Normandy

Mont Saint-Michel is located in Normandy in the department of Manche. Its name comes from a small island, a granitic outgrowth approaching 960 meters in circumference that reaches 92 meters above sea level, dedicated to archangel Michael. The extraordinary architecture of Mont Saint-Michel and its bay make it the most visited tourist attraction in Normandy and the third in France (after the Eiffel tower and the palace of Versailles), with some 3,200,000 visitors each year. Classified as a historic building in 1874, the site has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1979. The church is crowned by a gold statue of St. Michael.

Thanks to its moderate Atlantic climate and lush agricultural land, Normandy has long been Paris’ food basket, supplying the richest dairy products, beef, seafood and apples.

An Impressive Range of Seafood...

The region has played a significant role in history throughout the ages. Conquered by the Romans, who founded the cities of Rouen, Lisieux and Evreux among others, Normandy was invaded by Christian Nordic tribes during the 2nd century and was occupied by them until the Franks came to dominance two centuries later.

Viking Invasion and Independent Dukedom.

A Land of Plenty