Of all the popular stops on a France tour, none are quite like Mont Saint-Michel. Located on a tiny island about half-a-mile off the coast of Normandy, this small commune has been a part of French history since the eighth century, and any venture to the secluded site will stand out as one of the most unique parts of the trip.
The highlight of Mont Saint-Michel is unquestionably the enormous abbey that you can see from far off shore. The rest of the community was built around this stunning building, which was dedicated to St. Michael. Construction on the abbey began in the 11th century, but it was not officially completed until the 16h century. Today, it stands as a testament to the artistic and technical skill of the architects.
More than just a relic of a bygone era, the abbey is open each day from May through September. Even if you're not interested in sitting in on mass, guided tours are available or you can explore the intricate work by yourself.
There are a number of other highlights of Mont Saint-Michel, including Logis Tiphaine, a 15th century home that has since been turned into a museum.
