My first encounter with Mont Saint-Michel was 15 years ago, during a school trip, and the memory still lingers. However, as time passed, my perception of this iconic place changed. Mont Saint-Michel is renowned for its bay, which boasts one of the largest tidal ranges in Europe. According to legend, the archangel Saint-Michael appeared to the bishop of Avranches, Aubert, in 708, prompting the establishment of a sanctuary on Mont-Tombe. Today, Mont Saint-Michel attracts thousands of pilgrims and tourists each year. While the visual impact remains breathtaking, the tourist crowds have transformed the charm of the shrine. Visitors no longer need to cross the final stretch barefoot, as an iron pier connects the platform to the sanctuary. Horse-drawn carriages offer an alternative to walking the 6 kilometers to the top. While Mont Saint-Michel remains an awe-inspiring sight, the pressure of tourism has transformed the experience.
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