Europe · France · Normandy
Mont-Saint-Michel
The story
History of Mont-Saint-Michel
An abbey-fortress rising from tidal sands on the Normandy coast, defended by walls and reached only when the sea retreats.
France · Normandy · Romanesque & Gothic
- Built
- from 966
- Era
- Medieval
- Style
- Romanesque & Gothic
- Country
- France
- Region
- Normandy
- UNESCO
- World Heritage Site
- Coordinates
- 48.636, -1.512
In depth
The fuller history
Under the rule of the 29th abbot, Pierre le Roy, from 1386 to 1410, new fortifications were built: at the northeast corner of the Merveille, an octagonal crowning element was added to the Corbins tower; at its base, a long curtain wall-terrace overlooking the woods. In 1393, two turrets were added to flank the 1257 gate. Large steps were built in front of the barbican, and the abbot had a fortified residence built, as well as the square-based Pénine tower, designed to guard the Grand Degré.
During the medieval period, pilgrims walked from Italy, Germany and England, as well as other parts of France. Such devotees were known as Miquelots. Modern pilgrims can follow the same routes. Ten hiking trails have been created that enable pilgrims from various European countries to retrace the path their ancestors may have taken during a medieval pilgrimage.
Key dates
- 1204In 1204, Guy of Thouars, regent for the Duchess of Brittany, as vassal of the King of France, undertook a siege of the Mount.
- 1423The first siege started in 1423, and was lifted the next year.
- 1469When Louis XI of France founded the Order of Saint Michael in 1469, he intended that the abbey church of Mont-Saint-Michel become the chapel for the order, but because of its great distance from Paris, his intention could never…
- 1879Previously connected by tidal causeway uncovered only at low tide, this was converted into a raised causeway in 1879, preventing the tide from scouring the silt around the mount.
- 1979Mont-Saint-Michel and its bay were added to the UNESCO list of World Heritage Sites in 1979, listed with criteria such as cultural, historical, and architectural significance, as well as human-created and natural beauty.
- 2015The new bridge was completely submerged on 21 March 2015 by the highest sea level, a once-in-18-years occurrence, as crowds gathered to snap photos.
Historical summary drawn from Wikipedia. Read the full article.
Tips & experiences
Been here? Leave a note for the next visitor.
Loading tips…