Which island is home to the medieval monastery of Mont-Saint-Michel?

Mont Saint-Michel is the tidal island in Normandy that supports the famous medieval monastery and village.

The island rises from Mont-Saint-Michel Bay on France’s northwestern coast. Its dramatic setting is created by high tidal ranges, which can surround the rock with water and later expose broad areas of sand and mud.

A sanctuary dedicated to the archangel Michael was established there in the eighth century. Benedictine monks later developed the monastery, and construction of the present architectural complex continued through the medieval period.

Mont Saint-Michel became a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1979. A causeway once restricted the natural flow of water, but a modern bridge and hydraulic works were completed to improve the island’s maritime character. It is not part of the Channel Islands, which lie farther west and include Jersey and Guernsey.