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
We had no idea that it was a special day but were quite delighted to find that it was Daffodil Day. There was an exhibition displaying the many different varieties.
Daffodils were strung up in a garland outside the old packing shed.
Years ago sheds like this were used to pack up flowers and fruit to be taken to markets to be sold.
There were lots of old fruit trees in the Old Orchard.
The trees in the Mother Orchard were younger (planted only ten years ago) and had little pots around the bottoms of them for small bears to sit in. It started snowing while I was having my little rest; hence the white specks on the photograph.
Amongst the apple trees that was a huge hand as though there might be a giant underneath the ground. I think a manicure was needed as one the nails was broken.
At the edge of the field a large building housed a cider press. I like cider but as I am only quite small I only have a few sips to taste it now and then.
I was pleased to find a glasshouse as although snow can be fun it also makes fur wet and cold. Glasshouses are usually warm.
There were lots of seedlings growing in pots. Some of the pots were empty; the gardener told us that a mouse had been nibbling them.
The snow continued to fall as we walked on around the gardens. 
The Prospect Tower was closed for maintenance. Maybe we will see it next time we visit.
The beautiful blooms of the camellia didn’t seem to be troubled by the snow that was still falling.
Here I am with the Cotehele House behind me. It is about 500 years old.
We went into the house and found arts and crafts for sale. I had a chat with one of the grey knitted bears. 
There was a splendid bear sized chair for sale too.
On our way to the rest of the house I walked through an archway lined with daffodils. 
Once inside again I warmed my fur for a while by the fireplace.
There was a little chapel just inside the door with a posh fence half way across. Apparently in the old days the rich people that lived in the house would sit one side and the other side was for the poor people who had to stand and came in through a different entrance.
I sat at the organ but decided not to play it as I thought ‘Teddy Bear’s Picnic’ might not be appropriate.
After going up some stairs I arrived at a little hidey hole that had a tiny window. 
I peered through and could see the room downstairs. It was a spy hole!
My legs always get very tired climbing the steep stairs of stately homes.
Outside it was still snowing so I was glad to be indoors.
In the kitchen there was another fire keeping visitors and the National Trust volunteer guide warm.
I thought it was probably time these vegetables were made into a stew.
The sink was very interesting indeed.
Unfortunately I fell in. It was just as well that there was no water in the bottom.
The humans helped me out and pointed out to me that there was a little fireplace underneath which would have been lit to heat the water in the sink.
Next to the sink there was an enormous stone oven where many loaves of bread must have been baked.
Up above on the wall was a big shovel that reminded me of the ‘pizza peel’ that we have at home.
The kitchen had buckets (made of leather) which would have been jolly useful had there been a fire. 
I had a last look at the house before we set off to walk down the valley to the Quay.
On the way I sat for a while in a little thatched shelter and watched the snow falling.
A little stream ran down the valley. I think lots of the plants were still asleep for winter but there were a few primroses braving the cold.
At Cotehele Quay I was hoping to see a very old barge build in 1899 called the Shamrock. However, it has been put in a tent to protect it.
I persuaded one of the humans to lift me up and I had a quick peek through one of the holes in the tent. The Shamrock did indeed look very old. 
Further along the quay I was pleased to find a seaworthy boat. The Little Charley.
We walked on to see the waterwheel which was being driven round and round by the water dropping on top of it. This is still used to grind wheat into flour.
I wasn’t in luck for a freshly baked bun though as the baker wasn’t there. 
There was a very interesting little outdoor cupboard near the mill where many years ago people used to keep butter in order to keep it cool.
The thought of flour, butter and baking made me feel extremely hungry. The Edgecombe Tearoom is an excellent place for hungry bears. 
The water is a bit green looking and not very inviting for swimming.
I could hear music playing so peered over the wall. A busker was busy singing away but nobody seemed to be listening to him. I thought he sounded quite good.
I sat and watched for a while. There were lots of tourists walking around and taking photos. 
While following the arrows that guide visitors around I spotted another pool through the window.
Here is a model showing what the baths would have looked like in the 4th Century. 
In the museum there are some very old pieces of stone from the temple that used to be on the site in the 4th Century.
Here I am next to a ‘theatrical mask’ sculpture made of Bath stone. The sign said it was probably from a large tomb and that the person buried in it may have been connected to the theatre in some way.
I thought for a moment that there were real romans still wandering around then realised that it was films being projected onto the walls.
This cabinet is full of lots of things made of pewter. They were thrown into the spring in the 4th Century as offerings to the Goddess Sulis Minerva.
This is a roman drain. I didn’t look too closely as really did not want to fall in.
While I sat watching the hot water running into the pool I overheard some comments about me. Such as “Look how sweet”. I seem to have that effect on some people.
It was possible to see the reflection of the people up on the higher level in the water. No one swims in the water these days as it contains many minerals and isn’t considered safe. Humans can bathe at Bath Thermae Spa which is nearby (indeed I did go there later, but had to stay in the locker).
I had a brief conversation with a Roman craftsman (though I think he might have been an actor).
Sometimes I feel very small…
This is The Hot Sacred Spring that Romans used to throw offerings such as the pewter ornaments that are on display in the museum. 
I was able to walk over the ruins of the really old baths using a glass bridge, but I didn’t quite trust it so shuffled along very slowly.
Before leaving I returned to the pool side for a selfie. I wonder how many of my Alresford relations have been to The Roman Baths!
On the way to The Matthew I bumped into John Cabot.
He spends all his time now watching the ships in the harbour. 
On reaching The Matthew we found that it was ‘free to board’ which is excellent news for anyone interested in historic ships especially if they don’t have much money.
On the front of the ship there is a white dog that I think might be a greyhound. It looked rather like he might be holding onto a small surfboard.
Once on board I climbed up the steps to the front of the ship.
I promptly rang the ship’s bell, which momentarily caused lots of people to look at me.
I was about to come down the stairs when a volunteer lady who helps look after The Matthew told me I must turn around and come down backwards as I might fall going face first.
I took her advice and safely reached the bottom. I stopped for a little rest, sitting in the life ring in order not to get my bottom too soggy.
There is an excellent view of the old steam cranes from The Matthew.
Here I am inspecting the steering rod. It is incredible to think this little ship has travelled 2271 miles across the ocean.
There are many piles of rope everywhere. Ropes are very important in a sailing ship and are used to raise, lower and control the sails. I think I might just get all tangled up in them if I tried to use them.
I peered out of one of the little port holes, being careful not to get stuck. I could see some water below so quickly pulled my head back. Water is a big problem for me as I soak it up and cannot swim.
Before leaving I put a donation in the box. I like The Matthew and the money helps to maintain her. 
I am hoping the humans might take me on a cruise on The Matthew one day.
The herd of deer certainly aren’t bothered by cold weather; they were enjoying the winter sunshine.
After exploring the deer park I strolled down through the woods towards the big house.
There was no chance of getting lost as there was a very big sign post.
I didn’t see many birds but it might be that birds are afraid of bears. 
After my walk my legs were feeling a tad tired so I stopped for a rest and enjoyed the warmth of the winter sunshine on my fur.
In the formal gardens behind the big house a group of volunteers were busy working.
Being a very helpful bear I decided to assist the gardeners for a while. 
It wasn’t long before my wheelbarrow was full up.
The gardens still have some colour even in January. The dogwood was very colourful.
I would have liked to get a bit closer to the waterfall but there was a little fence along the lawn to remind people not to walk on it. Walking on grass that is wet can make it all muddy. 
A hazel bush that must be in a slighty sunnier place that the other hazel bushes had lots of wiggly catkins dangling from it.
I went into the stables but the horses weren’t at home. The bale of hay was rather prickly to sit on for very long.
In the shop I wondered about buying myself a hat. My human often wears a cap; this one was rather large though and not quite me.
The brimmed hat restricted my vision too much.
Locally produced honey is always good. 
I decided to buy the honey; much better for a bear than a hat.
After so much exploring it was time for lunch. The venison pasty was very good for bears. Yum yum yum.
National Trust properties always seem to have a 2nd hand book shop. At Dyrham they keep the thin books in the sink. I hope no one turns on the tap.
I found a very useful book to read while the humans browsed all the other books.
In the cold store there was some food that looked quite appetising until further inspection revealed that it was made of plastic.
The large bowls were all empty but when the house was lived in long ago they would have been used to keep things cool.
Before going on our winter tour of the house I put my honey in a locker to keep it safe, and to prevent me from accidently swinging it into an antique vase.
Inside the house there was work going on. Some beetles had been nibbling away at the floor in The Great Hall, so some boards had been taken up for repairs and restoration.
Another room was very odd. The walls were covered in 300 year old gilt leather. 
I had a closer look at the leather. Someone must have worked very hard decorating it, but I didn’t like it. 
After emerging from the house I was delighted to find snowdrops. I like snowdrops; they make me feel that spring is coming soon.
Here is a selfie of me in front of the house. 
When it was time to leave, there was a bit of a challenge for me. Cattle grids (or perhaps deer grids) are not very bear friendly.
Karen rescued me as the bus that takes visitors from the car park down to the house and back was approaching and needed to cross the grid. 
We didn’t get on the bus. My humans like to walk, but my little legs were tired after such a lot of exploring so I had a lift back up to the carpark in the bear carrier.
Dyrham Park is an interesting place for humans and bears to visit even in winter.
The Wibbly Wobbly hedge was fascinating. I could see all sorts of faces in the wibbly wobbly bits, with noses poking out here and there .
Behind the wibbly wobbly hedge there was a fence that had been designed to deter bears from getting too fat .
The entrance to the ice house was a bit creepy. Years ago servants from the big house had to visit the ice house to get ice to keep food cold as fridges had not been invented .
I peered into the deep hole where the ice collected from ponds was stored . I was glad that there were railings as the hole looked like it went on forever .
On the top of the house there were lots of stone animals. Humans that live in Somerset call them ‘hunky punks’. You can just about see them in this photo .
I sat by the fountain for a while and watched the fish swimming around .
I leaned over to get a closer look which got the humans rather worried that I might fall in. Within seconds my feet were being held just in case a gust of wind blew me into the pond .
There were a couple of lovely little houses at each end of the garden .
Someone had thoughtfully set up a special place for bears to rest in this one .
Inside the other little house I made a paper lantern .
One of the humans lifted me up to hang my creation on the lantern tree. It was covered in fairy lights to be lit up once dark. I would have liked to have seen Montacute in the dark with all the lights twinkling but we weren’t able to stay that long .
This is a banqueting house where the household would sometimes have meals. It must have been very hard work for the servants carrying everything from the big house to the garden for them .
I think I look quite important sat at the banqueting table.
Montacute House and garden is surrounded by parkland. In the park area I discovered a tree just right for bears to climb .
I climbed very carefully as a fall would have resulted in me having to go in the washing machine, not one of my favourite pastimes.
On entering the House I had to put on some special blue shoes that looked rather like shower caps. They were to prevent people and bears bringing dirt into the house via their shoes .
Someone was in the middle of a game of patience but had gone off to get a cup of tea or something .
There were prickly teasels on lots of the chairs in order to stop humans and bears from sitting on them. A good deterrent; I wouldn’t want one of those stuck to my bottom !
In one of the bedrooms there was a bath inside a cupboard .
I was drawn to the room at the top of the house by the lovely smell coming from it. The floor covering in the Tudor hall was made of plaited rush and for some reason smelt of honey. 
I spent a couple of hours exploring Montacute and ended up very hungry. At the end of the visit I was able to tuck into a big bowl of cauliflower curry in the café . Yum Yum Yum…….
At the entrance to the gardens I posed for a photo with a willow squirrel, and hoped that I would see some of the real red squirrels that live in the garden.
There is a splendid view from the garden of the hills surrounding Grassmere.
Here I am just before going into the house. I could see the lake from here but forgot to get a photograph.
National Trust properties often have a room containing books for sale. I read Rupert and the Magic Seeds while the humans browsed. I think Rupert wears rather silly trousers.
The next room was set up as an art room, with tables suitable for full grown humans and small humans and bears to have a go at painting. I did a quick self portrait.
After going upstairs a guide suggested that I might like the play room. The inhabitants were certainly very pleased to see me.
I had a little ride on a wooden horse that rocked but didn’t go anywhere.
There were lots of hats to try on. I don’t think I would make a very good police bear.
Two of the resident bears put on a special afternoon tea for me. 
Before saying my farewells I tried out the blackboard.
Allan Bank has a special room for knitting. I did a few more rows of someone else’s knitting and would have continued but the humans said we needed to get some cake before the cafe closed. I like cake.
There was also a great selection of games in the knitting room that visitors can play. The croquet set was just the right size for me; I struggle somewhat with full size croquet mallets.
Next to the games table there were lots of knitted animals from the Beatrix Potter stories. They all seemed very busy but Jemima Puddleduck quacked a few times to me.
Cuddly squirrels were for sale in the next room. Unfortunately I didn’t get to see a wild red squirrel (though the humans have promised to take me to Brownsea Island oneday where red squirrels also live). I started reading ‘Squirrel Nutkin’ but didn’t finish as didn’t want to miss cake. 
We made our own cups of tea and put some money in the donation box, then bought some cake at the cafe counter.
It was a huge piece of very yummy carrot cake. 
On the way out I posed for another photo.
Refreshed from my nap I inspected the produce. The squashes were growing very well.
When we reached the entrance to Speke Hall I paused for a ‘selfie’. Speke Hall is very old; it was built in Tudor times.
There is a courtyard in the middle of the house, and just above the door I noticed a hole in the eaves. The guide said this used to be used for ‘eavesdropping’ or in other words listening in on the conversations of visitors to get some idea about whether they were safe to let into the house.
The walls between the timber frames of the house are made of ‘wattle & daub’. Wattle and daub is made by weaving twigs with wet soil, clay, sand, animal dung and straw. (source:Wikipedia) 
The inside of the house is mostly Victorian as the house was renovated and updated over the years. There was a banquet laid out in the dining room including some rather delicious looking desserts.
I was pleased to see fire hoses at the ready in case of fire.
In one room behind wooden panelling there was a ladder leading to a ‘priest hole’. A priest would have lived in the secret room at the time when it was against the law to follow the catholic religion. 
In the kitchen downstairs I was very tempted by a large salmon until I realised it was plastic!
Before leaving the house I decided to try on a few hats. I think this one makes me look very important and a bit silly at the same time.
I felt more at home in the cap, and the humans said I looked quite ‘dapper’ in it.
The mop cap clearly isn’t right for bears.
After leaving the house we went outside to explore the gardens.
Here I am at the back of the house.
Beyond the formal garden there are some woods including a willow sculpture which I explored.
I played a little tune using a giant glockenspiel, but could only reach the bottom three notes.
I should have wondered about the possibility of giants when I measured my height. The sign behind my head said ‘baby giant’.
I clambered around on some big tree trunks, one of which was inhabited by fairies (you may notice the door).
It was quite hard work for a small bear.
Just as well I found a chair to rest in, though the chair was exceptionally large.
The very large chair suddenly made sense when just around the corner a house came into sight. Someone was sound asleep inside, snoring very loudly. Someone with very big feet. A giant! I didn’t hang around for long in case he woke up, he may have been a ‘big friendly giant’ but I wasn’t taking any chances.
Giant feet need huge shoes!
Once out of the woods I explored the maze, keeping an eye on the woods in case the giant had woken up.
All the excitement made me quite hungry. Wet Nelly yum yum yum.
While the tomato sauce was simmering I chopped up all the other toppings.
Grated the cheese, taking care not to grate my paws.
By this time the simmering tomatoes were ready to be blended into a sauce. 
My human bought the pizza dough for me earlier in the day at a local baker’s shop. It smelt jolly good.
As I rolled out the dough it seemed almost as though it was alive as it kept springing into different shapes! I would have liked to pick it up and toss it about as I have seen happen in pizzerias but didn’t want to risk getting dough all stuck in my fur.
Before putting on the topping I carefully brushed olive oil all over the base. 
Next I covered the base with the various toppings.
At this point it things went a little bit wrong. I forgot to put flour on the board and struggled to lift the pizza. Sorted it in the end using the bottoms of three cake tins. My human put the pizza into the oven as I didn’t want to scorch my fur. The oven was on its highest setting (250c fan) with a special pizza stone in it onto which my pizza was placed. My human says we need a pizza peel to do this next time (a flat bit of metal with a handle)
I must say the final result was delicious.
After showing our National Trust cards I had a conversation with a resident horse.
People live in the Manor House so some of the gardens are ‘private’. They have one of the excellent topiary houses all to themselves.
From a distance I thought that there were some strange creatures in the meadow; however on getting closer discovered that they were piles of grass drying in the sunshine to make hay.
A dog lives in the garden though he didn’t say much.
The Manor House looks very pretty with roses growing against it. 
I had a look in the well but was very cautious not to get too close. I think it might be very deep and not a good place for bears.
Some people were picnicking next to this topiary house; we have cut them off the photo. Topiary houses are good places for bears and I think human children probably like them too.
It was quite warm during our visit so I thought about cooling my paws in the little stream, then remembered that getting soggy isn’t a good idea for stuffed bears like me.
There is a special little house for storing apples. I spent a few minutes in the rocking chair and had a good look around.
High up in the middle of the ceiling was a very big wasps nest. Fortunately the wasps had all moved out and it was empty. I don’t like wasps; I do however likes bees, as they make honey.
There were lots of very big vintage cars parked in the front court yard.
They were all Alvis cars; the Alvis owners club were having a picnic.
A few of the Alvis cars had ornaments on the bonnets. I really liked the rabbit and asked the humans if we could put one on our Skoda Fabia.
My favourite Alvis car was the TC100 Grey Lady. The owner very kindly let me sit in for a while. 
Any visit to a National Trust property would not be complete without a visit to the tea room for cake. Unfortunately the tea room at Chalfield had closed when we got there but tea and biscuits were still available self service. We put some money in the honesty box.
There were loads of packets of biscuits. I opted for the oat cookies.
Karen made some tea and I sat in the sunshine to eat my biscuits. They were nearly as good as cake.
Horace the Alresford Bear 