Mont Saint Michel
Today we made the 2 hour journey from Arzon in Bretagne to Mont Saint Michel in Normandy, picniccing on the way at a popular service station with barbeque tables.
It is hard to briefly summarise the structures--all very, very impressive. It was never captured by the English or anyone else. There is a church on top of the mount, of course--of considerable size and antiquity. Below it, on many different levels are crypts, knights' galleries, receiving rooms for royalty, dining rooms, a quiet courtyard and chapels. Quite amazing in complexity and construction and the oldest parts dating back to the 1300's.
Outside are many terraced rooms converted to shops and restaurants, all very commercial but tasteful.
A highlight was to see a small assemblage of people, including priests, in a small courtyard, that was being dedicated that day to something or other, with a choir plus ancient instruments, singing medieval pilgrim songs. There was quite an atmosphere to the occasion. Also--after 3 weeks of hearing French spoken continuously from dawn to dusk--it was nice to hear the compere and understand almost everything he said. Our listening and spoken language has certainly improved.
The site is being heavily restored, with new car parking facilities etc. Considering that this is France's number 1 tourist attraction, ranking with the Tower of London in UK, the work is much needed, as it currently lacks a certain 'Je ne sais crois' to be THE emblem of France. A few volunteer guides in the main rooms would be a good place to start plus some people policing the behaviour of some of the visitors!
The pics
On return we enjoyed a tasty charcuterie raclette, followed by rhubarb ice-cream-all prepared by the indefatiguable Christiane!
