that in the morning a dent remains on your head? No, no, everything is fine with me, it’s just thanks to such a miracle that we owe the appearance of the most beautiful place in France - the Abbey of Mont Saint-Michel. And this is not a medieval pious legend at all, because... British scientists actually discovered a dent on the skull of the founder of the monastery. But first things first.

On an early and pleasantly warm August morning, we rode out on bikes. On this day we needed to get to the island of Mont Saint-Michel. The distance from the famous abbey is about 45 km, and after yesterday, when we strained ourselves a little on the shorter route from , I decided not to rush and save energy.

Fortunately, the road was very conducive to this. Almost immediately, a wonderful bike path began from Fougères. In general, there are quite a lot of them in Brittany. I provided a link to a map of cycling roads in Brittany. The fact is that there used to be many railway tracks crossing the different directions the entire region. But at the end of the last century they fell into disrepair, and the authorities decided to demolish the rails and in their place create such a gift for cyclists. Because They try to make railway tracks with a minimum slope and as straight as possible, so traveling along such a route is a pleasure. Some of them stretch for tens of kilometers; on our route we coincided with the path for a little less than 10 km, but still I received extremely pleasant emotions, even on such a short section.

When the path ended, or rather, we turned off it, because... she went west towards Saint-Malo, and we had to go east, towards the border with Normandy., then the road still remained very pleasant. We passed picturesque villages.

This time I tried not to drive, but to stop at beautiful places, relax and take pictures. Isn't that great?

There were no strong slopes, then when I checked the tracker, it turned out that the balance had shifted towards the descent. Those. We rode downhill most of the time. The landscapes on the sides of the road looked something like this.

How can you not stop here?

Finally, we reached the Brittany border with.

It would seem that the regions are very close, but it seemed to me that the villages in Normandy looked richer. Many houses are interestingly decorated, for example, someone obviously lives with connections to the sea, there is a lighthouse and a ship’s propeller in front of the house.

Even the churches began to look different, although they moved only a few kilometers from Brittany.

In general, this time the 40 km to our hotel flew by unnoticed, although we made many stops and drove for almost three hours according to the tracker. But we hardly got tired.

And when, on the horizon behind the next field, I saw a tiny mountain, I was wildly delighted! It was a real state of catharsis when, after two days of torment, I finally found my little paradise.

We checked into the hotel Le Beauvoir in the village of the same name, about 5-6 km from Mont Saint-Michel. You could, of course, book a hotel right on the island, but for our dates the most a budget option started from 250 euros per night. Even taking into account that we divided all expenses between two (i.e. it turned out to be approximately 9 thousand each), I still decided that, taking into account that we were on bikes, a very decent hotel for 70 euros just 5 km away was much more reasonable. Just think, it’s a 15-minute drive, so there’s no point in spending money on housing on the island.

Hotel Le Beauvoir turned out to be quite worthy (7.5 rating on booking). The most important thing is that they had their own parking lot and even a garage for motorcycles and bicycles. Great! In general, the question that worries many people is where to spend the night relatively inexpensively, but at the same time decently, in Mont-Saint-Michel has been successfully resolved.
http://www.booking.com/hotel/fr/le-beauvoir-beauvoir.ru.html

By the way, the photo was taken just from the hotel. The location is great.

Of course, we couldn’t wait to get to the island faster. I lay down a little in the hotel... and slept for almost two hours, the angels in my sleep did not bother me. After which we wanted to have lunch, so we left for Mont Saint-Michel only around four o’clock. On the way from the island I made one mistake. I should have ridden my bike straight to the entrance, but I was afraid that there would be no place to leave my bike there. So we tied our bikes up in one of the parking lots and walked the remaining couple of kilometers. So, I will say that it is quite possible to leave bicycles right on the island, everyone does so. More precisely, they tie them to the railings of the bridge that leads to Mont Saint-Michel. Well, oh well, but we had a great walk. Maybe it even worked out better. Because We had enough time.

I realized that Mont Saint-Michel produces the main effect on tourists due to its surprise. All around stretches an absolute flat plain, some colorless sandy plains, withered grass, an endless expanse of water, and suddenly in the middle of this melancholy landscape, like an atomic explosion, a mountain with a city and a monastery forms. The eyes don’t believe it at first, but as you get closer, Mont Saint-Michel turns from a miracle and a mirage into a real and fleshy mass of stones.

This year, Mont-Saint-Michel completed the reconstruction of the entrance to the island. And now, instead of a stupid dam, an elegant bridge leads to the island. What’s nice is that all parking lots have been removed from the immediate vicinity of this miracle and now you can enjoy the views to the fullest.

Church of Saint-Pierre.

Favorite half-timbered building.

Well, well, the sun is starting to set. We must hurry to see the sunset.

La Mère Poulard is not only a souvenir shop (on the right in the photo), but also the most famous and delicious omelette in France.
http://www.merepoulard.com/
This restaurant cooks Aunt Annette's omelettes over an open fire. Auntie is quite greedy, so one hundred grams of the famous omelette will cost you at least 25 euros. We decided to ignore this attraction.

Well, the sun had set and it was time to head back to the hotel. I strongly recommend checking the tide schedule for Mont Saint-Michel, I think you can easily find it online. You can experience a unique natural show when the surrounding area is flooded with water before your eyes. But in our case, nothing like this was expected, so we went back to our village with a clear conscience.

We walked backwards, because... We couldn’t stop admiring the evening views of Mont Saint-Michel. As a result of the walk, I was very impressed. Yes, during the time that I have been blogging, I constantly see reports on Mont Saint-Michel in the feed and in communities. It would seem that the place is completely hackneyed, but still pictures are pictures, but in reality it is very catchy.

At this rate, we returned to the hotel only at 11 pm, and of course, there were no places left for dinner in our village. Fortunately, there was a bar in the hotel, and Olka had sausage and baguette left over from yesterday’s picnic in Vitre. I decided to surprise Olka with the wine we had last year, I mean Gewürztraminer, of course. So we had a very “hearty” dinner with a bottle of wine for two and, full of impressions, went to bed. Tomorrow we had to hit the road again to Saint-Malo, and the journey was even longer than today.

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It's hard to talk about Mont Saint-Michel. This castle-abbey is rightly called the Wonder of the West. Everything is a miracle here - the long history, the amazing buildings, and the atmosphere itself. impregnable fortress, located on a small rocky island. It is no coincidence that he became the prototype for the fortress of Minas Tirith in J. R. R. Tolkien’s “The Lord of the Rings” trilogy. However, Mont Saint-Michel is even more fantastic. For convenience, I will divide my story into several parts. And today we will talk about its history and geography.

The Abbey of Mont Saint-Michel represents a symbolic model of medieval society. The lower tier is “those who work”: artisans and traders. The middle tier is “those who fight”: knights and kings. Finally, the top tier is “those who pray”: the clergy.

Mont Saint Michel (fr. Mont Saint-Michel, Norman Mont Saint Miché- Mount St. Michael) is a rocky island 80 m high and about 950 m in circumference, located in a huge bay with an area of 40,000 sq.m., open towards the English Channel. 3 km from it lies another island - Tromblen, rising 40 m above the bay. These rocks were formed over 20 million years ago from granulite, a very dense crystalline rock. Three rivers flow into the bay - Sé, Selyun and Kuenon, which create new picturesque bends at every low tide.

The strongest sea tides in Europe are observed here; water level fluctuations can reach 15 meters! At low tide, the water retreats from the mainland by more than 20 kilometers, exposing the bottom - the thinnest quicksand clay-limestone origin. Walking along such a bottom is quite dangerous: you can easily get stuck in swampy places. During high tides, the sea returns quickly - according to legend, at the speed of a galloping horse. However, this is an exaggeration: the average tide speed is 62 meters per minute, which is also significant and poses a danger to tourists and pilgrims.

These island rocks are visible from afar - the coastal plain is completely flat. And therefore it is not surprising that people have long paid attention to them and considered them sacred. Two French provinces - Normandy and Brittany - are arguing over the right to consider the island part of their territory. Formally, Mont Saint-Michel belongs to Normandy - the border between the provinces runs along the Couesnon River.

This is an incredible sight when two huge buildings suddenly appear on the horizon and, as they approach them, begin to grow - Mont Saint-Michel and Tromblin

Once upon a time, Celtic tribes lived on the mainland. On the rock, which at that time was on land, there was a Druid sanctuary. However, gradually the sea advanced onto the land and the rocks became islands. However, over time, the reverse process began: the Bay of Mont Saint-Michel is filled with sedimentary marine sediments. IN late XIX century, when a dam was built connecting the island with the mainland, this process accelerated, now only twice a year Mont Saint-Michel becomes a real island, surrounded on all sides by water.

History of Mont Saint Michel

Founding of the monastery: Ober and St. Michael

The island was originally called Mont Tomb(fr. Mont Tombe), from Latin tumba, meaning "mountain" or "grave". In the VI century. Several hermit monks settled on it and built two sanctuaries. According to a 10th century manuscript Revelatio ecclesiae sancti Michaelis, one night in 708 Oberu, Bishop of the city of Avranches, Archangel Michael appeared in a dream and ordered a church to be built on the rock. The bishop was in doubt, so the Archangel had to appear three times. And the third time, angry for disobedience, he pierced Ober’s skull with his finger. Only then did he begin construction. By the way, on the skull of Aubert, whose relics rest in the Basilica of Avranches, you can see a round dent - a mark from the blow of the Archangel.

A chapel was built on the rock, similar to the sanctuary in the cave of Monte Gargano in southern Italy, where in 492 the appearance of the Archangel Michael took place. The chapel erected by Ober only vaguely resembled an Italian grotto. Two relics were brought here from Monte Gargano: a fragment of a scarlet cloth thrown by the Archangel and part of a marble slab with the imprint of his foot.

Several canon monks settled at the new sanctuary. At the same time, the cult of the Archangel Michael was strengthened throughout the empire. Soon the island became one of the most important centers of pilgrimage and began to be called Mont Saint-Michel - Mount Saint Michael.

And here I would like to make a small digression and talk about the veneration of Archangel Michael in France.

Tower and spire topped with a statue of the Archangel Michael

Cult of Archangel Michael in France

Archangel Michael is revered as a warrior and protector. They believe that he fought with Satan, who took the form of a dragon and plunged him into the abyss of water. He protects the souls of the righteous from insidious demons on the way to Heavenly Jerusalem. According to the Old Testament, he is the intercessor of the people of Israel. In the last battle of Good and Evil, Archangel Michael will stand at the head of the light army. At the Last Judgment he will hold scales on which the good and evil deeds of people will be weighed.

The Holy Roman Emperor Charlemagne chose Archangel Michael as his patron, and in 813 the celebration of St. Michael's Day was established. During the Capetian dynasty (987-1328), the cult of Saint Dionysius became widespread, but in the Valois era (1328-1589) the cult of the Archangel Michael regained popularity. Under Charles VII, Archangel Michael becomes a national saint, the savior of France, who liberated the country from the invasion of the British. It was the words of Archangel Michael that Joan of Arc heard:

I am Michael, patron saint of France. Get up and come to the aid of the French king.

The heroic defense of the defenders of Mont Saint-Michel, besieged by the British, also played a major role in strengthening the cult. In 1469, Louis XI founded the monastic order of Saint Michael, and Mont Saint-Michel became its center. After the French Revolution, Archangel Michael became the emblem and symbol of the French nation.

So it is not surprising that throughout the Middle Ages and beyond, crowds of pilgrims flocked to Mont Saint-Michel.

Archangel Michael. Copy of a statue made by the sculptor Femier, displayed in the cellar of La Merveille

Mont Saint-Michel in the 10th-15th centuries: center of pilgrimage and Benedictines

In 933, Cotentin, a peninsula in northwestern France, was annexed to Normandy, and Mont-Saint-Michel came under the protection of the Dukes of Normandy. In 966, by order of Richard I, third Duke of Normandy, Benedictine monks from Fontenelle (now the Abbey of Saint-Vendrille in Saint-Maritim) were transferred to Mont-Saint-Michel. In their opinion, the life of the canons was not so edifying.

Life of the Benedictines

The Benedictine motto was “Pray and Work” ( ora et labora), established by the founder of the order, Saint Benedict of Nursia in 529. Benedictines take three traditional vows: obedience to the abbot, poverty and chastity, as well as a fourth, additional vow - stability, obliging them to remain in the monastery and not wander around in different places.

Life in the community was strictly regulated: 8 hours were allocated for prayer, 8 for mental work, another 8 hours for work. Services were held seven times a day: at dawn (matins), services of the first ( prime), third ( tierce), sixth ( sexte), ninth ( none) hours, vespers and after vespers. In addition, on the eve of the holidays, Mass and High Mass were celebrated.

Twice a day the monks gathered for a meal, which included bread, vegetables and wine. On holidays, the sick were allowed fish, as well as poultry. Wine, first of all, warmed. It is not surprising that it was in Benedictine monasteries that the strong drink Benedictine appeared, which I will talk about in more detail in one of the upcoming posts.

At the beginning of the 11th century, 50 monks lived in Mont Saint-Michel, a century and a half later - 60, and since then their number has never exceeded 60.

Construction at the monastery

The Benedictines dreamed that Mont Saint-Michel would become a kind of hymn to the glory of the Almighty. However, it was not possible to place a huge cathedral building on the top of the rock that could accommodate all the pilgrims. Then it was decided to first build four chapels, oriented to the cardinal points, which would become a platform for the future building. This is how the crypt of the Great Pylons appeared, facing east, in the south - the crypt of Saint-Martin, in the north - the crypt of Notre-Dame de Trent-Cierge (Our Lady of the Thirty Candles), in the west - the crypt of Notre-Dame-sous-Terre (Our Lady Dungeons). Notre-Dame-sous-Terre is the oldest, containing fragments of a church built in the pre-Romanesque style, possibly the first sanctuary on the mountain. In 1023, construction began on the cathedral in the Romanesque style, which was completed only in 1520 in the Gothic style.

Nave of the monastery church

In 1204, Philip Augustus annexed the Duchy of Normandy, which had been under English rule since 1066, to the Kingdom of France. Breton soldiers, who marched on the side of France, set fire to Mont Saint-Michel. The buildings north of the cathedral were destroyed. However, thanks to the generosity of Philip Augustus, buildings were erected in their place in just a few years (Miracle).

La Merveille is a symbolic representation of medieval society and a symbol of the Holy Trinity: three buildings, each building has three floors, on each floor there is a hall with its own special meaning. However, due to lack of funds, only two of the three buildings were built. The “Western Miracle” includes the cloister of the monastery as a symbol of spiritual food, the manuscript workshop, symbolizing mental food, and the cellars - carnal food. The “Eastern Miracle” includes a monastery refectory, a hall for receiving guests and a refectory for the poor. In the third “miracle,” which was never built, there should have been a chapter hall, a library below, and a stable at the very bottom.

La Merveille, fragment of a wall

In the mid-13th - early 16th centuries, the complex of buildings surrounding the church from the east and south was supplemented with buildings containing the abbot's apartments and halls for lay monastic services.

Pilgrims at Mont Saint Michel

The Abbey of Mont Saint-Michel is the fourth place of pilgrimage in the West after Jerusalem, Rome and Santiago de Compostela. History has preserved the name of the first pilgrim to Mont Saint-Michel. It was a Frank named Bernard. In 867-868, returning from a trip to Rome and Monte Gargano, he visited Mont Saint-Michel.

Since the 11th century, the number of pilgrims has increased significantly. From this time on there also appear wonderful stories about pilgrims. So, according to one of them, a young woman from Lisieux, who was in the last stages of pregnancy, was caught by the tide. In addition, she began to experience labor pains. Anticipating imminent death, she offered fervent prayers to the Mother of God. And a miracle happened: the water parted around her, the woman was relieved of her burden. The next morning, the fishermen found her and the baby safe and sound. Another story tells of an Italian who stole a stone from the abbey without asking the monks and then fell ill. They also talk about miraculous healings after the sick drank the water in which the skull of Saint Aubert was washed...

In the 14th century, a new category of pilgrims appeared - children and teenagers. A kind of madness then gripped all of Europe. Children ran away from home and went on difficult journeys. They were nicknamed “shepherds” - many of them tended flocks. The road to Mont Saint-Michel, where shelters and inns for pilgrims appeared, began to be called “the path to heaven.”

The pilgrimage was dangerous. On the way, pilgrims were often robbed by robbers. They often died from disease. And even in Mont Saint-Michel itself, danger awaited them. So, in 1318, 13 pilgrims were trampled by a crowd that broke into the sanctuary, 18 drowned in the bay, 12 got stuck in quicksand. A Norman proverb says:

Before you go to Mont Saint-Michel, make your will.

To this day, Mont Saint-Michel remains an important pilgrimage center. Pilgrims differ from ordinary tourists in that they walk, accompanied by guides, through the quicksand of the bay. Twice a year the abbey is especially crowded: on May 8 (or the Sunday closest to this date), when the day of the appearance of the Archangel Michael in Monte Gargano is celebrated, and on September 29, on the day of the consecration of the Roman altar dedicated to the Archangel.

Low tide in the bay of Mont Saint Michel. It was along these shifting sands that the pilgrims walked

Defense of Mont Saint-Michel during the Hundred Years' War

The Hundred Years' War broke out in 1337 and ended in 1453. At the turn of the XIV-XV centuries, the abbey and the village were strengthened. However, in 1420, Abbot Jolivet suddenly left the monastery and offered his services to the English. In 1421, the altar part of the cathedral collapsed. In 1424, the naval siege of Mont Saint-Michel began by the British, who settled on neighboring island Tomblen. It lasted until 1434. Thanks to the protection of the knights and high tides, the fortress-abbey remained impregnable.

Mont Saint-Michel in the XV-XVIII centuries

After the Hundred Years' War, a short period of prosperity for the abbey began, which, however, ended in a long decline. In the mid-15th century, abbots, previously elected by monks, were appointed by kings. The monastery turned into a source of income for them. Monastic life quickly declined.

In 1577, 1589 and 1591, when the Wars of Religion were raging in Europe, Protestants tried to take Mont Saint-Michel. In 1591, a hundred Protestants were killed here under the leadership of Gabriel de Lorges, Earl of Montgomery...

Jail

The first punishment cells appeared in the abbey in the 12th century. Monks who committed serious crimes and those whom the abbot sent to trial were sent here. At the end of the 15th century, by order of King Louis XI, a small part of the abbey was turned into a state prison, the “Bastille of the Sea,” as it was called. Extremely cramped cells were built where it was impossible to either stand up or lie down at full height. In addition, the prisoners were chained to the wall with a chain that jingled with every movement. Huge cages with stakes protruding inside were also built, where the person was essentially immobilized. As a rule, prisoners died within a year. Between 1666 and 1786, 153 prisoners were in this state prison.

In 1793, revolutionaries announced the closure of the monastery and the transfer of property to the state. Mont Saint-Michel, renamed Mont Libre (Mount of Liberty), became a prison that existed until 1863. During this time, 14,000 prisoners visited here. At first, these were priests and peasants, opponents of the Revolution. Then – political prisoners and criminals. The Miracle building housed a straw hat factory.

Restoration and revival of Mont Saint-Michel

Victor Hugo, who visited Mont Saint-Michel in 1863, wrote bitterly:

Toad in a reliquary. When will France finally understand the sanctity of monuments?

In the same year, the last prisoners were transferred to other prisons. However, it was not until 1874 that Mont Saint-Michel was handed over to the administration of " Historical monuments”, which began the restoration of the abbey.

In 1897, the construction of a tower and spire in the neo-Gothic style was completed (architect Victor Petigrand), on top of which a gilded statue of the Archangel Michael was installed (sculptor Emmanuel Fremier, 1897). Mont Saint-Michel has acquired its current appearance.

At the end of the 19th century, a dam was also built to connect the island with the mainland. Unfortunately, it provoked an acceleration in the filling of the bay with sandy sediments. As a result, over the past 100 years, the bottom level of the island has increased by 3 meters, which is why Mont Saint-Michel may lose its island status. A project is currently being implemented to build a bridge on the site of part of the dam, the length of which will be 1 km. According to hydrologists, such measures will help free the bay from sea sediments.

Tromblen Island

Tromblen Island is located 3 km from Mont Saint-Michel. In the 11th century, two monks retired here for several years: Robert of Tromblen and Anastas the Venetian. In the 12th century, Abbot Bernard du Bec built a monastery here with a church in the name of the Virgin Mary, which became the center of the so-called “small pilgrimage” to Mont Saint-Michel. At the beginning of the 13th century, when a split occurred in the Mont-Saint-Michel community, Abbot Jourdain hid here.

During the Hundred Years' War, Tromblin Island was occupied by the British, who built a fortress on it. In the 17th century, Tromblin became the property of Nicolas Fouquet, minister of finance at the court of Louis XIV. After Fouquet fell out of favor, the king ordered the destruction of all buildings on the island.

Since 1985, there has been an ornithological reserve on the island.

In the next post I will continue the conversation about Mont Saint-Michel and talk about.

To be continued…

* When writing this post, materials from the guidebooks “Mont Saint-Michel” (Paris, 2006) and “Abbey of Mont Saint-Michel” were used.

Church of Saint Michel - an unknown masterpiece of African architecture May 5th, 2016

Eglise Saint Michel

This unknown masterpiece of African architecture has long been under the care of UNESCO and the UN. But few people have seen it with their own eyes, and getting to this masterpiece is extremely difficult for an experienced traveler, not to mention the notorious tourist.

The Temple of Saint Michele is the most important attraction resort town Libreville, in the African Gabon of former Equatorial Africa, with unique architecture and an amazing church choir, using unique folk music to accompany their church performances musical instruments, made of solid mahogany with special holes of various shapes hollowed out in them, which gives each service a certain flavor and leaves an unforgettable experience in the memory.

The Church of Saint Michel is located in the second arrondissement of Libreville in a densely populated area with a difficult to pronounce name - Nkembo, where there are eternal traffic jams and pandemonium. Therefore, I had to wait for a favorable moment, a working one holiday, when the area is more or less empty, there will be no crowds in the temple, so you can calmly walk around the empty church and take pictures of everything.

A characteristic feature that distinguishes this unique Catholic Church from many other historical churches and cathedrals around the world is the use in the architecture of original solid mahogany columns with artistic relief engravings of scenes from the Bible self made, made by a blind African master. The blind master created engravings from single huge pieces of dense mahogany in the form of huge massive columns and vaults, from which this wooden church was assembled. These columns are a work of art, being its distinctive feature, for which architecture connoisseurs from all over the world, pilgrims and public figures come here. Everyone knows that mahogany is quite strong, like stone, and can last for centuries.

The other day I had the opportunity to visit this amazing in scope architectural structure to see with your own eyes a truly masterpiece of world architecture - the famous Catholic Church of Saint Michel in Gabonese Libreville.

And that's how it was...

1.
Main entrance to the church

2.
A characteristic feature that distinguishes this Catholic Church from many other historical churches and cathedrals is the use in the architecture of original columns made of solid mahogany with artistic relief engravings of scenes from the Bible and church history, made by a blind African master.

3.
A blind craftsman created engravings on a Biblical theme from single huge pieces of dense mahogany. These columns truly adorn the Church of Saint Michel, being its distinctive feature, for which architecture connoisseurs from all over the world come to Gabon.

4.
Relief engravings on biblical themes

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It’s very cozy under the arches of the church

6.
The end entrance to the church is decorated with wooden sliding doors like this

7.
Handmade - that's it

8.
Catholic Cathedral of Saint Michel

9.
The walls are decorated very interestingly - in the form of wooden stained glass windows

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The basis of the church is wooden beams, finished with brick and wooden stained glass windows

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Church canopy

12.
Inside the Church of Saint Michel

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Holy water. The sacrament of baptism takes place here

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You can relax peacefully in the church. In Africa, Catholic cathedrals are open to all who suffer

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The church inside is quite spacious

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A typical day at St. Michele's Church

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Stained glass from clay

18.
Quite a massive high dome

19.
These are the handmade wood engravings made by an unknown blind author for this church

20.
Wooden stained glass window of the central entrance

21.
A characteristic feature that distinguishes this Catholic Church from many other historical churches and cathedrals is the use in the architecture of original columns made of solid mahogany with artistic relief engravings of scenes from the Bible and church history, made by a blind African master. A blind craftsman created engravings on a Biblical theme from single huge pieces of dense mahogany. These columns truly adorn the Church of Saint Michel, being its distinctive feature, for which architecture connoisseurs from all over the world come to Gabon.

22.
The architecture of the Church of St. Michele is indeed quite unusual among Catholic cathedrals around the world

23.
Main entrance to the church

24.
Territory of the Catholic Cathedral

25.
Musical instruments

26.
The most important highlight and distinctive feature of the Church of Saint Michel, in addition to its unique architecture, is the church choir, which uses folk musical instruments to accompany its performances, which gives each service an unprecedented flavor. Musical instruments are located here

27.
Under the church vault

28.
Church walls made of stone slabs

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The church has its own parking lot.

30.
Church grounds

31.
The entire territory of the Catholic Cathedral of Saint Michel is laid with cobblestones

32.
Catholic Cathedral of Saint Michel

33.
Unusual cathedral architecture even for the former French-English colonies in Africa

34.
Opposite the cathedral on the street there are local shops and salons

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When you are on the territory of this unique architectural ensemble, you involuntarily feel the presence of divine powers and purify your soul. It's very calm and quiet here for a loud place. and bustling Africa

36.
There is an altar on site

37.
People pray here. And this is a sacrament for any African believer. Africans are generally very devout and take their faith seriously

38.
Saint Michelle

39.
The most important attraction of the resort town of Libreville, in the African Gabon, can safely be called the Church of Saint Michel

40.
This kind of Japanese auto junk is very popular in Africa, even among church ministers

41.
The Church of Saint Michel is located in the second arrondissement of Libreville in a densely populated area with the difficult to pronounce name Nkembo

42.
Saint Michel - majestic cathedral, landmark of Gabon

43.
Corner vault of the cathedral

44.
Despite the scorching merciless African sun, it is fresh and cool under the arches of the church

45.
You need to behave modestly and quietly in church

46.
Wooden load-bearing beams of the church are finished with bricks

47.
There are fans located under the ceiling. On Catholic holidays it is quite crowded and there are no free places. The church is considered one of the most majestic in Libreville

48.
As you can see, there are a lot of places here. There is a huge stage for the church choir and rector

49.
Church of Saint Michel - an unknown masterpiece of African architecture

All to Africa!

Here are some more reports

If fairy tales live somewhere, then this place is located on northwest coast France on the border of Normandy and Brittany in the Abbey of Mont Saint-Michel. I was there several years ago and am still incredibly impressed, regretting that I never tried the famous “Mother Poulard omelette” (La Mère Poulard). But more on that later.

This is a magnificent listed ancient abbey world heritage UNESCO, located at the very top stone island, which was once called Grave Mountain (Mont Tombe). Twice a lunar day (24 hours and 50 minutes) high and low tides occur around the abbey, the strongest on the entire coast of Europe!

At high tide, Mont Saint-Michel with its Gothic spiers appears from afar, like a mystical island floating above the surface of the water. And at low tide, the water can move 18 km from the island, exposing sand dunes. By the way, you can walk along them under the guidance of a knowledgeable guide, because the water comes back at the speed of a galloping horse. There is no point in describing the abbey - it is better to see once than to hear a hundred times. I, in turn, will try to give you all the information that I have.

How to get there

Unfortunately, direct transport communication there is no connection between the cities of the Russian Federation and Mont-Saint-Michel. Therefore, let's agree that we will consider the city as the starting point of our journey. You can read about how to get from Russia to Paris.

Although the road to the abbey no longer poses such a danger as in the Middle Ages for wandering pilgrims, it takes quite a lot of time and, at first glance, does not seem too trivial.

By car from Paris you have to travel 3.5 hours one way. You can also take the train to the Breton city of Rennes and then take the bus to the abbey. In my opinion, the most convenient option is to book a day tour on a bus departing from the center of Paris. But let’s talk about everything in more detail, and you will choose the option that is acceptable for you.

By plane

Due to the unique location and tiny size of the abbey, it is impossible to reach Mont Saint-Michel by plane. As I said above, you can fly to Paris, and then rent a car, use the services of French railways or take the bus.

In addition, one of the closest airports is Rennes–Saint-Jacques Airport, but there are no direct flights from Russia.

By train

Both on weekdays and on weekends, you can get to the abbey using the services of the company SNCF. You just need to sit on high-speed train, departing from the 15th arrondissement of Paris from Montparnasse station ( Gare Montparnasse). It will take you to the city of Rennes ( Rennes) or Dol de Bretagne, and then you can transfer to the train or bus going to the famous abbey.

A one-way ticket will cost, at best, 52 EUR. Trains run every 40 minutes to an hour depending on the time of day. After this you need to transfer to a shuttle bus. Travel time will be approximately 4 hours. On the site SNCF You can purchase a combined train + bus ticket.

There is another option, a little energy-consuming, but very interesting. By train from Paris (this time from Saint-Lazare station) you can get to the city of Caen in Normandy, and then transfer to the train to the town of Pontorson, located 10 km from the Abbey of Mont Saint-Michel . Then you should take a shuttle bus or rent a car. The schedule for a direct shuttle bus from the town of Pontorson to the Abbey of Mont Saint-Michel can be found. The cost of a one-way ticket is 2.8 EUR. Please note: on the bus and to the abbey they won't let you bring a dog.

Electric trains run to Pontorson from the Breton city of Rennes and from the Norman city of Rouen. In the first case, the travel time will be 50 minutes, the ticket will cost 14.7 EUR. There are 2 trains daily from Rouen to Pontorson, departing at 12:04 and 14:04. A ticket for them will cost 48 EUR, and you will spend at least 4 hours on the road.

By bus

In my opinion, a day tour to Mont Saint-Michel (for example, with a group) would be a great idea for solo travelers Viator). This tour will take 14.5 hours and cost about 170 EUR. It includes:

the way to the abbey(departure from the very center of Paris from the metro station Pyramides or from the door of your hotel);
lunch in one of the coastal restaurants overlooking Mont Saint-Michel;
guided tour by the city, abbey and ramparts;
free time for a walk and the way back.

Another option is to use the services of a company Flixbus. Her buses are leaving on weekends from Paris metro stations ( La Defense or Porte Maillot) and arrive back in the evening. A ticket will cost you 24.90 EUR one way. Departure from Paris occurs at 7:30 am, from Mont Saint-Michel - at 17:20 pm. Travel time will be about 5 hours. Please note that on Saturday and Sunday buses depart from different metro stations!

By car

How to get there from Paris

Most convenient way getting to the abbey of Mont Saint-Michel is, of course, a car. If you are coming from Paris, take the A 13 to Caen, then take the E 401 to Avranches and via Pontorson on the D 976 directly to Mount Saint-Michel. Please note that the road, as well as parking near the abbey, is paid.

The cost of parking for 24 hours is 11.70 EUR, less than 2 hours - 6.30 EUR. Please be careful and do not lose your parking ticket; you will have to pay 23.40 EUR for a lost ticket.

There is a beautiful idea to recreate the maritime character of the road to Mont Saint-Michel, which in the Middle Ages was overcome by pilgrims on their way to the abbey. Therefore, the parking lot is located quite far (about 35 minutes on foot over the new bridge) from the only entrance to the abbey - the Porte de l'Avancee gate.

Path to the abbey from the parking lot

Once in the parking lot, head to the Place du barrage and from there walk across the new bridge to the abbey, then you can take wonderful photos.

In general, there are 3 ways to get to the abbey, one of which is on your own feet (I mentioned this above). In addition, you can use public transport, incredibly consistent with this fabulous place. There are two modes of transport connecting the car park and the abbey: one is ( Le Passeur)- this is a gray bus that is driven by electric traction, the second one ( La Maringote) is a cart pulled by Norman draft horses. A wonderful way of transportation for those who decide to try on the shirt of the Middle Ages.

In the first case, the journey will take approximately 10 minutes with several stops. Departure is from Place de Navette ( Place des navettes ), this type of transport is absolutely free. If you want to ride a horse-drawn carriage the old-fashioned way, a one-way ticket will cost 5.30 EUR, and it will take longer - about 25 minutes.

Clue:

Mont Saint Michel - the time is now

Hour difference:

Moscow 1

Kazan 1

Samara 2

Ekaterinburg 3

Novosibirsk 5

Vladivostok 8

When is the season? When is the best time to go

In the western part of France, where Mont Saint-Michel is located, winters are mild and summers are cool, because a temperate maritime climate prevails here. February, with an air temperature of +5–7 °C, is considered the coldest month, and August, with temperatures up to +20 °C, is considered the hottest.

Rain in Normandy is a frequent occurrence. There is a lot of rainfall here throughout the year, so I recommend taking an umbrella. It's hard to name the best time to travel. Mont Saint-Michel is one of the most visited places in France after Paris with its main jewel - Eiffel Tower, so there are always a lot of tourists here, and prices for housing and food stay the same.

But, for example, the mussel season ends in February and begins only in July. Maybe this will somehow influence your choice of dates for your visit.

Mont Saint Michel in summer

July and August are considered the best months to visit Normandy due to the cool climate and less rainfall than usual. However, despite the fact that in the summer schoolchildren have summer holidays, the number of tourists in Mont Saint-Michel, in principle, does not change - there are always a lot of them! On warm summer evenings, grandiose performances and concerts are held within the walls of the abbey. classical music. You can sit on the outdoor terraces of the restaurants and enjoy fresh seafood delicacies with a glass of chilled Normandy cider.

In my opinion, summer is best season in order to come to Mont Saint Michel!

Mont Saint Michel in autumn

Early autumn in Lower Normandy, as throughout France, is good. The weather is still summer, and the flow of tourists decreases slightly, especially in October. November is considered the most depressing month, although at the end of the month the abbey, already dressed in Christmas decorations, certainly looks very festive and even, dare I say it, gingerbread.

Mont Saint Michel in spring

In spring and autumn (on the days of the autumn and spring equinoxes), the most powerful tides occur around Mont Saint-Michel, and for this reason alone it is worth coming here at this time of year. In addition, apple and cherry trees begin to bloom, and the air seems to be permeated with the aromas of flowers. The city is painted with bright colors, flower pots with primroses are displayed everywhere - spring is coming in Normandy.

Mont Saint Michel in winter

Winter in Normandy... rainy. If you decide to travel to Mont Saint-Michel in winter, then, strange as it may sound, take an umbrella with you, or even better, rubber boots. Please note that the abbey is closed to the public on December 25 and January 1. But this best time to try the freshest oysters and mussels!

But I'm afraid that for those who are not used to heavy rains, fog, and again this time heavy rains, a trip to Mont Saint-Michel in winter may be a disappointment. But if you come here in winter, it’s better to stay for 2 days. To see the ebb and flow of the tide and have time to admire the golden spiers of the abbey in the rays of the setting sun. And how beautiful the sunset is in these places!

Clue:

Mont Saint-Michel - weather by month

Districts. Where is the best place to live?

For those who decide to stay in the Abbey of Mont Saint-Michel, there are two options to choose from: housing within the city walls and hotels located 2 km outside the city.

There are not very many intramuros hotels, the rooms are small and the prices are high. The cost of living for two per night will cost 90 EUR and more. However, you can admire the ebb and flow of the tide from the window of your own room, walk without thinking about time, and drink wine or other spirits with dinner without worrying about having to drive. On a late summer evening, you can watch a performance or listen to a concert and take your time returning to the hotel.

If you are looking for more modern and comfortable conditions for an overnight stay, then you should definitely pay attention to the hotels located near the Mountain. The nearest town, as you can see on the map above, is called La Caserne. Room (often with a terrace and panoramic view to the abbey) will cost about 55 EUR if you make a reservation in advance. Keep in mind that in reality there are many more hotels in La Casserne and the surrounding area of the Mountain than indicated on the map above. You can search for options and compare prices, for example. And it’s convenient to make a reservation at.

Often, from hotels located near Saint-Michel, free shuttle buses run throughout the day and evening to take you to the parking lot at the foot of the Mountain and back to the hotel.

Hostels like in big cities, at the foot of Mont Saint-Michel no. If your budget is limited, you can stay in the so-called auberges de jeunesse(youth hostels). Some hostels have age restrictions (e.g. up to 30 years old) and a discount with an ISIC student card is possible. Also very popular Chambres d'hotes, where tourists are given the opportunity to live on the territory of a private house, but in a separate room. Usually breakfast is included in the price of your stay, and often the hosts will keep you company, which can be extremely useful - you can chat with them and learn interesting things that only locals can tell.

What are the prices for holidays?

Accommodation

Being one of the most tourist places in France, Mont Saint-Michel's prices are absolutely not shocking. A night in a hotel within the city fortifications will cost 90–120 EUR, in the nearby town of La Caserne - from 55 EUR and above. How more beautiful view, opening from the room window to the abbey, the higher the price. However, if you take care of booking a room in advance, you can save a lot.

Road

A train or bus ride from Paris will cost you an average of 50 EUR one way, but you won’t have to pay for parking. Entrance to the city is free, but the ticket to the abbey is expensive (10 EUR per adult), but free for those under 18 years of age.

Excursions

You can also save on museum tickets by purchasing a card for 4 city attractions at once, which will cost your wallet 18 EUR.

Nutrition

Lunch, for example, at a pancake house will cost on average 15 EUR if you order a main course, dessert and a jug of cider. And in the evening you won’t be able to eat for such a modest amount - the minimum price for dinner without alcohol is 25 EUR.

Main attractions. What to see

The city on Mount Saint Michael (that’s how Mont-Saint-Michel is translated), bearing, among others, the name La Merveille or “The Miracle”, is itself, so to speak, one big attraction. It was founded in 709, welcomed Benedictine monks into its walls, became a fortress with its own garrison in the 11th century, and survived several fires and the French Revolution.

The most interesting and main point of your visit will, of course, be abbey, which I will talk about below in the “Churches and Temples” section. However, there are other places in the city, worthy of attention tourist But first things first.

Top 4

Beaches. Which ones are better

The Saint-Michel Rock rises above the bay in the middle of the bay of the same name, so at low tide the city stands in the middle of a huge beach, which, however, must be walked carefully. Of course, there is no question of swimming here. The Bay of Saint-Michel is a so-called estuary - a flooded mouth of a river, so it experiences the highest and fastest tide in France!

On the days of the autumn and spring equinox, during the most powerful low tides, the mountain is surrounded only by raw sand. The sea retreats from it for several kilometers, but after 5–6 hours the water rushes to the lonely rock at the speed of a galloping horse (6–9 m/s).

Churches and temples. Which ones are worth visiting?

Abbey of Mont Saint-Michel (l’Abbaye)

To get to the abbey, you need to overcome the main gate of the city, the only street Grande Rue, and then climb a long staircase of 350 stone steps and enter Guardroom. The visit is possible daily (except December 25, January 1 and May 1) from 9:00 to 19:00, the ticket price for an adult is 10 EUR, for children under 18 years old it is free. You can find all the necessary information and plan your visit on the abbey’s official website.

Entrance is possible to almost all rooms of the abbey, which you can explore, for example, by renting an audio guide (4.5 EUR). However, it is worth noting that the ticket price includes a one-hour tour in English or French. Every day there are 6 excursions within the walls of the abbey; you can catch the last one if you arrive half an hour before closing.

Architectural complex The abbey is located on several levels. A detailed map can be obtained from tourist office or when purchasing a ticket.

I desperately recommend going to observation deck, located on the terrace at the foot of the church. From there you have an incredibly beautiful view of the bay and islands Tombelaine and îles Chausey, where blocks and stones were quarried to build the abbey. Every year November 8 From this terrace you can watch the sun set behind Mount Dole. According to legend, it was on this day that St. Michael fought a dragon there.

My then future husband and I were lucky to attend a very interesting light show held within the walls of the monastery. At the same time, in each room of the abbey there were art objects and music was played, which was very memorable, because all the rooms themselves are very ascetic.

The heart of the abbey, which is spoken of in the legend of the bishop and St. Michael, is considered to be the chapel Chapelle Notre-Dame-sous-Terre. It is tiny in size, only 11 by 13 m², but this place is really worth a visit, because centuries-old history began here.

Among other must-see places, I would also like to mention knight's hall, called Scriptorium. It was there that medieval monks copied books and studied.

Abbey Church (Eglise Abbatiale)

This church is the top of the level system of the Mont Saint-Michel Abbey, as well as the rock itself. It was built in the 11th century and rises 80 meters above sea level. The interior of the church is very modest. The transept is oriented so that every year May 8 the sunrise is clearly visible behind the altar. Upon entering the church, you can notice a carved stone coat of arms with lilies and shells - this is the coat of arms of the Abbey of Mont Saint-Michel. The church holds masses every day at quarter past one, which you can attend.

Museums. Which ones are worth visiting?

There are four museums on the Grande Rue: Archaeoscope, Historical Museum, maritime museum and Tiffany's House. A visit to one museum will cost 9 EUR, and a single ticket to all three will cost 18 EUR. Museums are open daily from 9:30 to 17:00. It is worth noting that all of them (except Morskoy) close at the winter vacation, which differ in dates in each region of France, but conventionally take place in February. For visitors up to 18 years old entrance to museums free.

Tourist streets

Beyond Main Street Grande Rue, which is mentioned many times in this article, I advise you to take a walk through the small streets of the city, which often do not even have a name. Usually they are not very crowded - it is almost impossible to meet tourists who come on an excursion here. Peace and quiet reign here, and the most common buildings are so-called half-timbered houses - buildings that do not have load-bearing walls.

The load-bearing frame is provided by an internal wooden structure consisting of beams, posts and diagonal struts intersecting at right angles. The space between the beams is filled with clay and sand, the surface is plastered, and the protruding architectural elements in Normandy are painted in bright colors.

This walk will take you a little time, but an unforgettable experience is guaranteed!

What to see in 1 day

If you are lucky enough to visit Mont Saint-Michel for even one day, I ask you to familiarize yourself with the tide chart before starting your visit. This can be done online or at the local tourist office, on the outer wall of which there is a special table ( horaire des mares). In addition, the office sells detailed map abbeys. If you have the chance to see the tide with your own eyes, I consider it a huge success!

After such a long walk, you will probably get hungry. In addition, in France there is a full have lunch only possible with 12 to 14 o'clock, so I suggest you relax and try local cuisine in one of the restaurants in the city.

12:30 Dinner. If you book a table in advance, it is quite possible that you will be able to try the famous omelette La Mere Poulard. If not, then try coming to this restaurant for good luck - maybe you’ll get lucky and there will be seats! Or, as a last resort, just look into the panoramic windows of the restaurant. In them, as in a theater, a real show will unfold in front of you in preparing the most fluffy omelette in the world, accompanied by the music of whisks beating the yolks separately from the whites.
14:00 - Visiting of museum. I suggest you visit only 1 museum, the choice of which I will leave at your discretion.
15:00 - If your legs are still strong, I suggest taking a walk through the few streets of the old city, turning off the main street anywhere, and also taking an unforgettable walk around the rock itself along the damp sands at low tide. It will take half an hour of your time, and will leave impressions for a year to come.
16:30 - You may have a desire to buy souvenirs. This can be done, as you already understood, by Grande Rue. Don't forget to check out the souvenir shop La Mere Poulard and try the salted caramel. This is delicious!

It would be great if you had the opportunity to stay overnight in Mont Saint-Michel, because then you could taste the incredibly tender lamb meat Agneau de pré-salé, which I will talk about below in the “Food” section » , with a glass of red wine. If you are not a fan of meat delicacies, I suggest ordering a bowl of mussels, grown right at the foot of the City-on-the-Mountain, with a glass of white.

19:00 - A delicious dinner on the terrace with a panoramic view and the opportunity to see the water arriving at incredible speed will leave indelible impressions from rest.

What to do with the remaining evening time is up to you to decide. I just wish: Bonne nuit.

What to see in the area

Food. What to try

Located on the border of two French provinces- Normandy and - Mont Saint-Michel and the cuisine offered here combines the best of both sides. Here you can meet traditional Breton crepes (Crepes), made on the basis of buckwheat flour, and the more familiar sweet ones pancakes, but with a complex filling of salted caramel or delicious Normandy cream, apple jam and cinnamon. They must be served with cider ( Cider).

I highly recommend that real meat eaters order meat " lamb from the salt fields" (Agneau de pré-salé). This is truly a local specialty that you can try either in Mont Saint-Michel or in Picardy in an area called Baie de Somme.

In addition to the above, it is definitely worth trying seafood, especially mussels(moules de bouchot de la baie de Mont Saint Michel), which are grown in close proximity to the walls of the abbey. It is noteworthy that they have French certification L'appellation d'origin protégée (AOP) like cheeses or wines. The mussel season begins in July and ends at the end of January.

What tourists come to Mont Saint-Michel for in terms of gastronomy is, of course, « Mother Poulard omelette". It was invented in the 19th century by a young woman named Annette, who did not share the family business with her relatives and opened an inn for tired pilgrims. Things were going poorly for her, and the only food in the kitchen was often eggs. According to legend, one of the guests told her a recipe for making an omelet right in the fireplace.

The secret of this dish is that the whites are whipped separately from the yolks into a fluffy white foam. The yolks are cooked first and then the whites are poured onto them. The omelet turns out unusually fluffy and folded, like a thick book.

Although legends are made about the famous “Mother Poulard omelette”, people come to Mont Saint-Michel not for gastronomic pleasures, but rather for impressions. The local cuisine is simple and tasty, but you probably shouldn’t expect amazing culinary delights from it. Local cafes and restaurants are accustomed to serving a large flow of visitors. Mont Saint-Michel is visited by 7 million tourists every year! Therefore, the price range, as in all tourist places, here is significant. But let's talk about everything in more detail.

Budget

Among the budget restaurants, I’ll probably single out pancake shops. The simplest pancakes with butter, cheese or egg or sugar will cost you 2–3 EUR, spring rolls - 7–8 EUR.

La Sirene- traditional Breton pancake house, very tasty for a reasonable price! Address: Grande rue, 50170 Mont-Saint-Michel, France. Tel: +33 2 33 60 08 6

Creperie La Cloche. Address: rue Principale, 50170 Mont-Saint-Michel, France. Tel: +33 2 33 60 15 65

Mid-level

Le Relais du Roy-restaurant at the hotel, very tasty, traditional French cuisine, seafood. Address: 8 Route du, 50170 Le Mont-Saint-Michel. Tel: 02 33 60 14 25.

La Ferme Saint Michel Restaurant. Address: Route de Pontorson | La Caserne, 50170 Mont-Saint-Michel, France. Tel: +33 2 33 58 46 79.

restaurant at the Hotel du Guesclin. Address: Grande rue, 50170 Mont-Saint-Michel, France. Tel: +33 2 33 60 14 10.
Le Saint Michel. Address: rue Principale, 50170 Mont-Saint-Michel, official site of Mont-Saint-Michel.
Safety. What to watch out for
In respect of human factor Personally, I would call Mont Saint-Michel one of the most safe places France. Firstly, entry to the abbey is limited, and the ticket is quite expensive, and secondly, 72 people live in the city itself, where everything is visible.

Perhaps the only things to be afraid of are holes in your pockets and tourists like us. We all know that sometimes you can meet dishonest people. However, please note that when parking, you must make sure that you lock your car and remove all expensive items under the car seats or take them with you. You will be able to leave valuables in a storage room at the entrance to the abbey. This service is free, but you need to have a 1 EUR coin with you to close the lock of the cell.

For those who decide to walk around on their own sandy shores around Mont Saint-Michel during low tides, I recommend paying close attention to the special schedule, which you can find on the official website of the abbey.

This year the water level at high tide is very high and reaches 12.8 m in height, so the newly built road may be under water. In order to observe the high tide phenomenon, you must be in the bay 2 hours before the time indicated on the website. It's extremely dangerous to be here! The maximum tide speed can exceed 6 km/h! I kindly ask you to use the services of a certified guide for such walks.
Things to do
It is customary to walk in Mont Saint-Michel with your eyes wide open, enjoying the most picturesque views, breathing in the intriguing history of the “miracle of the West” along with the sea air.

Here you can watch the high tidal waves rush against the rock of Saint-Michel, or walk on the wet sand around the incredible beauty of the abbey at low tide.

This promenade takes about 30 minutes (distance about 1 km). It is better not to go far from the foot of the mountain, since, in addition to the returning water, you can end up in quicksand. The gray sand seems completely lifeless, but if you look closely, you can easily spot all kinds of mollusks flapping their shells and blowing bubbles.

You can become a participant in an incredible light show taking place within the walls of an ancient abbey, or you can be a gourmet who will taste the most magnificent omelet in the world. The choice is yours!

Shopping and shops
The main and only street of the city ( Grande Rue) dotted with densely packed shops, cafes, restaurants and hotels. It is very short, you can pass it in a couple of minutes. However, if you stop out of idle curiosity and choose souvenirs, you can spend several hours there.

Here, tightly huddled together, are half-timbered houses from the 15th–16th centuries, restaurants and cafes, and souvenir shops. On this same street there are entrances to all noteworthy churches and museums. In the souvenir shops you can buy the famous “Mother Poulard cookies”, knight’s armor and watercolors depicting the abbey.

In fact, all shopping is limited to souvenir shops, but it will definitely not leave you indifferent!
Souvenirs. What to bring as a gift
Among the possible souvenirs, I would probably highlight
- biscuits or salted caramelMother Pulyar(La Mere Poulard) in a beautiful tin box. They are very tasty and very high in calories, but very tasty!
- traditional alcoholic drinks from Normandy: cider (Cidre) or its equivalent, made from a pear rather than an apple - Poiret(Poire), Calvados (Calvados) And Pomo de Normandie (Le pommeau de Normandie).
- copper utensils. Here it is sold in all kinds of sizes - from saucepans to saucepans. You can also find various frying pans, kettles and other utensils. Everything is very beautiful, and most importantly - practical!
- collectible coins Monnaie de Paris, which in principle can also be purchased at any post office in France. Now on sale is a series with the little Prince Exupery. I have been dreaming about such a coin for a long time!
- replica of a medieval weapon, but I’m not sure that it can be safely carried in luggage in our troubled times.
How to get around the city
Unfortunately, you can only get around the city on foot. It is worth noting that the Abbey of Mont Saint-Michel is not suitable for visitors with limited mobility, as you will have to overcome a 200-meter steep path to the top of the mountain and a staircase of 350 steps.

The same applies to baby strollers. If you are traveling alone with a baby, it is best to take a sling or baby carrier with you.

There is paid parking near the mountain (2.5 km), which is open daily. The cost of parking for a passenger car is approximately 12 EUR. If you lose your parking ticket, you will be asked to reimburse the full cost of daily parking and a small tax - a total of 23 EUR.

Travel costs toll road from Paris it will cost you 24 EUR, from Rouen - 8.90 EUR. You can pay for travel credit card or cash. Don't be surprised, some sections of motorways may be free.
Mont Saint-Michel: holidays with children
In my personal opinion, a trip to Mont Saint-Michel with a toddler can be a disappointment. Children who have difficulty on their feet and try to run on slippery pavement stones are dangerous. On the other hand, a visit with a baby who obediently sits in a carrier and looks around, or with a curious teenager will really bring you pleasure. If you have an angel child, come to Mont Saint-Michel together without hesitation. Otherwise, take a first aid kit with you.

In the summer in July and August there is a children's playground next to the church.

Where is: in the town of Le Puy-en-Velay, Auvergne.
Price issue: 3 euros
City website
Website "Pilgrimage to the Holy Cities of France"
What to look at: The small church of Saint-Michel is one of the oldest in all of France. But it is not its age that makes it special, but the fact that it towers above the city at an altitude of 85 meters. To reach it, parishioners and tourists are forced to climb steps carved into the volcanic formation. Having reached the foot, you can take a look at almost the entire small town of Le Puy-en-Velay, in the center of which there is a chapel. And in 1429, Joan of Arc's mother, Isabelle Romee, came here to pray for her daughter.

The history of the city of Le Puy-en-Velay is closely connected with Christianity. The appearance of the Virgin Mary took place here. In 430 AD here, on the site of a former pagan settlement, the first church was built. Then the pilgrimage began.

The city lies in a valley in which spiky rocks of volcanic origin rise here and there. Until now, residents firmly believe in the healing powers of volcanic stone. But the main thing in the city, of course, are the three monumental buildings towering above the city. This is the Church of St. Michael, built on the rock d’Aiguille, the bell tower of the cathedral and a huge pink statue of Our Lady, cast from Russian cannons taken “captive” after one of the French victories in the Crimean War.

The Church of Saint-Michel was built in 962 to commemorate the return of Saint-Jacques-de-Compostelle from the pilgrimage. In 950 AD. The local bishop Goteskalk led the first pilgrimage to Santiago de Compostela from Le Puy. The journey was successful, the bishop returned and, in honor of this event, built the chapel of St. Michael on d’Egile. Subsequently, Le Puy served for a long time as one of the four starting points for pilgrimages to Santiago de Compostela.
The chapel has preserved ancient capitals and several frescoes.
The second attraction of the city is Cathedral, located in the center of Le Puy-en-Velay. Its appearance is unusual: it is neither a purely Romanesque church nor a Gothic one, but a mixture of Byzantine and Moorish styles. The main entrance to the temple is located in the middle of the nave - in other words, the visitor enters directly into the center of the cathedral, and from below, as if from underground. This is due to the fact that the cathedral is built on a mountain, and to enter it you have to climb an endless staircase. The cathedral houses a statue of Saint James - the same one to whom pilgrims go to Santiago de Compostela. Near this statue there is a separate door, the inscription above which informs that this is the exit to the pilgrimage route to Santiago de Compostela.

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