Driving to Normandy
Cool road before crossing the Pont de Normandie
Pont de Normandie
(the bridge is angled like a hill to the centerpoint and then it's all downhill...like the road in the previous picture, but even steeper)
The landscape of Normandy during our drive provided us with views of green rolling hills speckled with farm animals and the occasional farmhouse or chateau.
We hit rain on the drives to and from, but had great weather during our stay.
Chambre d'Hotes
(or as we know it, Bed & Breakfast)
We enjoyed this lovely chambre d'hotes for 5 days. This old farmhouse dates back to 1790.
Amazing!
Quaint and Charming...exactly what we were looking for
This B&B was located about 3 miles to Mont St. Michel. From our bedroom window, we could see the beautiful abbey.
Our hosts were simply perfect. They are an English couple who have converted this old farmhouse into a place for them on one side and a B&B to rent on the other. We essentially had a little cottage. No one else was there staying with us. The ground floor consisted of the family room with fireplace and this kitchen. Upstairs, there were 2 cozy bedrooms each with an ensuite bath.
They cooked breakfast in their own kitchen and then served us in ours. 4 course dinners were an option for the evenings, so we had them cook us dinner two of the nights. Delicious!
What a great place to relax after sightseeing for the day!
They did an excellent job on the renovation.
Our cozy bedroom
The boys room
Mont St. Michel
These boys are growing up too fast!
"Shrouded by mist, encircled by sea, soaring proudly above glistening sands- the silhouette of Mont-St.-Michel is one of the most enchanting sights in France."
-- quoted from our guidebook: France, DK Eyewitness Travel
Mont St. Michel began as an oratory in the 8th century growing vastly over the years to eventually become a Benedictine Monastery. Pilgrims have come from all over to honor St. Michael.
When you first enter the grounds of Mont St. Michel, you begin walking up a street known as Grande Rue. Grande Rue is the pilgrims route that has been establised since the 12th century. Today, the village street of Grande Rue houses tourist shops and restaurants
Grande Rue
Grande Rue
Looking up at the abbey
Completely surrounding Mont St. Michel is the bay. In this picture, the tide is low. The following day, the tide was high and we were able to see the water surround the Mont. In centuries past, the strong tides helped act as a natural defense. They protected the abbey from those trying to invade.
My boys
The abbey with gorgeous skies!
The Benedictine Monastery is built on 3 different levels. This picture shows the abbey church. Later during the French Revolution, the monastery was used as a political prison for 73 years.
Cloister
Beautiful garden and cloister at the monastery
Looking out at bay during low tide.
Stunning!
The boys
Nos chevaliers! (Our knights!)
Looking down from the abbey
Some people were walking out in the bay during low tide, but you have to be incredibly careful and it is recommended to go with a guide or not go at all. People have drowned when they have gotten stuck in the quicksand before high tide.
On our way down and looking up at the abbey
Mont St. Michel is quite a spectacular site. From afar, the land & bay around it are so flat that this perched monastery appears like some unrealistic castle from Game of Thrones or Lord of the Rings. It's almost hard to believe that it is really there.
To view Mont St. Michel at hide tide and from an aerial view, go here: here
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