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This is Mont Saint Michel, the most famous tidal island in the world. And as
you can see it’s now possible to walk over to the island. But in a couple of
hours this whole area will be covered with water and the island will lay in the ocean again.
What makes Mont Saint Michel unique is in danger. The ecological system has
been changed by all the human activities around here for centuries. Within the year
2040 all of this that surrounds Mont Saint Michel will be salt marshes.
Over three million people visits Mont Saint Michel a year. And as you can see it
can become very crowded. But if you want to have the island for yourself there
is a trick … And that is to wait until evening and all
the tourist go home and you have the island practically for yourself.
There had been people living here for centuries before the bishop Avranches
was commanded by the Archangel Michael to build a monastery here in his
Honore. And that is why we call the island Mont Saint-Michel.
Mont Saint-Michel was expanded and fortified by the normans, the descendants
of Rollo, and the monastery’s power was enhanced. All the pilgrims honouring
Saint Michael was also something that made the place prosperous.
During the 100 year war the british tried in vain to take the Island, but they never did
it. The last siege was in 1434 but the knights beat the English and placed this
big canon in front to protect the monastery.
After the French revolution the monastery was made into a prison for the clergy who
opposed the new regime. In 1863 the prison was closed down and in 1874 the
monastery was protected.
Its incredible to have this whole island to ones self …
So what can be better that to end a great day on Mont Saint-Michel, looking at a
beautiful sunset, a glass of champagne, and good friends.
A busy day … Cheers.