Mont-Saint-Michel, Normandy, France Nov 29, 2024

Mont-Saint-Michel, Normandy, France

A tidal marvel and a slice of medieval life all rolled into one rocky outcrop—welcome to Mont-Saint-Michel in Normandy, northern France. The story of this "Wonder of the West" goes back to the early 8th century, when Archangel Michael was said to have appeared to the bishop of Avranches in a vision. The divine message was clear: build a sanctuary on this rock. Taking this angelic advice seriously, the bishop laid the foundations of what would eventually become the abbey that dominates the island today. Over the centuries, this UNESCO World Heritage Site grew in size and reputation, attracting monks, pilgrims and invaders alike.

© Captain Skyhigh/Getty Images

palette

Today in History

A day for giving
Nov 29, 2023New York City, USA

More Desktop Wallpapers:

Jan 1, 2025Happy New Year!
As curious about you as you are about them
Oct 30, 2025Pushkar Camel Fair
Whos in this creepy copse?
Oct 17, 2023Persepolis, Iran
Solo on the savannah
Jan 16, 2024Lake Louise, Banff National Park, Alberta, Canada
Dec 28, 2023Humpback whale
Jul 7, 2025Northern gannets, Shetland Islands, Scotland
Jul 10, 2024Collared aracari
May 22, 2025International Day for Biological Diversity
Jun 4, 2024Chestnut-headed bee-eater, Bardia National Park, Nepal
The lungs of Earth
Sep 11, 2023Médoc, France
Meet an expert on the dog days of summer
Colours of Colorado
Jun 14, 2025Cinque Torri, Dolomiti, Cortina d’Ampezzo, Belluno, Veneto, Italy
Alps of the sea
An island park for everyone
Jan 31, 2024Rietvlei Nature Reserve, South Africa
Isn’t this view mesmerizing?
Nov 28, 2023Varandha Ghat,Bhor,Maharashtra, India
Jul 15, 2024Marine Day, Japan
Sep 24, 2024Skaftafell, Vatnajökull National Park, Iceland
Jul 3, 2024Meerkat family
Jan 11, 2024Eurasian lynx
Republic Day
Aug 31, 2025Scotts Bluff National Monument, Nebraska, United States
Aug 18, 2024Huntington Beach Pier, California, USA
Blue Skies in Beautiful Bavaria