December 18, 2024 • 15 mins
In this episode of Global Treasures, we will cover the history and travel tips for Mont-Saint-Michel and its Bay. This Benedictine abbey was established as a UNESCO world heritage site in 1979.
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Episode Transcript
Available transcripts are automatically generated. Complete accuracy is not guaranteed.
Abigail (00:00):
Imagine a place that tells a story spanning centuries.
Where culture and nature intertwine tocreate something truly extraordinary.
That's the beauty of UNESCOWorld Heritage Sites.
I'm Abigail, and this is GlobalTreasures, the podcast that covers
the history, travel tips, andlegends surrounding one of the 1, 223
(00:25):
World Heritage Sites each episode.
These places have been identifiedas having universal, cultural, or
natural significance that is soexceptional that it transcends national
boundaries and is of importanceto present and future generations.
Welcome to season two, wherewe'll explore the 45 sites that
(00:45):
UNESCO added in 1979 together.
Thank you for listening tothe Global Treasures podcast.
We appreciate all of your support, and youcan continue to support us by subscribing
at Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or Podbean.
You can also follow uson TikTok and Facebook.
(01:07):
The site I'll be introducing youto today is Mont Saint Michel
and its bay, located in France.
Close your eyes and listen.
Hear the whisper of centuriescarried on salt laden winds.
Feel the ground beneath yourfeet transform from solid
earth to shifting sands.
(01:28):
Then, to Restless Waters.
This is Mont Saint Michel, a placewhere geography defies imagination,
where stone and sea engage inan endless, mesmerizing dance.
Imagine a rocky tidal island risingfrom the misty waters of Normandy.
(01:50):
A medieval marvel that changesits very nature with each tide,
known as the Wonder of the West.
Mont Saint Michel is more thana destination, it's a living,
breathing testament to humandetermination, spiritual devotion,
and architectural genius.
Mont Saint Michel is not merely abuilding, religious site, or location.
(02:16):
It's a complete medieval world suspendedbetween land and sea, a symbol of
France's medieval Christian civilization.
A gothic style Benedictine abbey dedicatedto the archangel Saint Michael, it sits
dramatically on a rocky tidal island
near the mouth of the Queen AnneRiver, strategically positioned
(02:39):
between Normandy and Brittany.
It has served as both a religiouscenter and a military stronghold,
its significance extending farbeyond its physical boundaries.
This is a pilgrimage site that reflects anancient tradition of creating sanctuaries
in difficult to access locations.
(03:00):
Throughout the Middle Ages, pilgrimswould navigate treacherous paths,
crossing vast sandbanks during lowtide, risking quicksand and sudden
water rises to reach this sacred place.
Today, it stands as one of France'stop three cultural attractions.
Drawing over 3 million visitors annually.
(03:22):
Trailing only the Eiffel Tower and thePalace of Versailles in popularity.
The geographical uniqueness of Mont SaintMichel is nothing short of extraordinary.
Situated on a rocky islet, it'sa landscape in constant motion.
The bay experiences some of themost dramatic tidal ranges in
(03:43):
Europe, up to 15 meters or 45feet between high and low tide.
Victor Hugo, the author of Hunchbackof Notre Dame, famously described the
tidal phenomenon as water rushing atthe speed of a galloping horse, a poetic
description that captures the raw,upredictable nature of this environment.
(04:07):
During spring tides, which occurjust after full and new moons, the
transformation is the most dramatic.
The mount alternates betweenbeing an island and a landlocked
site, a metamorphosis that hascaptivated visitors for centuries.
The surrounding ecosystemis equally remarkable.
(04:29):
Vast sandbanks stretch out, creatinga landscape that seems to breathe
and change with each passing hour.
The tidal variations create aunique environment that has been
carefully preserved, contributingto its UNESCO World Heritage status.
The Architecture of Mont Saint Michel isa breathtaking journey through medieval
(04:52):
building techniques, a physical narrativeof evolving styles spanning six centuries.
Let's travel through time,starting with the oldest
structure, Notre-Dame-sous-Terre.
This pre Romanesque church,constructed in the 10th century with
granite masonry and flat bricks.
(05:13):
represents the earliest foundations.
Imagine monks working meticulously,building directly on the island's rocky
summit, their construction techniquesadapting to the challenging terrain.
The Romanesque period brought furtherinnovations, the Abbey's nave,
supported directly by the rock summit,showcased early ribbed vaulting, a
(05:38):
revolutionary architectural technique.
Then came the Gothic period, atime of architectural revolution.
The marvel constructed between 1204 and1228 exemplifies this transformation.
This three tiered structure is amasterpiece of medieval engineering.
(05:59):
Each level tells a story.
Ground level with practical storageand chaplaincy spaces, middle levels
with guest quarters for knights andhosts, and the upper level featuring
a delicate cloister with sea facingcolonnades and a vast monastic refectory.
The architectural designwasn't just about aesthetics.
(06:22):
It was a physical representationof medieval social hierarchy.
The abbey sits at the summit,symbolizing God's Supreme position.
Below, great halls for nobility, thenstores and housing, and at the very
bottom, outside the protective walls, theHumble Dwellings of Fishermen and Farmers.
(06:46):
The story of Monsigne Michel is anarrative of spiritual inspiration,
political intrigue, and human resilience.
According to local legend.
It all began with a divine vision.
Bishop Aubert of Avranches claimedthe archangel Michael appeared to
him in a dream, instructing him tobuild a church on this rocky island.
(07:12):
Not once, but twice,the archangel visited.
And only on the second visitationdid the bishop take the
divine instruction seriously.
Founded in 966, under DukeRichard I of Normandy, the site
transitioned from a small hermitageto a powerful Benedictine abbey.
(07:35):
During the Carolingian period,it became a center of religious
activity and scholarly pursuits.
The Norman conquest of 1066marked a significant moment.
Mont-Saint-Michel's monks supportedWilliam the Conqueror, cementing the
site's political and symbolic importance.
(07:56):
But its most dramatic historical chapterunfolded during the Hundred Years War.
For thirty years, the mount's strongfortifications and strategic location
made it unconquerable by English forces.
It inspired figures like Joan of Arc andbecame a symbol of French resistance.
(08:17):
The high walls and natural defensesturned it into an impenetrable fortress.
The French Revolution broughtanother dramatic transformation.
With monastic populations dwindling,the Abbey was repurposed as a
prison for political prisoners.
But public interest, championedby romantic artists, and
(08:41):
intellectuals like Victor Hugo,saved this architectural treasure.
In 1863, the prison wasclosed and restoration began.
And just to add to it all, when you visit,here's some fun facts that will make
you smarter than your average tourist.
Did you know William the Conqueror
(09:03):
was so inspired byMont-Saint-Michel's that he created
a smaller replica called St.
Michael's Mount in Penzance, England?
Or that the iconic castles in Disney'sTangled and the city of Minas Tirith
in Lord of the Rings drew inspirationfrom this magnificent mount?
(09:25):
The site's architectural and culturalsignificance was globally recognized
in 1979 when UNESCO designated it aWorld Heritage Site, celebrating not
just a building, but a remarkablefusion of natural beauty, human
engineering, and historical significance.
(09:46):
So while this is one of the easier UNESCOsites to visit, and one of the most
popular, It's always helpful to have sometips and tricks to use when visiting.
Let's transition, and how to get there,and how to deal with the massive crowds
that flock to this beautiful site.
So, the closest airport to MontSaint Michel is Rennes airport.
(10:09):
Though, I would say that most people flyinto Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport.
It's usually cheaper and there aremore options for airlines, as well
as flight times to choose from.
From Paris, you can take a train, bus,or drive if you want to rent a car.
I've heard, though, thatdriving can be overwhelming
(10:31):
due to the number of visitors.
It's not so much battling traffic,but trying to find parking, so public
transportation is probably your best bet.
In terms of tickets to purchase, it's freeto access the village, but Abaye du Mont
Saint Michel requires a fee to get in.
(10:51):
This is a Benedictine abbey that is animportant Christian site of pilgrimage
and has been used since the 8th century.
You can see the fortificationat no extra cost.
A lot of the half or full day tripsfrom Paris feature this site as well.
French is the official language, butmost hotel, museum, and restaurant
(11:13):
staff are going to know basic Englishsince there are so many tourists.
If trying to decide the best time ofweek to visit, know that if you're
planning a day trip, Saturdays andSundays are going to be crowded.
If you're planning on staying on theisland, there are only 132 hotel rooms.
And crowding is a major issue.
(11:35):
It seems that using the shuttles can beproblematic too, with wait times of up
to an hour or longer during peak season.
No matter what time of year yougo, make sure you book hotel,
restaurant reservations, and ticketsfor attractions far in advance.
Again, you may want to do a day tour,which will coordinate transportation.
(11:58):
Most choose to stay on themainland, which has a host of bed
and breakfasts and large hotels.
Now, let's talk weather, because it'snot as warm as I would have thought.
It can get as cold as 30 degreesFahrenheit during the winter, with
a high of 70 degrees Fahrenheit.
Pack a jacket or a sweater no matterwhat time of the year you visit.
(12:22):
There's also quite a bit of rain betweenthe months of October to January,
compared to the rest of the year.
So no, you won't be swimming at the beach.
I mean, you can, but the water is frigid.
Now, let's talk about the food and howit plays into one of my favorite topics.
Legends.
Though, just as a warning, the restaurantsare a bit expensive, or at least I thought
(12:47):
they were when I was perusing menus.
The must try dish isOmelette de la Mere Poulard.
Developed in the 1800s,
it's the specialty of the town, madewith butter, eggs, and sometimes fat.
The omelette is rolled on a plate, thenoften served with ham and potatoes.
(13:11):
The la Mere Poulard is the restaurantto visit and known for having
the best rendition of this plate.
And there's actually asuperstition around this dish.
It's believed that if a presidentialcandidate visits Mont-Saint-Michel
and doesn't eat the omelette,they will lose the election.
(13:31):
It all started with Georges Clemenceau,who refused to eat it and lost.
Charles de Gaulle ate the omelette beforehe won, along with Nicolas Sarkozy.
Now, let's talk about a non food relatedlegend, since we're on the topic.
It's believed that the island is hauntedby the ghost of Louis d’Estouteville.
(13:55):
He was a captain who oversaw thetroops stationed at Mont Saint Michel
throughout the Hundred Years War.
Over 20, 000 English soldiersdied, and it's said his ghost still
wanders those same beaches today.
Along with the soldierswho lost their lives.
Finally, let's wrap up today bytalking about the issues that are
(14:19):
faced in preserving this site.
In 2015, major work was done tohelp revive the Maritime Rectitude.
The bay surrounding Mont SaintMichel had a buildup of silt,
and there was a causeway from the1800s that was blocking water flow.
They also started a renovation project atthe tune of nearly 300 million dollars,
(14:43):
which removed the old causeway withthe purpose of letting the sea move
organically around Mont Saint Michel.
And build a light bridgeor walkway instead.
That causeway had preventedtidal currents for 130 years.
So many of these issueshave been partially or fully
eliminated, which is fantastic.
(15:05):
It's always nice to wrap upan episode with an op tip.
Our next episode will transport usto another UNESCO World Heritage
Site that captures the imagination:
natural and culturalheritage of the Orid region.
Located on the shores of Lake Orid,one of the oldest and deepest lakes in
(15:27):
Europe, it's also home to one of theoldest human settlements in Europe.
Join us as we explore this aquaticmarvel, a breathtaking ecosystem
with more than 200 species.
Until then, Keep exploring, keepwondering, and keep treasuring
(15:48):
the remarkable diversityof our world's heritage.
Imagine a place that tells a story spanning centuries.
Where culture and nature intertwine tocreate something truly extraordinary.
That's the beauty of UNESCOWorld Heritage Sites.
I'm Abigail, and this is GlobalTreasures, the podcast that covers
the history, travel tips, andlegends surrounding one of the 1, 223
(00:25):
World Heritage Sites each episode.
These places have been identifiedas having universal, cultural, or
natural significance that is soexceptional that it transcends national
boundaries and is of importanceto present and future generations.
Welcome to season two, wherewe'll explore the 45 sites that
(00:45):
UNESCO added in 1979 together.
Thank you for listening tothe Global Treasures podcast.
We appreciate all of your support, and youcan continue to support us by subscribing
at Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or Podbean.
You can also follow uson TikTok and Facebook.
(01:07):
The site I'll be introducing youto today is Mont Saint Michel
and its bay, located in France.
Close your eyes and listen.
Hear the whisper of centuriescarried on salt laden winds.
Feel the ground beneath yourfeet transform from solid
earth to shifting sands.
(01:28):
Then, to Restless Waters.
This is Mont Saint Michel, a placewhere geography defies imagination,
where stone and sea engage inan endless, mesmerizing dance.
Imagine a rocky tidal island risingfrom the misty waters of Normandy.
(01:50):
A medieval marvel that changesits very nature with each tide,
known as the Wonder of the West.
Mont Saint Michel is more thana destination, it's a living,
breathing testament to humandetermination, spiritual devotion,
and architectural genius.
Mont Saint Michel is not merely abuilding, religious site, or location.
(02:16):
It's a complete medieval world suspendedbetween land and sea, a symbol of
France's medieval Christian civilization.
A gothic style Benedictine abbey dedicatedto the archangel Saint Michael, it sits
dramatically on a rocky tidal island
near the mouth of the Queen AnneRiver, strategically positioned
(02:39):
between Normandy and Brittany.
It has served as both a religiouscenter and a military stronghold,
its significance extending farbeyond its physical boundaries.
This is a pilgrimage site that reflects anancient tradition of creating sanctuaries
in difficult to access locations.
(03:00):
Throughout the Middle Ages, pilgrimswould navigate treacherous paths,
crossing vast sandbanks during lowtide, risking quicksand and sudden
water rises to reach this sacred place.
Today, it stands as one of France'stop three cultural attractions.
Drawing over 3 million visitors annually.
(03:22):
Trailing only the Eiffel Tower and thePalace of Versailles in popularity.
The geographical uniqueness of Mont SaintMichel is nothing short of extraordinary.
Situated on a rocky islet, it'sa landscape in constant motion.
The bay experiences some of themost dramatic tidal ranges in
(03:43):
Europe, up to 15 meters or 45feet between high and low tide.
Victor Hugo, the author of Hunchbackof Notre Dame, famously described the
tidal phenomenon as water rushing atthe speed of a galloping horse, a poetic
description that captures the raw,upredictable nature of this environment.
(04:07):
During spring tides, which occurjust after full and new moons, the
transformation is the most dramatic.
The mount alternates betweenbeing an island and a landlocked
site, a metamorphosis that hascaptivated visitors for centuries.
The surrounding ecosystemis equally remarkable.
(04:29):
Vast sandbanks stretch out, creatinga landscape that seems to breathe
and change with each passing hour.
The tidal variations create aunique environment that has been
carefully preserved, contributingto its UNESCO World Heritage status.
The Architecture of Mont Saint Michel isa breathtaking journey through medieval
(04:52):
building techniques, a physical narrativeof evolving styles spanning six centuries.
Let's travel through time,starting with the oldest
structure, Notre-Dame-sous-Terre.
This pre Romanesque church,constructed in the 10th century with
granite masonry and flat bricks.
(05:13):
represents the earliest foundations.
Imagine monks working meticulously,building directly on the island's rocky
summit, their construction techniquesadapting to the challenging terrain.
The Romanesque period brought furtherinnovations, the Abbey's nave,
supported directly by the rock summit,showcased early ribbed vaulting, a
(05:38):
revolutionary architectural technique.
Then came the Gothic period, atime of architectural revolution.
The marvel constructed between 1204 and1228 exemplifies this transformation.
This three tiered structure is amasterpiece of medieval engineering.
(05:59):
Each level tells a story.
Ground level with practical storageand chaplaincy spaces, middle levels
with guest quarters for knights andhosts, and the upper level featuring
a delicate cloister with sea facingcolonnades and a vast monastic refectory.
The architectural designwasn't just about aesthetics.
(06:22):
It was a physical representationof medieval social hierarchy.
The abbey sits at the summit,symbolizing God's Supreme position.
Below, great halls for nobility, thenstores and housing, and at the very
bottom, outside the protective walls, theHumble Dwellings of Fishermen and Farmers.
(06:46):
The story of Monsigne Michel is anarrative of spiritual inspiration,
political intrigue, and human resilience.
According to local legend.
It all began with a divine vision.
Bishop Aubert of Avranches claimedthe archangel Michael appeared to
him in a dream, instructing him tobuild a church on this rocky island.
(07:12):
Not once, but twice,the archangel visited.
And only on the second visitationdid the bishop take the
divine instruction seriously.
Founded in 966, under DukeRichard I of Normandy, the site
transitioned from a small hermitageto a powerful Benedictine abbey.
(07:35):
During the Carolingian period,it became a center of religious
activity and scholarly pursuits.
The Norman conquest of 1066marked a significant moment.
Mont-Saint-Michel's monks supportedWilliam the Conqueror, cementing the
site's political and symbolic importance.
(07:56):
But its most dramatic historical chapterunfolded during the Hundred Years War.
For thirty years, the mount's strongfortifications and strategic location
made it unconquerable by English forces.
It inspired figures like Joan of Arc andbecame a symbol of French resistance.
(08:17):
The high walls and natural defensesturned it into an impenetrable fortress.
The French Revolution broughtanother dramatic transformation.
With monastic populations dwindling,the Abbey was repurposed as a
prison for political prisoners.
But public interest, championedby romantic artists, and
(08:41):
intellectuals like Victor Hugo,saved this architectural treasure.
In 1863, the prison wasclosed and restoration began.
And just to add to it all, when you visit,here's some fun facts that will make
you smarter than your average tourist.
Did you know William the Conqueror
(09:03):
was so inspired byMont-Saint-Michel's that he created
a smaller replica called St.
Michael's Mount in Penzance, England?
Or that the iconic castles in Disney'sTangled and the city of Minas Tirith
in Lord of the Rings drew inspirationfrom this magnificent mount?
(09:25):
The site's architectural and culturalsignificance was globally recognized
in 1979 when UNESCO designated it aWorld Heritage Site, celebrating not
just a building, but a remarkablefusion of natural beauty, human
engineering, and historical significance.
(09:46):
So while this is one of the easier UNESCOsites to visit, and one of the most
popular, It's always helpful to have sometips and tricks to use when visiting.
Let's transition, and how to get there,and how to deal with the massive crowds
that flock to this beautiful site.
So, the closest airport to MontSaint Michel is Rennes airport.
(10:09):
Though, I would say that most people flyinto Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport.
It's usually cheaper and there aremore options for airlines, as well
as flight times to choose from.
From Paris, you can take a train, bus,or drive if you want to rent a car.
I've heard, though, thatdriving can be overwhelming
(10:31):
due to the number of visitors.
It's not so much battling traffic,but trying to find parking, so public
transportation is probably your best bet.
In terms of tickets to purchase, it's freeto access the village, but Abaye du Mont
Saint Michel requires a fee to get in.
(10:51):
This is a Benedictine abbey that is animportant Christian site of pilgrimage
and has been used since the 8th century.
You can see the fortificationat no extra cost.
A lot of the half or full day tripsfrom Paris feature this site as well.
French is the official language, butmost hotel, museum, and restaurant
(11:13):
staff are going to know basic Englishsince there are so many tourists.
If trying to decide the best time ofweek to visit, know that if you're
planning a day trip, Saturdays andSundays are going to be crowded.
If you're planning on staying on theisland, there are only 132 hotel rooms.
And crowding is a major issue.
(11:35):
It seems that using the shuttles can beproblematic too, with wait times of up
to an hour or longer during peak season.
No matter what time of year yougo, make sure you book hotel,
restaurant reservations, and ticketsfor attractions far in advance.
Again, you may want to do a day tour,which will coordinate transportation.
(11:58):
Most choose to stay on themainland, which has a host of bed
and breakfasts and large hotels.
Now, let's talk weather, because it'snot as warm as I would have thought.
It can get as cold as 30 degreesFahrenheit during the winter, with
a high of 70 degrees Fahrenheit.
Pack a jacket or a sweater no matterwhat time of the year you visit.
(12:22):
There's also quite a bit of rain betweenthe months of October to January,
compared to the rest of the year.
So no, you won't be swimming at the beach.
I mean, you can, but the water is frigid.
Now, let's talk about the food and howit plays into one of my favorite topics.
Legends.
Though, just as a warning, the restaurantsare a bit expensive, or at least I thought
(12:47):
they were when I was perusing menus.
The must try dish isOmelette de la Mere Poulard.
Developed in the 1800s,
it's the specialty of the town, madewith butter, eggs, and sometimes fat.
The omelette is rolled on a plate, thenoften served with ham and potatoes.
(13:11):
The la Mere Poulard is the restaurantto visit and known for having
the best rendition of this plate.
And there's actually asuperstition around this dish.
It's believed that if a presidentialcandidate visits Mont-Saint-Michel
and doesn't eat the omelette,they will lose the election.
(13:31):
It all started with Georges Clemenceau,who refused to eat it and lost.
Charles de Gaulle ate the omelette beforehe won, along with Nicolas Sarkozy.
Now, let's talk about a non food relatedlegend, since we're on the topic.
It's believed that the island is hauntedby the ghost of Louis d’Estouteville.
(13:55):
He was a captain who oversaw thetroops stationed at Mont Saint Michel
throughout the Hundred Years War.
Over 20, 000 English soldiersdied, and it's said his ghost still
wanders those same beaches today.
Along with the soldierswho lost their lives.
Finally, let's wrap up today bytalking about the issues that are
(14:19):
faced in preserving this site.
In 2015, major work was done tohelp revive the Maritime Rectitude.
The bay surrounding Mont SaintMichel had a buildup of silt,
and there was a causeway from the1800s that was blocking water flow.
They also started a renovation project atthe tune of nearly 300 million dollars,
(14:43):
which removed the old causeway withthe purpose of letting the sea move
organically around Mont Saint Michel.
And build a light bridgeor walkway instead.
That causeway had preventedtidal currents for 130 years.
So many of these issueshave been partially or fully
eliminated, which is fantastic.
(15:05):
It's always nice to wrap upan episode with an op tip.
Our next episode will transport usto another UNESCO World Heritage
Site that captures the imagination:
natural and culturalheritage of the Orid region.
Located on the shores of Lake Orid,one of the oldest and deepest lakes in
(15:27):
Europe, it's also home to one of theoldest human settlements in Europe.
Join us as we explore this aquaticmarvel, a breathtaking ecosystem
with more than 200 species.
Until then, Keep exploring, keepwondering, and keep treasuring
(15:48):
the remarkable diversityof our world's heritage.
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