At the recommendation of our dear friend and neighbor, Bernadette Garcia, we set out to explore two of her favorite places in France: Mont St. Michel and Honfleur. Her excitement for these places was contagious, and we were eager to experience them. The sight of Mont St. Michel emerging from the misty horizon and the bustling streets of Honfleur were a sight to behold and worth the drive.
Mont St Michel is located on a tidal Island. This unique piece of land is captivating, connecting to the mainland at low tide and transforming into an actual island at high tide, making it inaccessible by foot. This natural wonder is a must-see.
The Abbey’s antiquity is still apparent today. It was built in the eighth century, and one step inside makes you feel like you are back in that era. Legend has it that the Archangel Michael appeared in 708 AD and instructed the bishop of Avranches to build a church on the rocky islet. This is where its illustrious history began, a history that we were happy to explore.
It was once a popular pilgrimage site, but this waned during the French Revolution. We were happy to see pilgrims walking to the Abbey while we were there, and it stirred excitement within us for our impending walk.
The Abbey was closed in the early 1800s and used as a prison for clerical opponents of the republic regime and high-profile political prisoners. In 1836, the author Victor Hugo and other influential figures began a campaign to restore the national architectural treasure. Their efforts led to a significant restoration, preserving the Abbey’s historical and architectural significance for future generations to appreciate.
During the occupation of France in the Second World War, the Germans occupied Mont St Michel and used St Aubert Church as a lookout post. It was liberated after D-Day and used as a prison for a short period to house German prisoners. It became a UNESCO site in 1979. This rich history and its unique tidal nature make Mont St. Michel a place of profound historical significance and a must-visit for any history enthusiast.
We might have overlooked Honfleur if Bernadette had not mentioned it. We are genuinely grateful she did and thankful we heeded her advice. Her recommendation added a unique and enriching experience to our journey, which we sincerely appreciate.
The first mention of the area was in 1025. It was a major transient port from Rouen to England, which helped it become a lively city in its day. During the nineteenth century, this port city gained some popularity with the impressionist artists of this era. The old houses with slate frontages were painted frequently by local artists. Artists like Monet, Boudin, and Coubert were a few that would meet at the La Fermme Saint Simeon, which is still in Honfleur as a five-star hotel. The St Catherine church still stands and reportedly is the largest wooden church in France. The quaint streets, the bustling port, and the charming architecture all added to the unique charm of Honfleur.
All this travel reminds me of how much I still have to learn and explore.
Tom and Nancy’s Journeys 