Excursion to Mont Saint Michel

Hello, all !

Mont Saint Michel was a truly magical experience for me and my group ; a maze-like layout coupled with room after room of vaulted ceilings, massive doors, and high-stretching gothic windows kept us captivated until the very end. Of course, the ice-cream available didn’t hurt, either !

As our bus approached, I saw the castle on the horizon ; like something from a Disney movie, the fortress proudly stands on the beach. However, its placement is no simple coincidence. Tours around the castle showcase its « sable mouvant, » or « moving sand ; » this natural feature helped keep the place safe from attackers for centuries.

Of course, Mont Saint Michel was originally established as a Christian monastary/pilgrimage site dedicated to none other than the Archangel Michael – the saint who protects Christians from evil. He stand clad in gilded copper armor at the highest peak of the castle, acting as a lightning rod ; thus, he provides protection both spiritual and literal to the community below.

Later on, however, it found itself taking on a more pragmatic role in the defense against the English during the Hundred Years War. As the castle is situated on the coast between Normandy and Brittany, the English would have greatly benefited from such a versatile military position. However, the sand made approach via horse impossible, and the fortifications proved most impregnable during the onslaughts.

One of the fixtures that caught my attention the most, however, was what seemed to be an enormous hamster-wheel in the heart of the building. Installed in 1838, after revolutionary insurgants forced the monks out of their home, it was used to transport food and other supplies to the top of the castle efficiently ; of course, slaves had to be used to get the job done (though I admit I was tempted to give it a shot myself ) !

Here’s my favorite room of all – The main sanctuary! 

Mont Saint Michel effectively captures several epochs of French history, from its Christian roots and legendary conflict with the British to its ever-evolving political system. Perhaps that is what makes it so remarkable: beneath its seemingly uniform Gothic exterior lies a monument shaped by centuries of faith, yet also conflict and profound change. As I walked through its winding corridors, I was able to truly appreciate the site’s value in demonstrating the passage of time and how fleeting each era of time really is. We think the things we build will always last forever, but, much like the ship of Thesius, everything changes eventually. 

Signing off, 

Oliver Flaherty 

Furman University 

CIEE-Rennes Liberal Arts Fall 2026