Water reflection of Mont-Saint-Michel (Saint Michael's Mount), a medieval Christian tidal islet and UNESCO World Heritage Site in Normandy, France
Le Mont-Saint-Michel (English: Saint Michael's Mount) is a tidal island and mainland commune in Normandy, France. The island lies approximately one kilometre ( miles) off the country's north-western coast, at the mouth of the Couesnon River near Avranches and is 7 hectares (17 acres) in area. The mainland part of the commune is 393 hectares (971 acres) in area so that the total surface of the commune is 400 hectares (988 acres). As of 2019, the island had a population of 29. The commune's position - on an island just a few hundred metres from land—made it accessible at low tide to the many pilgrims to its abbey, but defensible as an incoming tide stranded, drove off, or drowned would-be assailants. The island remained unconquered during the Hundred Years' War; a small garrison fended off a full attack by the English in 1433. Louis XI recognised the reverse benefits of its natural defence and turned it into a prison. The abbey was used regularly as a prison during the Ancien Regime. Mont Saint-Michel and its surrounding bay were inscribed on the UNESCO list of World Heritage Sites in 1979 for its unique aesthetic and importance as a medieval Christian site. It is visited by more than 3 million people each year. Over 60 buildings within the commune are protected in France as monuments historiques.
Size: 3840px × 5760px
Location: 50170 Le Mont-Saint-Michel, Manche, Normandy, France, Europe
Photo credit: © DE ROCKER / Alamy / Afripics
License: Licensed
Model Released: No
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