2023-07-09 -- Tidal Islands: Mont-Saint-Michel

A tidal island, also known as an islet, is a landmass that is only completely surrounded by water during high tide or flood conditions. When the tide is low, the surrounding land is exposed, and the island may become connected to the mainland. However, it's important to note that during periods of high water, these areas can be dangerous, with the risk of becoming trapped or pulled by strong currents.

One such fascinating tidal island is Mont-Saint-Michel (1) in Normandy, France.

Many people, especially children, have seen images of Mont-Saint-Michel without knowing its exact location. If you've watched "Tangled (2)," a Disney film loosely based on the Brothers Grimm (3) fairy tale "Rapunzel (4)," which in turn is inspired by the real-life story of Saint Barbara (5), you'll recognize the iconic image.

A scenic road leads to a parking lot near the entrance. From there, you can reach the island by shuttle bus, horse-drawn carriage, or on foot.

To reach the island, you'll need to cross a bridge. During low tide, you can even walk on the floor of the English Channel!

There are many restaurants and gift shops, all part of the charming scenery. You can indulge in delicious French food and pastries, as well as browse local handmade arts and crafts.

In my opinion, it would be a crime not to try French food! If I could crave anything, it would be a French baguette: crusty on the outside, soft on the inside, and heavenly scented.

Speaking of bread, a few years ago in Angers, France, I had a humorous experience. My host asked if I wanted to go to the bakery in the morning to pick up bread for the weekend. Unlike in the U.S., French bakery owners value a work-life balance. They open their shops daily to provide fresh bread and pastries but close early to enjoy their personal time. The concept of working overtime or submitting inaccurate time sheets is foreign to them.

As I approached the bakery, the baker asked me what I wanted, clearly indicating that I wasn't welcome. My host explained that I simply wanted to smell the fresh bread. Everyone in the bakery erupted in laughter. An elderly gentleman even commented, "He must be from the United States." The whole situation was quite amusing.

Mont-Saint-Michel is a marvel of medieval architecture, perched atop a tidal island. The Benedictine abbey, dedicated to Saint Michael the Archangel, dominates the skyline. Its Romanesque and Gothic architecture is a testament to centuries of history and devotion.

As you wander through the narrow, cobblestone streets, you'll encounter a variety of shops, restaurants, and historical buildings. The fortifications, built to protect the abbey and its inhabitants, offer stunning views of the surrounding landscape.

It's important to note that Mont-Saint-Michel is a popular tourist destination, so it's best to visit during the off-peak seasons to avoid crowds. However, even during peak season, the island's unique charm and breathtaking scenery make it a worthwhile experience.

The line for the abbey tickets can be long, but it might be one of the few lines you actually enjoy. The wait allows you to witness the mesmerizing spectacle of the tide. Watching the water surge in or recede around the island is truly captivating. It's a fascinating display of nature's power.

It's a truly magical experience to witness the tides change at Mont-Saint-Michel. As the tide rolls in, the island becomes increasingly isolated, surrounded by water. It's a sight to behold, as the once-accessible land transforms into a solitary island.

The ebb and flow of the tides create a dynamic and ever-changing landscape, adding to the allure of this historic site.

There's a dam on the adjacent river to regulate the flow of water into the English Channel. This dam helps to prevent flooding during periods of heavy rainfall.

There are many other places to explore in the surrounding area, each with its own unique charm. These experiences will contribute to your overall memories of the trip.

Of course, food and drink are always an essential part of any travel experience. Whether it's savoring local delicacies or simply enjoying a refreshing beverage, these moments can enhance your appreciation of the sights and sounds around you.

Visiting the museum will help you gain a deeper understanding of the region's natural history and cultural heritage.

Make sure to take a different route back to your starting point, even if you think your car might not fit. You won't regret it. After all, you're in France.

I picked up my rental car in Le Mans, the city famous for the 24 Hours of Le Mans race.

The rental car agent patiently waited for me to arrive at 5 PM on the TGV and close the shop. She told me she had kept a brand-new Kia Sportage SUV for me, but I insisted on a Peugeot 3008, simply trying to experience something local. She agreed and gave me a brand-new SUV.

As I headed out with my daughter, who fluently speaks French, we tried to change the car's language to English so I could use the navigation and understand the warning messages. Unfortunately, we couldn't figure it out. I knew the way to Angers, where my host lived, so I didn't need navigation. Over the next few days, we traveled to various places without relying on the car's navigation. I also ignored the car's warnings.

While driving to Mont-Saint-Michel, I spotted a Peugeot service center and asked a technician to change the language. He quickly clicked on a couple of settings, and voila, the car's language was in English. (I kind of heard something in tune of "Stupid American", but I am not totally sure, although I might have said the same!)