History

Founded, according to tradition, following three dreams St Aubert, bishop of Avranches, had in
the year 708, from the outset Mont Saint-Michel was a great pilgrimage centre.
The pre-Romanesque church was built before the year one thousand.
In the 11th century, the Romanesque abbey church was founded over a set of crypts where the rock
comes to an apex, and the first monastery buildings were built up against its north wall.
In the 12th century, the Romanesque monastery buildings were extended to the west and south.
In the 13th century, a donation by the king of France, Philip Augustus, in the wake of his conquest of Normandy, enabled a
start to be made on the Gothic section of the Merveille: two three-storey buildings, crowned by the cloister and the refectory.
In the 14th century, the Hundred Years War made it necessary to protect the abbey behind a set of military constructions,
enabling it to hold out against a siege lasting 30 years.
In the 15th century, the Gothic Flamboyant chancel replaced the Romanesque chancel of the abbey church.
Finally, work continued up till the 18th century to build the abbey living quarters which make up the south front of the abbey.
After being used as a prison during the Revolution and the Second Empire, the abbey was turned over to the Historic
Monuments department in 1874, since when it has been open to the public all year round.
Since 1969, a monastic community has provided a permanent spiritual presence as well.

The

Abbey

The

11th to 16th century. You can explore

the abbey either on your own or
conducted by a guide or even a lecturer appointed by the Historical
Monuments department. Surrounded
by the rock, the abbey provides a
better insight into religious life down
through 1000 years of architecture.
Certain buildings are reserved for the
Monastic Fraternities of Jerusalem
who ensure that prayers are being said
at all times within the abbey.

Souvenirs
In this mediaeval town, men and
women uphold the tradition of the
shopkeepers of the Middle Ages who
for over a thousand years have looked
after visitors and pilgrims in search
of a memento of their stay at the
Wonder of the West.
Specialities include copperware,
pottery and chinaware.

Gastronomy
Mont Saint-Michel is also famous
for its hotels and restaurants, with the
traditional omelette, leg of lamb, and
local specialities of fish and seafood
from the Bay.

Street

At the entrance, through the Bavole

Gate, built by Gabriel du Puy in
1590, then following the single street,
Cour de lAvance.
On the left, the Burghers Guardroom
(early 16th century), currently the
Tourist Information Office. On the
right, the Michelettes , English
bombards recovered in 1434. The
Boulevard Gate (late 15th century).
The boulevard or barbican with its
embrasures and loopholes. The Kings
Gate where the portcullis is visible.
Above this gate, the Kings House,
today the Town Hall. The arcade house
on the right, a pretty timber-framed
house. The artichoke house straddling
the street. The Sirens house. The
parish church begun during the 11th
century and completed in the 17th
century with its baptismal fonts, its
silver statue of St Michael and its
chevet over the street. Lastly begins
the Grand Degr stairs, offering a
majestic prelude to the Merveille,
with a view over the vast expanses
of sands.

Museums
The museums in the village of Mont Saint-Michel recall the history
of the place, with historical re-enactments ; old collections (weapons,
paintings, sculptures, watches) ; a unique collection of 250 old model
ships ; explanation of the tidal phenomenon.

ont Saint-Michel, the Merveille de lOccident

(Wonder of the West) owes to its original setting
and its fine architecture its ranking as one of the
major monuments for visitors in France. Around
a kilometre in circumference, this rocky islet rises
to a height of 80 metres and is linked to the Bay by
an unfloodable causeway built in 1879. In the 21st
century, Mont Saint-Michel has perpetuated its
thousand year tradition of accommodating visitors.
Twice a month, during the spring tides, the flood
tide is a wonderful sight, registering the biggest
tides in Europe.

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