Le Mont-St-Michel Abbey

Le Mont-St-Michel Abbey - visitor attraction The Abbey is the finest example of French medieval architecture. It was first a chapel dedicated to St Michel in 708 when Aubert, the Bishop of Avranches, claimed to see the Archangel Michael in a dream directing him to build a church on the rock. When he doubted the instruction, it is said the angel pierced a hole in his skull with his finger. After its erection the chapel became a place of pilgrimage which was soon renamed Mont Saint Michel. Miraculous events were attributed to St Michel and pilgrims flocked to the area, with their donations the monks built a Roman abbey and by the end of the 12th Century, the Abbey became the residence of 60 Benedictine monks.

Its location made it almost impenetrable but with time, the 100 years war and the time of the French Revolution when the Abbey became a prison, it needed much restoration. In 1979 it became an UNESCO world heritage site and is a wonder to behold today.

Highlights of your visit

The Copper-covered Central Tower - with a spire, topped with a gilded statue of St. Michael
The Knight Room (Scriptorium) - where the monks used to copy manuscripts and divided into four naves by three rows of columns
The Nave – divided into four bays and covered by a wooden vault
The Choir – described as flamboyant Gothic, illuminated by many windows and covered by a ribbed vault
The Interior Grand Degré – a monumental staircase which was used by pilgrims in procession and leads to the entrance of the abbey church
The Cloister - a covered gallery surrounding an open-air garden where monks would meditate