A magical day trip to France's thousand-year-old sacred mountain: Mont Saint Michel

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The morning streets of Paris were still a dream, but I had already embarked on a journey to Mont Saint-Michel. This maritime abbey, seemingly emerging from a medieval painting, stands quietly in the Gulf of Normandy, awaiting the arrival of the tide and travelers.

The Story of Mont Saint-Michel:
In 708, Saint Aubert, Bishop of Avranches, dreamed of a vision from the Archangel Michael, who offered to build a church/sanctuary in his name for the pilgrim city. Saint Aubert dismissed the first two visions as mere dreams, but the third time the Archangel appeared, he angrily declared, "I asked you to build a church, and you won't obey?" He then punched a hole in the bishop's head. Awakening from his sleep, Aubert immediately set to work. Suddenly realizing his mistake, he immediately worked tirelessly to transport supplies to the isolated island in the sea. A small chapel was built on the island's highest point, becoming a pilgrimage center, hence the name Mont Saint-Michel.

🚆 Transportation: Pilgrimage route from Paris

I chose the most convenient route:

• TGV high-speed train: Departs from Paris Montparnasse Station, arrives in Rennes in about 2 hours

• Shuttle bus: Operated by Keolis, takes about 1.5 hours and goes directly to the entrance of Mont Saint-Michel

📌 Tips:

• Train tickets can be booked on the SNCF official website; it's recommended to purchase in advance to secure discounted fares.
• Bus tickets must be booked separately, and the time should coincide with the train's arrival time to avoid missing it.

🏰 First sight of the Mont Saint-Michel: A dreamlike silhouette

As the bus crossed fields and the bay, the silhouette of Mont Saint-Michel gradually emerged. Its spires reached the sky, and its walls encircled the mountain, resembling a floating castle. When the tide receded, it connected to the mainland; when the tide came in, it became an isolated island, mysterious and majestic.

🧭 Itinerary: Highlights of the Day Tour

Time Activities
10:30 AM Arrive at the entrance of Mont Saint-Michel and board the free shuttle bus
1:00 AM–12:30 PM Stroll along the cobblestone streets and explore the historic shops
12:30 PM–1:30 PM Lunch: Omelette at La Mère Poulard
1:30 PM–3:00 PM Climb to the summit of the abbey and visit the cloisters and church
3:00 PM–4:00 PM Overlook the embankment and capture the dusk lights
4:30 PM Return to Rennes and catch the train back to Paris

🍴 Food Recommendation: Eat a Cloud in One Bite

At La Mère Poulard, I tried the legendary bubble omelette. The chef hand-beats the eggs in a copper pan, frying the thick, fluffy omelette to perfection. Crispy on the outside and tender on the inside, paired with Normandy cider, it's a true delight for your taste buds.

⛪ Summit of the Monastery: A Meeting of Tranquility and Sublimity

Monastery tickets are €11 and can be booked online. Climb to the summit, walk through the Gothic cloisters, and overlook the bay. At that moment, the sound of the wind and the chiming of the bells intertwine, as if time has stood still.

📌 Notes:

• Wear non-slip shoes, as the stone path is slippery and steep.
• The wind can be strong at the summit, so bring a jacket.
• Food and drink are prohibited within the monastery, so please eat beforehand.

📸 Magical Dusk: Eternity in Light and Shadow
The setting sun shone on the spires, bathing the mountain city in a golden glow. The tide quietly flowed in, and the holy mountain once again became an isolated island. I stood on the embankment, gazing silently, as if I were in a fantasy movie.