Your first sight of the Abbey, either dominating the white beaches between Normandy and Brittany or emerging from the ocean at high tide, will be an unforgettable experience. According to legend, the Archangel St. Michel appeared to a local bishop and ordered him to build a chapel atop the 258 foot high mount and an abbey quickly followed. In order to accommodate the growing number of pilgrims from across Europe, it was constantly embellished with new construction, sometimes built directly on top of prior additions!
However, the final result is surprisingly harmonious--one of medieval Europe´s masterpieces, this architectural wonder is called the “Marvel of the West.” Driving through the Normandy region, we will arrive at Mont Saint Michel around 11:30 a.m. and start with lunch at the Relais St. Michel Restaurant featuring their famous Omelette. You’ll have an incredible view of Mont Saint Michel while enjoying your meal. Next, we will drive to the base of Mont Saint Michel where we must continue on foot up the twisting cobblestone streets leading up to the abbey. Take a guided tour of the abbey, a great culture centre and pilgrimage destination in the Middle Ages during which time it exerted international influence. See the cloister and its gardens, relaxing and harmonioius. Stroll the refectory and see the impressive wheel of the monks’ boneyard. Then enjoy free time to explore on your own and take pictures or browse the famous crepe and cider shops of the village. At approximately 4:30pm, we will depart back to Paris. We’ll make a rest stop along the way, arriving back in the city around 9:15pm.