The Mont St Michel in Normandy is sheer grandiose, remarkably grey and sits imposing on a tidal island. The pictures don't do justice to the actual sight. It's is a reaction of such awe and admiration once you get the first view of the ancient monastery dedicated to the archangel Saint Michel, which was built before the year 1000.
The tides create a palette of different shades of blue and brown that complement with the grey of this Gallo-Roman structure.
The Mont visit is very well-organised - a guided map with information you receive along with your ticket as well as free bus from the public transport terminal/car park that takes you up close to the Mont. It's about ten minutes ride or you could choose to walk it for about 40 minutes. We took the ride after a train journey from Paris to Rennes (2.5 hours) and a Keolis bus from Rennes to the Mont (1 hour).
The abbey, which is the highlight of the Mont is striking in the architecture of its cloister. The cloister, with its arches and cool ambience is the first thing I remember when I recollect the visit. The other highlights of the abbey are the church, the vaults, the monk's ossuary (burial space, which was converted to prison cells during the wars, the crypt, and the monk's refectory (dining room), and the almonry (where alms were distributed). Also, the small village with its winding streets lined with restaurants around the abbey is fascinating.
This has been my first visit to a Christian monastery and a fascinating one for sure.
 |
| The cloister |
No comments:
Post a Comment