After a good sleep on the ferry, we awakened to land in St. Malo on the continent. We were planning to travel immediately to Le Mont Saint Michel where we would have part of two days.
We only saw the island at low tide so there was always sand and people near the water. At some times of year, there might be water to make a beautiful reflection picture, and even rarely to crest near or above the level of the bridge. The dam was built to help control water levels and silting problems.
5.41 miles, sunny, 56 degrees, 90% humidity.
Richard posted his ReLive video for the day here: https://www.relive.com/view/v26Mz44QVEq
Breakfast was served in the lounge. It was early morning, but the hour allowed us to view our arrival into port at St. Malo, France.
We met Nadia and David in the taxi queue for transport to the train station. They are from England but now live in France, and speak both languages. Thankfully they were able to call and get a taxi for the four of us to share.
We had only a short train ride to the town nearest Le Mont Saint Michel, Pontorson. However, there are only two trains a day. This is an out-of-the-way spot to go by public transport.
We took time for a wonderful lunch between the train ride and a taxi to our hotel. Lasagna and ravioli!
There are free shuttle buses between the hotel area and the island, or you can walk. We rode the bus out but walked back to our hotel later.
On our first day we elected not to tour the abbey at the top, but just see the town below.
These ancient buildings still use their old advertising techniques of signs extending from the building.
St. Joan of Arc stands guard at the entrance of the Church of Saint-Pierre-Le Mont-Saint-Michel.
This church, a small Catholic Church, is nestled among the tourist shops of the town.
There is a chapel to St. George slaying the dragon.
St. James is represented, as this church is on a pilgrimage route.
Also St. Roch is present, as he is patron saint of pilgrims.
The spire atop the abbey is crowned by a statue of Saint Michael threatening a dragon, the embodiment of evil, with his sword. The statue is 4.5 meters high and is made of gilded copper.
Tiny streets are like a maze working around the hill.
Back at the hotel, we went for a walk and one more view of the sights before heading to bed.
Even the dam controls looked festive this evening.
6 Responses
A beautiful picture! And a great trip!
This is definitely a beautiful area so it’s easy to see why so many tourists visit here. I’m glad we missed the summer rush.
What an interesting town, and beautiful photos. Loving this travelogue!
It is an interesting town and how brilliant the builders were to use the space they had. Not so easy to get around and keep track of where you are, but a fun day.
Even though I shall miss the ancient splendor of the British Isles, and Simon, I am happy you are now among the towns which put all those flowers under their exterior windows. They always make me smile.
I like the flowers too. There are not so many as Switzerland and Tirolia, but beauty nonetheless. Now we’re seeing more colors changing, so the ivy on walls is more interesting as well.