Mont Saint-Michel’s role in history also shaped how its architecture developed.
Find the important attractions inside Mont Saint Michel that you should include in your visit.
Mont Saint Abbey
The climb to Mont Saint-Michel is to the geographical peak of the mountain, with the spiritual apex—the Abbey Church.
Made in Gothic style, the stone craftsmanship and airy space surround the altar, aisle, and small chapels to create an atmosphere of wonder and tranquility.
Check out the earlier Romanesque design elements: the symmetry, rounded arches, and intricately carved capitals of this earlier style.
All point to an 11th-century Romanesque style.
Its interior boasts minimal decorations, such as a male saint, carved reliefs, and a delightful medieval Madonna and Child.
The polychrome colors add innocence and primitiveness, demonstrating the structure’s durability against changes.
You will also find a tranquil cloister garden enclosed by an ornate arcade.
While some figural decorations were lost during the French Revolution, some remnants can still be explored.
The monastic dining hall between the two fortress walls, built with triangular window niches, creates an illusion of more light flooding the space.
The Abbot’s rooms and private chapel, adjacent to the dining hall, exude a sense of peace due to the beautiful light from the morning sun.
Substantial stone crypts were constructed beneath the church’s cross-shaped section to create a level surface for the massive Romanesque church.
The transept stands above the crypts, serving as a storage area and workshop in a cooler environment.
The island depended on mainland farming and faced potential invasions across the English Channel.
The islet stands as a testament to human endeavor and determination. Only a guide could give you the exact details of its history.
Embrace the charming ambiance, meander through cobblestone streets, and ascend to the hilltop abbey and its magnificent Gothic cathedral.
Merveille Mont Saint Michel
Built in 1228, the Merveille has features of both a military fortress and a religious sanctuary.
The halls will remind you of the eras of remarkable craftsmanship invested in the wonder of Mont Saint Michel.
Construction began in 1203 and spanned until 1228. The shifting tides often blocked the quarries from the coast, and the vertical distance was also great.
The exterior showcases a blend of military prowess and spiritual devotion inside Mont Saint Michel.
The decoration remains simple. With lofty, slender windows for the refectory and the sculptures of the cloister.
The medieval wall from the 13th to the 15th century offers panoramic views of the bay on the southern and eastern sides as you reach the abbey.
The exterior buttresses vary due to the difference in internal layout,
The plans, sections, facades and alignment were undoubtedly constructed to mirror each other.
One building faces the east and the other faces the west.
The spiral staircase under the meeting point of the buttress leads to a small octagonal tower.
Start your journey in the court of the Merveille and proceed through the Porch and Gate at the base of the Gorbins Tower.
You will pass the Almonry and the Cellar from the room’s southwest corner to reach the first floor.
Now, you will be in the Mont Saint Michel Knight Hall and the Refectory; find the winding staircase to the Cloister and the Dormitory upstairs in the lateral gallery.
The Almonry, the Refectory, and the Dormitory are on the eastern side. You will find the Cellar, the Knights’ Hall, and the Cloister in the western edifice.
The tapestry of architectural wonders and spiritual significance is another attraction on the Mont Saint Michel.
Buy your Mont Saint Michel tickets online and discover the wonders inside Mont Saint Michel.
Rampart
During the Hundred Years’ War, we see the establishment of the islet as an unbreachable force.
The construction of the rampart for a secured frontier with Mont Saint Michel inside.
This wall helped ensure that it remained a secure structure.
Seven towers are connected via a walkway that is open to the public. The North Tower (13th century) is an excellent advantage for observing the tidal bore.
The following towers are included in the rampart:
- King Tower (tour du Roi)
- Arcade Tower (tour de l’Arcade)
- Liberty Tower (tour de la Liberté or tour Béatrix)
- Barbette Tower (tour Barbette or tour Basse)
- Half-Moon Tower (tour Demi-Lune or tour de la Reine)
- Loop Tower (tour Boucle), the main defense for the East
- North Tower (tour Nord or tour Marilland)
This passage also goes to the Abbey, Merveille, and the Enceinte des Fanils.
You can find the Gabriel Tower joining it to the Enceinte des Fanils and the Tower of Tour Claudine connecting it to the Merveille.
Enceinte des Fanils
The modern military building was added after the French Revolution as a construction of the modern era.
Built on Mont Saint Michel to house the guardians of the political prisoners after the French Revolution.
The West Terrace
You will have a wonderful view of the Bay from the terrace, Plomb de Four.
Originally, it was decorated with two Romanesque towers forming a nave on the western side.
By 1776, both these towers faced heavy damage and the governing authority decided to take apart the three western sections and replace it with a Classical style front.
The panorama of the stretches of sand, tides and the bay’s natural beauty makes for a wonderful point to visit while you’re at Mont Saint Michel.
The Grande Rue
In order to reach the main street to the interior of Mont Saint Michel village, you have to pass through three gates.
First, you will cross Porte de l’Avancée, a larger entryway for carts and pedestrians, which directs visitors to the courtyard inside Mont Saint Michel.
Then, you will cross the Porte du Boulevard to come to the drawbridge, known as the Porte du Roy, which is the main entrance to the village.
The Grande Rue begingds here, which leads up to the abbey as it crosses the village and has kept its medieval shops and signs.
On the right, the drawbridge passage also leads to the rampart path.
St Peter’s Church
The parish church of Saint-Pierre is located halfway down the Grande Rue, and was founded in the seventh century by Saint Aubert as his burial place.
It is dedicated to St. Peter, “prince of the apostles,” as mentioned in a charter dated 1022.
From the Romanesque period, the church retains the transformed pillars at the entrance to the choir, enlarged in the 16th century with a vaulted passageway.
Since 1964, the bell tower has been home to a carillon that plays the tune “Saint-Michel à votre puissance.” It also includes the forecourt of the Croix de Jérusalem.
Venelle du Guet
The narrowest of the inside streets Mont Saint Michel offers is also known as “Ruelle des cocus” or “Cuckold’s Alley.”
It is so small that you couldn’t pass through with horns. Take up this challenge by turning left in front of the Hotel La Croix Blanche on the Grand Rue.
We recommend booking a for in-depth insights into this famous attraction and to enhance your visit.
Small Gardens
Half of the village has always remained free of buildings. During the sieges, the inhabitants cultivated these protected lands to satisfy their needs.
The houses along the Grande Rue hide small enclosed gardens, which can be seen from the ramparts or from the alleyways and suspended staircases.
At the foot of the abbey, you will find the monastic community’s vegetable garden.
In the north, there have been limited constructions and the natural vegetation is in its wild state.
Featured Image: Wikipedia.org