Saint-Malo and Mont Saint-Michel 2

Mont Saint-Michel is visually stunning. From a distance it looks like it could be an Egyptian pyramid. But up close you can see the intricate architecture of this 8th century monastery. It reminds me of Minas Tirith, the capitol of Gondor in the Lord of the Rings and it’s no wonder they resemble each other since the director Peter Jackson was inspired by Mont St Michel. We passed through the walls of the city and wound our way up to the monastery which is at the very top of the mount. The walkway is similar to a labyrinth like alley way. It is very narrow and crowded with restaurants, gift shops and bakeries on all sides. We had to ignore the tempting smells and sights that assailed us as we climbed to the top to see La Merveille (or marvel, as the monastery is known).

The view from the monastery is magnificent. During the highest tides the island is surrounded by the sea and occasionally the parking lots are submerged, though never the causeway. When I was there the tide was low and the vast majority of what I saw was sand with rivulets of water. I couldn’t believe how far the sand stretched before I could see the ocean. The sand is unlike any I’d ever seen before. It was grayish in color and felt like clay. It wasn’t grainy and it stuck to my fingers and shoes.

The monastery itself is a work of art, from the nooks, crannies, buttresses, columns and spire on the outside to the gardens, staircases, massive fireplaces, colonnades, and stained glass windows on the inside. Even with all the tourists one can clearly tell it is very sacred place. I tried to imagine living at the monastery. It would have been freezing, even with the six foot tall fireplaces. Moreover, I know it would have taken me years before I knew my way around; there were that many different doors and passageways.

Well that pretty much sums up my day. It was quite extraordinary and my only mementos are my memories and nearly 260 pictures. (Overkill I know, but it might be the only time I ever see the place.)

Au revoir!
Heidi

Click on these links for more information on:
Saint-Malo: http://www.ville-saint-malo.fr/decouvrir/en/index.html
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Saint-Malo

Mont Saint-Michel: “The highest tides in continental Europe take place at Mont-Saint-Michel, up to 15 metres difference between low and high water. During top of the spring tides, the sea goes out 15 kilometres from the coast and comes in again very quickly.” http://www.ot-montsaintmichel.com/horaires_gb.htm
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mont-Saint-Michel

CIDEF: http://www.uco.fr/61803865/0/fiche___pagelibre/

Minas Tirith: “According to the "Making Of" featurettes on the Extended Edition DVDs, the appearance and structure of the city was based upon Mont Saint-Michel, France.”Click on the link and scroll down to see a picture. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Minas_Tirith

SCO Angers Football Club: It’s been around since 1919--pretty impressive. http://www.angers-sco.fr/accueil.php


Kouign Amann: In Breton, it literally means Cake Butter. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kouign_amann