Serenity at Its Best

The long train ride to Pontorson/Mont St Michel only helped to build up the excitement, and I was not in the least bit disappointed. I will always remember the cab ride through the quaint little town, going past the hostels and through what seemed like endless green fields leading to nowhere. Then suddenly, out of nowhere, rose out of its barren isolation, the majestic stature of the Abbey of Mont St Michel. The two nights spent here were well worth it: enjoying the quaintness in the hustle bustle of a completely functional 19th century village.

Then comes night time...after the sun goes down, that's when you experience the true character of this "island". Silence in its purest form is punctuated only by the occasional footsteps on the cobblestones or the monks and nuns singing evening prayers. Make sure you visit the abbey when there is a tour and if possible for Mass as well. If the weather is right and a fog rolls in, you'll be amazed at the moon-like atmosphere and experience some of the mystery that drew and continues to draw pilgrims across the ages...

Quick Tips:

There are many hostels/hotels within the town itself and you can walk/drive in to the abbey in the day time. But to get a real experience of the atmosphere of the place after dark, plan to spend at least one night within the village itself. Bring lots of water and be prepared to take many stops before reaching the top.

Best Way To Get Around:

Most suggest renting cars to drive here but I found the train system to be impressively effective and on time. Try to get a train schedule in one of the larger towns, otherwise you might experience some frustration trying to figure out trains, especially if you don't speak much French. You'll have to take a cab from the train station to the foot of the abbey (it will cost up to 20 Euros). No vehicles are allowed past the entrance at the foot of the abbey. After that, it's foot power all the way. Be prepared for a very steep climb all the way to the top...

The bedroom was small but with one double bed and one single bed with little windows looking up towards the abbey. The bathroom was bathroom. Everything was clean and comfortable and the staff were generally pleasant and helpful.

On the second floor with a panaromic view of the bay, the warm yellow interior is a contrast to the cool, grey fog outdoors. The restaurant below is renowned for its famous Omelettes du Mont St Michel, but the piano bar upstairs is famous for its distinguished visitors, many of whom have left autographed pictures that grace the walls.

This is a good place to enjoy a glass of calvados, the apple brandy of the region, and visit with some of the other visitors who come from all over the world. It is somewhat a tourist attraction, but one worth taking in.