I hadn't been this excited to visit a place in a long time. I must confess, when we set out from Le Havre to see Le Mont Saint-Michel, I didn't expect to encounter such an impressive site. But the moment I saw it, a mystical atmosphere almost pulled me in. I didn't even notice the last few kilometers passing by. This historical place, dating back to the 500s AD, has witnessed numerous wars and sieges over the centuries. Initially just a chapel, it eventually evolved into a monastery, a village, and ultimately a castle.
<p>The guards at the gate, opening onto the moat surrounding the castle, reminded me of scenes from medieval-themed movies. Inside, there's a village, and at the top, a palace and monastery. The abbey has been an important pilgrimage site for centuries, drawing visitors from all over Europe. The surrounding area is a tidal zone. At certain times of the year, it becomes an island, while at other times it appears as a castle standing in the middle of a desert. This region is famous for its sudden tides, with differences of up to 14 meters, making it very dangerous to walk around except in designated areas. According to the French, it is the most touristic place in France after the Eiffel Tower, with more than 3,000,000 visitors each year.</p>
<p>I was amazed that I didn't know about this place before coming here. It is definitely a must-see. It is a 3.5 to 4-hour drive from Paris, so take note if you’re visiting Paris. I took this photo on the way back after capturing dozens of shots inside the castle. The road was busy and narrow, making it an unsuitable place to stop and take photos. I parked the car slightly to the right and quickly took this shot. I used my Canon 60D body and 24-105 L f/4 lens for the photo. Interestingly, Mont Saint-Michel has also inspired many works of fiction, including the design of Minas Tirith in the "Lord of the Rings" films, further cementing its iconic status.</p>