http://www.smithsonianmag.com/travel/massive-controversial-attempt-preserve-one-worlds-most-iconic-islands-180951441/?no-ist
Pretty good article about the changes, and politics, at Le Mont. We visited in 2009 before the changes took place, and stayed over night. I was pretty amazed to read that only half of visitors visit the abbey, as we found it spectacular with fabulous views and pretty much the highlight of the stay (besides watching those tides roll in!). I loved how we could just park right at the foot of the island, but I guess with the new shuttle bus system, things are a little more complicated. We also were there in April, so it wasn't very crowded at all.
Posted by
San Francisco/Marin County
9436 posts
Thanks for this Maryam, it was very interesting. Mont St. Michel has a special place in my heart... I first went there when I was 6 yrs old and MSM seemed absolutely magical to me. I remember going to a service in the Abbey at night and everything was lit by candlelight... I was in awe. It wasn't crowded with tourists back then (1963), and I have very fond memories of spending a couple nights there with my family. I've been back many times as an adult and with my son as he was growing up... and it will always be a special place for me.
I'm really surprised too that half the visitors don't go to the Abbey! That amazes me...
Posted by
US Pacific Northwest
10344 posts
I read the article with interest, yesterday in the hard copy version of the magazine.
Posted by
OP
Washington, DC
888 posts
Yup Kent, got my hard copy as well (it's an great magazine overall that I have been a subscriber to for several years). There are more pictures online if that interests you.
P.S. Loved all the Star Spangled Banner photos in the current issue!