Travel

NORMANDY WITH KIDS: LE MONT SAINT MICHEL

08/31/2016,

Le Mont Saint Michel is one of the most visited tourist sites in France (2,5 million visitors each year), and one of the most famous in Europe.

Le Mont Saint Michel is set in the mesmerising bay where Normandy and Brittany merge. It is a magical island topped by a medieval monastery, and for centuries, this Benedictine abbey has been one of Europe’s major Christian pilgrimage destinations.

We were lucky to visit Le Mont Saint Michel this last July and the sight is unforgettable.

The abbey is reached via the steep winding village street lined by museums, restaurants and shops, and this holy mount is now a UNESCO World Heritage bay.

The monastery is beautiful, but the Bay of the Mont exceeded our expectations.

The breathtaking Bay is subject to the largest tidal range in continental Europe during spring tides (The water can withdraw as far as 25km from the shore!!), creating an ever-changing seascape.

Reaching Le Mont Saint Michel is easy. There is a new park that welcomes all vehicles and reversible free shuttle transportation (ultra-modern buses called Passeurs) from the parking to the Mont. There is also a horse-drawn shuttle called The Maringote.

At the center of the car park you can find a modern and interactivie Information Center for the whole family.

I would recommend to spend some time at this Center and learn more about the operation to restore the maritime character of the Mont and the current projects.

We had lunch at the renowned gourmet restaurant La Mère Poulard (located right in the center of Mont Saint Michel).

La Mère Poulard is a traditional establishment (and also a 3* hotel) with a picturesque setting.

The delicious traditional recipes include roast lamb, lobster and desserts, but we ordered La Mère Poulard’s famous omelette cooked over an open fire.