So yet another bucket list item gets to be checked today. The day looked a bit threatening as we drove from hour hotel, bright and early to beat crowds, to Mont St. Michel. The large abbey on its island looks quite formidable as we approached it from St.-Malo.
After a stop to use facilities we boarded a shuttle that took us to the beginning of a bridge that would lead to the abbey. Inside the gates of the little village at the foot of the abbey we met our guide, Helen. She was a charming lady who seemed to know everyone inside the gates. We then began the tour and all of its 365 steps to the top terrace. It really wasn’t as bad as I had imagined as the steps were spread out and our pacing was not hurried.
We first came upon the famous La Mère Poulard Restaurant where Mrs. Poullard developed her famous omelet for visitors.
Again, there were so many photo ops and vistas that it was hard not to go overboard with snapping pictures.
We made it to the top and then began the tour of the abbey itself. There are many chapels, the refectory, and statues. It was all worth the climb and a morning that we won’t forget.
We were so glad the clouds cleared - must have been Peter’s weather app as it would have been quite treacherous to descend on the slippery stone steps.
Back to the shuttle and then to lunch at Relais St. Michel. Earle had one of the omelets and I opted for salmon followed by an apple pie.
Since the weather was good and we had some time, Christophe decided that a stop at German Ossuary at Huisnes-sur-Me would be interesting. It is really a mausoleum witht the bones of about 12,000 German war dead. I did some looking through the index to the graves and found a Gerhard Stohr. Not sure if he were a relative, but will do some research.
By the time we were leaving the clouds were starting to form and then a very heavy rain followed just as we were about to approach Cancale, another picturesque fishing village. The draw here is the incredible oyster market and view of the oyster beds. Christophe had arranged for oyster tasting and had even brought some wine. However, it was really miserable and nearly impossible to eat, drink and hold an umbrella. We shortened the stop, although by the time we were ready to leave the sun was shining. It’s a shame we hadn’t arrived there about 20 minutes later.
Back to St.-Malo and time for a drink in the courtyard of the hotel before heading off to dinner. We took some advice of others in the group and headed to Le Bouche a Oreille. It was a fabulous dinner of chicken liver pate, mussels and fries, ice cream for me and a crepe for Earle!
Back to the hotel to pack for our departure tomorrow!
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