A Senior Pilgrimage ?

This senior citizen can’t think of many places that I have visited on four continents that stick out in my mind like Le Mont Saint Michel.  Through the ages, Mont St. Michel has been among the top pilgrimage sites in all Christendom. The different stages of its construction have created a unique architectural ensemble which was classified as a World Heritage Site by Unesco in 1979.

Called “The Wonder of the Western World,” the island has held strategic fortifications since ancient times. Le Mont-Saint-Michel is an old Normandy Benedictine Abbey, and since the 8th century, the seat of the monastery from which it draws its name.  It is one of the most remarkable examples of medieval architecture in the whole world.

Once In A Lifetime Moment

A midnight tour will be memorable and for this person in their blog it was “a once in a lifetime moment.” It was for me and my family as well.  Today senior travelers are among the more than 3,000,000 people who visit Le Mont saint Michel each year.

Mont Saint-Michel is located approximately one kilometer (just over half a mile) off France’s north-western coast. The population of the island is 44, as of 2009. Once a year there is a “Grande Marée” (Big Tide) that comes in like galloping horses.  This video shows the force and speed of the tide and that cars have been flooded.

Rick Steves is my travel hero and has been just about everywhere on the planet. Here is his view of Le Mont Saint Michel which he says is located on a “mud flat.” The original monks who lived there were able to cross those mud flats, dotted with quick sand, because they knew “where to step” and “where not to step.”  And a second film he made while climbing to the top of the monastery.

Seniors Enjoy Famous Omlettes

La Mère Poulard, a well known restaurant serves their popular omelets that are made over an open fire in a solid copper kettle. Senior visitors will want to join the thousands who trek up the long narrow street to the top.  There you’ll find a wonderful view, a beautiful old church and the refectory where the monks ate.

TripAdvisor as per usual will provide lots of additional tips and suggestions during your visit.  This “One Stop” link will keep you busy for well over an hour.  Le Mont Saint Michel is a senior “bucket list” site.  I leave you with a nice selection of photos that hopefully will whet your appetite for a personal encounter.

Enjoy your visit to Le Mont. jeb