Due to the great interest in visiting Mont-Saint-Michel during our Normandy program, we are pleased to share the following optional day excursion departing directly from Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport on the first day of your tour. The tidal island of Mont-Saint-Michel with its abbey rising high above the sea around it, is one of the best-known landmarks and travel destinations in Normandy. The island has been inhabited since at least Roman times, and it’s been the home of a monastery since the 8th century AD. The idea to build the church on the islet came when Bishop Aubert of Avranches had a vision in which he was instructed by archangel Michel (“Michael” in English, who is also the patron saint of paratroopers) to raise the monastery. According to the legend, Saint Michel cut a hole in Aubert’s skull with his finger as a reminder to finish his task. It took centuries of construction to reach the current breath-taking form of the monastery. When Nazi Germany invaded France in World War II, Mont-Saint-Michel continued to remain a popular tourist destination, mainly for off-duty German soldiers. It is not widely known that after four years of German occupation it was liberated only by one American soldier and two journalists. Today, just like 1000 years ago, it is still an iconic destination for pilgrims, plus one of the most popular tourist attractions of France. If you want to find out more about the history of the abbey, read our article about the liberation of Mont-Saint-Michel here. Note that lunch is not included in the program. On our way to Mont-Saint-Michel, we will stop to give you an opportunity to buy sandwiches and snacks. At the abbey, you will also have opportunities to buy light refreshments in your free time.
