SAINT-MICHEL, FRANCE – The tide is low. Saint-Michel, archangel in many religions, stands watch over the island. In times like this, when the tide is low, the dark grey quicksand is revealed to surround the mount. From up top, straight lines of wooded territory delineates the grasslands, where white shells lay ontop of the swaying grasses.
A four and a half hour ride outside of the city, Mont Saint-Michel is likely not the first place one thinks of to visit when traveling to Paris. As one proceeds to exit from the city, the countryside rolls into view. Cathedrals dot the landscape of Normandy, including one where Joan of Arc is memorialized, in Rouen.
The view is iconic, especially if one has studied medieval literature. The American scholar Henry Adams has published a book delineating symbolism of the island. It has piqued the interest of many, both culturally and religiously. The iconography in the cathedral itself can be appealing to any makeshift scholar.
The walkway leading up to the Mont is filled with diverse populace– anyone from nuns to tourists from far-off straits. The center of the Mont itself is lined with attractions of food and postcards, but it does not detract from the grander then life sense one is apt to receive walking through the island. When one looks off into the distance, the water appears still, and historical proportions are felt when standing atop the steps ascending to the cathedral.
Pre-reserving a ticket to the cathedral is always a smart way to avoid the long lines. Instead, detour inside for an audio guide to reflect while walking through the stone-halls of the cathedral.
But if you take one thing with you, as Mont Saint-Michel and its grazing sheep recede in the distance, it is that the country is restful to the bright lights of the city. Every once in a while, it is a good idea to return to such straits, especially if it is as beautiful as this island of our’s.
If you are interested in reading more about Mont Saint-Michel from a historical stance:
postcardsfromanne.com 