E2: Mont Saint Michel 16th Sept 2015

In 2014 the causeway was replaced by this bridge which now allows the water to circulate around the Mont clearing the silt build up and  returning it to an island…. 

 

At low tide it is possible to walk to (and around) the Mont as indeed many pilgrims have done since the Abbey was built in 708 (the bay around the Mont has the highest tidal range in Europe…… up to 15 metres between high and low water!)….

 

Once though the outer gate there is a series of inner gates leading to the garrison and fortifications (it has been a military stronghold over the years too).  It’s claim to fame was that during the ‘100 year war’ it was the only part of Northern and Western France that did not fall in to English hands….

 

Grahame looking pensive (me? no way!) outside the Tour Gabriel which has just been restored….

 

Looking up towards the 3 tiered abbey (lower level for pilgrims, comfy middle level for the Abbot and noble guests, and the windy isolated upper level for the monks!)….

 

 

Todays fun fact:  

The 2016 Tour de France will begin from the Mont on 2nd July…. (guess that will be in 289 days then….)