Mont Saint-Michel
Up in the north of France, there is a tiny island (population 44 people) capped by an abbey and surrounded by changing tides. In the old days, the island was only accessible when the tide was out, allowing people to make their pilgrimages and bring supplies, but even then, the muddy surroundings made for a dangerous slog. Now, there is a bridge connecting the island to the mainland and guided tours to help people safely navigate the mud flats. If you can believe it, we took almost 20,000 steps exploring the alleyways, ramparts, muddy beaches and rocky shores. It may be small in size, but that didn't mean we weren't exhausted by the time we were done.
The view of Mont Saint-Michel from the mainland (only a kilometre away).
When the tide is in, the water goes all the way up to the walls.
15th and 16th century buildings scaling the side of the mountain.
The Main Street is packed with shops, restaurants, and even a few museums.
Standing on the walls with the bridge to the mainland behind us.
A puffy contemplative pigeon.
The gothic exterior of the abbey.
Looking from the top down the mount, across the mud flats and to the the mainland.
Where water meets mud (note the little footprints where someone ventured out and back).
Almost castle-like in appearance, the abbey itself takes an hour or so to wander through.
The peaceful cloisters.
The front side of the island is all mud, but the back side is a ragged rocky shore.
This picture doesn't quite do it justice, but the reflections in the mud and looks like the sky is mingling with the earth.
An old weather-worn statue gives its blessings to passersby.
A hidden chapel around the back of the island.