We arrived to Mont Saint Michel midday.  It was crowded, but still fascinating nevertheless. I was here in 2006 with students, and again with Kathie in 2008.

Kathie and I had a night’s stay on Mont Saint Michel at the pricy Auberge Saint-Pierre hotel.  We tried to take a nap, but nearly impossible with all the people walking about. We could have stayed at a cheaper place off the island, but being on the Mont late and watching the sunset was surreal.  This island and Mont are surely impressive. 

The narrow streets could barely handle the amount of tourists that were there though.  We spent the afternoon enjoying a lunch over a bay view–mud flats with Normandy mussels (the best!).  There is the famous La Mere Pouland restaurant, but it is extremely expensive and left it for another time.  I understand their buttered biscuits are extremely delicious.

 What was nice staying on the Mont was having the opportunity of visiting the main museum and Cathedral at dusk.  I remember hearing music in the halls and indeed there was a woman playing on a piano. 

We were literally by ourselves.  The highlight was seeing the sunset from the Cathedral and watching the tidal bore come in.   I also counted 17 airplane trails in the sky.  This area is definitely a crossroads over Europe. 

I will never forget an incident that happened with our students at the Mont in 2006.  A few students had created a skit at the beginning of the main walkway.  They had seen other street performers in Europe “panhandling” for monies.  A police officer came by and wanted to arrest them.  In my bad French, I convinced the officer that the students “meant no harm.”  Luckily, he let the students go.  I remember shaking his hand.

Having seen the Mont on a clear night will always be part of our fondest memories.