Mont St Michel France
Mont Saint Michel is located on the border between lower Normandy and Brittany in northern France. The mountain is situated approximately one kilometer off the Normandy’s north coast, at the mouth of the Couesnon River, near Avranches.Mont-Saint-Michel stands in a bay with breathtaking scenery and ecosystems. It is a spot of unmatched beauty that features twice in Unesco’s list of world heritage sites (1979). This outstanding dimension has earned it its international reputation. The feat of architecture and the exceptional harmony with the bay which its founders were looking for are timeless qualities.
However, in the short term, Mont St-Michel is facing the threat of becoming irremediably landlocked. Around the rock, silting has worsened over the centuries and with successive human interventions polderization, the building of the causeway, and the dam fitted with floating sluice-gates Colonisation by plant life continues. The natural sands are spoilt by the presence of a parking area.
Europe, the French State and the local and regional authorities have decided to join forces in recovering the spirit of the place so that this treasure of all mankind should remain a sought-after monument for generations to come. Today, a golden statue of Saint Michael can be seen at the top of the church spire, protecting and overlooking the entire island. The island itself only has a population of around 50, but it is visited by around 3.5 million people each year.
