Since visiting St Michael’s Mount in Cornwall I have wanted to visit the mount with the same name in France, Le Mont St Michel.  I was delighted when the humans agreed to take me there while they were holidaying in France.

I climbed into the pannier ready for the journey.On the way we stopped to look at a very old windmill, Le Mouline de Moidrey. The sails were open and turning in the wind when we arrived, but by the time I had climbed out of the pannier they had been folded up.  The miller was having a break to eat his lunch.

The humans were hoping to cycle across the causeway to the island, but there were lots of signs indicating that no bicycles were allowed across between 10am and 6pm.

After locking up the bicycles I spotted a rather large deckchair and wondered whether any giants frequented the area.

There were also many brightly painted cows standing around.

Many coaches full of humans were arriving; and a horse and carriage was transporting some to the island.

Others were getting on a bus that had a driving seat at both ends.

My humans are keen on exercise so decided to walk across the bridge.  This way they were able to enjoy the views of the island.  My legs are too short to walk such a long way in a reasonable time so I climbed into the bear carrier.

You may notice I was facing backwards so was unable to enjoy the view, though I did wave to the passing buses. Once we got a little nearer I climbed out.  Mont St Michel looked very interesting indeed and I was very keen to explore.

Everything on the island is very old.  It has been inhabited by people for thousands of years. The Abbey was built about ten thousand years ago.  Here I am outside the gates in front of the draw bridge.

There were lots of shops selling postcards and souvenirs.

We went up some steps to look at the view; I rushed on ahead and surprised the humans when I peered out of a little window.

There were lots of steps for a bear with short legs.  Dogs are not allowed in the Abbey so just as well I am a bear and not a dog.

Once we were in the Abbey I stopped for a rest and said ‘Hello’ to a young seagull but didn’t get too close in case it thought I was food.

After climbing up even higher I peered over the edge (Karen held on to my legs).  Lots of humans were coming and going from the island.  It seems many people like to visit Mont St Michel.

I had to be very cautious while walking around.

There were lots of gargoyles up very high that were impossible to photograph with our camera but were very interesting to see.  Lower down I found a giant water tap in the middle of an animal face.

Another peer over the edge revealed a little house.

 

Inside the main Abbey there were many people seated and at first I thought a service might be taking place, but on further listening realised they were all on guided tours of the island.

In a little room at the edge I noticed a sailing ship hanging from the ceiling.

The next room happened to be the gift shop.  I tried on a knight’s tabard but it was a tad large.

Then I spotted the French berets. I like hats; a hat can transform a bear in seconds.  I tried on the beret and instantly I looked very French.  Unfortunately the humans wouldn’t buy it for me.

Next we entered The Cloisters which were really quite amazing.  The photograph doesn’t show the full beauty.  Sometimes memories of experiences are better than photographs.

In a very big hall there were two huge fireplaces containing many schoolchildren who were all looking up.

After the children had departed I went to have a look for myself.

Another room had some enormous stone pillars with gaps just big enough for a bear to squeeze through.

In the same area there was an enormous wheel.  This was used to haul things up from the bottom.

Supplies would have been strapped to a sledge with rollers.

Out of the window I could see the wooden track that the sledge would have travelled up to reach the top.

There are many beautiful Norman arches in the ceilings of all the rooms.

When it was time to leave the Abbey I had to go through a turnstile to get out.  (Humans have to pay ten euros each to enter the Abbey).

We went back into the hustle and bustle of the shops and cafes in the narrow streets.

After walking back across the bridge to the mainland (actually I was carried!) we stopped for some refreshments before the cycle ride back to our base.   

The crepe tasted fine but was a tad small and the humans thought it was very expensive. I really enjoyed my visit and recommend others to go to Le Mont St Michel if in the area.

You might like to read my blog about the Cornish St Michael’s Mount now too:-  https://horacethealresfordbear.com/2017/04/03/st-michaels-mount/

Also here is some more information Le Mont St Michel:                                               https://www.ot-montsaintmichel.com/en/accueil.htm