Mont-Saint-Michel, France. Lower Normandy.

Mont-Saint-Michel is located on an island in the region of lower Normandy. And its intriguing architectural ensemble classified this location as UNESCO World Heritage site. Long ago most called the place “the wonder of the Western World”. It’s situated by a bay that it has the greatest tidal ranges in Europe. Actually the difference between low and high tide can reach up to 15 meters. And when the high tide is above 14 meters then the Saint Michel would be completely surrounded by the water for a long time. Otherwise, it’s connected to the mainland by a small passageway. And this year in 2014 they plan on building a bridge. At low tide this place would be all sand around it for kilometers away, however, just a few hours later entire area would be submerged and water everywhere. This tide what really makes this area very unique.

Getting here is very easy actually. Of course it all depends on what type of transportation you’re using. But you can come here by driving, by bus or even train from any and every direction. I was riding my bicycle down here all the way from north.  I was very thankful that I bicycled here. On the way down here passing through some of the most amazing small villages and beautiful French country side. It’s about 358 kilometers from Paris and there are always high-speed trains available to the city of Rennes then from there you can take another train to Avranches or Pontorson. I found Pontorson is much closer to Saint Michel which was about 10 kilometers.

 Mont-Saint-Michel from a distance. This was during my bicycle trip of Europe. Photo: F.Aksoy

I finally made it all the way down here during my European bicycle tour. September-2013

                   Mont-Saint Michel, France. Again from a distance Photo: F.Aksoy, September-2013

I really didn’t do that much around Mont-Saint-Michel, but just enjoyed the view, took lots of photos and shot a few videos made some new friends and had an afternoon lunch. It was quite interesting watching and staring at this place for a long time. After all it attracts more than 3 million visitors a year. I bicycled all the way down here for day and half up from historical Omaha Beach, Normandy landing area just to see this amazing spot. It was worth my time and bicycling here.

         This is the video I captured while visiting Mont-Saint-Michel, France and added on my youtube account. Video: F.Aksoy-Youtube-Google-September-2013

                       MOnt-Saint-Michel, France close up. Photo:F.Aksoy-Sep-2013

And now I was on my way down to Southern France and Northern Spain, Basque area a city called Donostia, San Sebastian then back into France once again to do the French Riviera and Italian Riviera. Of course this was going to cover the beautiful Mediterranean coastline. I was staring at a great distance perhaps covering almost 2000 kilometers. But just thinking of seeing these places ahead, actually exited me more.