Mont Saint Michel, France: TransAtlantic Cruise 2010

Entering Mont St Michel

The Royal Caribbean Excursion – Mont Saint Michel

Port/City: Paris (Le Havre), France
Approximate Duration: 10 hour(s) 30 minute(s)
Prices starting from: 179.00 USD (Adult)

Take a pilgrimage through the Normandy countryside to explore the Abbey of Mont Saint Michel, a UNESCO World Heritage site, built on a rock perched above the ocean. Connected to the mainland by a permanent causeway, Mont Saint Michel became a holy place of pilgrimage and worship in the Middle Ages following the appearance of Archangel Saint Michel to the bishop of the region in his dreams.

You will pass through Normandy’s fertile dairy country before arriving in the region of Brittany, and the Bay of Mont Saint Michel. The Bay is well known for its spectacular tidal variance. You will return to the ship via the same route. Restroom stops will be made en route to and from Mont Saint Michel.

Once in Mont Saint Michel you will journey uphill through the twisted cobblestone walkways, passing old houses to the top of the rock crowned by the Abbey Church. Legend says there are 365 steps from the bottom to the top of the Mont! Completing this 30-minute walk, you will view the Abbey Church whose spire soars more than 500 feet. The Abbey is a masterpiece of Norman architecture. Inside you’ll discover the ways of the monks by visiting their famous dining hall, and the beautiful gothic cloister, which appears to be suspended between sky and sea.

After the guided portion of the tour, you will have free time in the charming village of Mont Saint Michel to explore the twisted passageways, old houses, and shops. Lunch with French Sauvignon and Bordeaux wines will be served at a restaurant offering a panoramic view of the Mont Saint Michel Abbey.

Note: Guests must be able to walk approximately 1 mile over even and cobblestone surfaces with 365 steps to reach the Abbey. Driving time from Le Havre to Mont St. Michel is 3 hours each way, dependent upon traffic conditions. A strict dress code is enforced in the Abbey Church. Short pants and tank tops are not acceptable. Flash photography is also not permitted inside the Abbey.

The lesser-used Porte Eschaugette, to the left of the main gate, leads to the quietest route up.

The central tower has lately been restored and crowned with
a copper-covered spire surmounted by a gilded statue of St. Michael by M. Frémiet.

Mont Saint Michel is one of the greatest religious buildings in Europe, fit to rank with St Peters, Chartres and Durham. The current structure represents some 500 years of work, from the 11th to the 16th centuries. The abbey stands at the summit of a huge rock 250 ft above the sea, and dates from the heyday of Norman power and influence in the world.

The only way around Mont St Michel is on foot, and there are two gates into the walled city. The Porte de l’Avancée, the main gate at the end of the causeway, leads straight to the Grande Rue, which is packed chock-a-block with souvenir shops and tourists. Escape right up the stairs to the ramparts, which are a little less packed and offer great views of the mudflats.