INSIDE MONT SAINT MICHEL Medieval Village Normandy France

#montsaintmichel #medievalvillage #exploringabandonedplaces

Mont Saint-Michel, this magical island topped with a medieval skyscraper has been a holy place since the year 708.

Climb its winding cobbled streets, pass age old gauntlets and eateries, all whilst surrounded by the vast sea inside this world heritage site that has stood on these shores for well over 1000 years…

Pilgrims first came to the mound to be hermits, attracted by the tides that rush in so fast, they could cross quickly and be alone here.
In the year 966, it’s first church opened.

After dark, its enchanting streets take on a whole new atmosphere, wherever you are on the mound, you can look up at its shinning beacon above.

During the Hundred Years War between England and France, the English besieged and blockaded Mont-Saint-Michel three times.
The French had built strong walls in the 13th century, that would enable it to withstand a 30-year long siege by the English.

In 1622 monks had to cope with the arrival of prisoners, imprisoned without trial.
The monks were driven from the abbey in 1790, but the prison wouldn’t close until 1863, when the monument was left in a state if severe dilapidation.

By 1876, the long process of restoration had began and two years later the causeway linking it to mainland was constructed, this was when visitor numbers really began to grow.

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[tommyjohnson]

I was able to visit the Mont in 1977, and to this day, I still regard it as the most amazing site I've ever seen. Thanks for the great video.

[MarcUK]

Sadly with a lot of these "heritage" areas, companies come in and buy up a lot of properties for the sole purpose of turning them into holiday rentals. This of course causes the population to dwindle.

[PLuMUK]

One of my favourite places ever. It is so unworldly, as you enter, you feel that you have left the rest of the planet behind you, then you reach the top and look out. It's as if you have crossed over some sort of barrier between one world and the next. Truly magical, and quite Tolkienian.

[gandigooglegandigoogle]

France is an incredible such a rich history, the stones speak to you, everywhere in this country there are incredible things.

[alistairt]

I visited Mont Saint Michel back in 2008 after my hs graduation, part of my 1 month trip in France. It was one the best experiences I've had travelling, like travelling back in time and imagining what life was like hundreds of years ago. I want to go back!

[drainmonkeys]

European history is amazing… the castles and cathedrals are stunning…

[GeneralGouda]

My ancestor, came from Normandy. He moved to Nova Scotia and settled with the French who would become the Acadians. They were exiled from NS and moved to southern Louisiana. Their story is incredible.

[bristleconepinus]

To me, all of France is a treasure, Mont St. Michael is superlative. We visited in the mid 90's, January, stayed in Pont Orson and actually had the entire place to ourselves as we climbed to the Abbey. The cloisters were so peaceful, not to mention the view.

[midnightknight]

This mont is so beautiful, looks like a God's paint, love from Brazil. VIVA CRISTO REI.

[gaarcemail]

the architectural engineering that they had in those days, let alone the esthetics, the foundation on which that castle is built on, that has withstood the test of time and still in perfect condition.
Thank you for taking your time and not rushing through. It was at a very nice pace, as though I were there. It is such a wonderful place. It made me think about how it would have felt to be there 6 or 7 hundred years ago.

[marilynleslie]

We visited in 2010, an amazing place. After climbing up to the abbey and touring it, we went all the way back down to find our hotel room. We checked in and then had to climb again to our hotel. When we arrived at our hotel we had to climb again to the top floor. We opened the door to our room only to find more stairs! I think we had the highest hotel room on the island!

[littlewing]

Thank you so much for sharing this! I spent a couple of days in Mont St Michel when I was 10 years old, and I always remembered how enchanting everything was. I ran up and down ALL of the steps and stairs and streets and pathways - - each and every one of them - - for two whole days. I zigged and I zagged, and I crissed and I crossed. I went back and forth, from early morning right up until it became dark (which was not until after 9PM - - - it was early July). I investigated every single nook and cranny (while my mother rested and visited with friends). This was 60 years ago, when little kids could run around and explore to their heart's content. Your thorough and loving visit has brought me great joy. Thanks again!

[ricanhavoc]

Absolutely gorgeous. By the end, it struck me.. we get to enjoy the enchantment of the past but those who lived it had some difficult difficult times. The things we get to take for granted, they never experienced. 💖

[Indian_gae_boii]

i applaud france for preserving its cities of the old so well, my country could not unfortunately do that. this place looks absolutely amazing! i became obsessed with this place ever since I learned of its existence

[Sam-czbz]

A spectacular place. A real gem, an architectural treasure. You are literally stepping back in time. The cathedral monastery on the top with the village set below looks mind blowing.

[mlejoly]

Mont Saint Michel is an amazing place, I visited when I was a child with my parents and even 40 years ago it was already a marvel to visit.

[angeladawson]

Just beautiful. My mother's favorite church in Europe. I didn't know the place was so massive in size.

[jilldavis]

Sam & Jess, thank you both sooo very much for taking this non ambulatory person on a trip of a lifetime!!! One that, without you, I would never have gotten the opportunity to experience!!! It certainly isn’t handicapped friendly or accessible!!! You have given me this wonderful opportunity to experience the breathtaking architecture, Medevil times, history & outstanding craftsmanship of the beautiful stonework & fine handiwork far beyond its years!!! Words cannot express the gorgeous views of this treasure!!! Thank you for sharing this wonderful adventure with me & the world!!! I love you guys so very much ❤️💕♥️ I truly loved it 👍🙏❤️💕♥️

[bethanybartholomew]

My husband and daughter and I just visited in November! It was magical! One of the best experiences of my life!

[kindalikechicken]

Got engaged there in '97 while backpacking across Europe. We explored the place with the same sense of awe you guys did. Loved it. We even visited the same time of year. Had the run of the place. Good to see it hasn't changed—except no LED Christmas lights then.