M-S-M

Mont-Saint-Michel, fortified village and abbey connected to the mainland only by a narrow causeway (itself only constructed in the 19th century), was well worth the visit.  Following a couple of dramas that I daren't remind anyone of, we found a carpark a few km away, and I grabbed a free shuttle-bus to take me along the causeway to the Mont.

Driver controls at both ends of the bus... interesting.  Massive reconstruction of the causeway and earthworks to reduce the silt that has accumulated in the bay... interesting.  Europe's highest tidal variations (up to 15 m between high and low tide)... interesting.  Only place in northern France to withstand the might of England in the 100 years war (15th century), supposedly thanks to Saint Michael... interesting.  As a result, worship of Saint Michael booms after the 100 years war - only Saint Michael can withstand the Protestant heresy... interesting.

All that, and I haven't even made the (significant!) climb up through the village to the abbey itself.  Great self-guided tour through the abbey - I came away a happy chappy.