Mont Tombe

+ This 80 m high islet has drawn visitors in celestial numbers for the last 1400 years, starting so it is rumoured by the Archangel Michael himself; which no doubt explains why Bishop Aubert from nearby Avranches established the first sanctuary in 708. Not to be outclassed, in 966 Richard 1st Duke of Normandy endowed a Benedictine monestery on the site which lasted until the revolution and then again quite recently.

+ Always a bastion for the Dukes, the fortress monestary is famous for never having fallen in conquest, especially during the 100 Years War. Until now, when it has fallen to the onslaught of tourism. Over 2 million of them each year contribute their 10 Euros to climb the steps up and round the old Abbey buildings. As I walked along the 2 km causeway a 60 standing shuttle bus full of trippers passed every 5 minutes or so, from about 07:30 to 23.30 hrs so I was not too taken aback by the throng in the rue la Cour de l'Avancee, the only street on the island that spirals up to the heights linking mainly XVIth - XVIIIth C houses. This view from the ramparts is of the Porte Bavole.

+It comes as no surprise that the post-Revolution the place was used as a prison. Supplies were hauled up this ramp on a roller sled by a giant hamster in an enormous wheel built after the fashion of medieval building cranes. The facility has since been upgraded by the one closer.Read more