Our second day on Normandy brought us in two other special locations along the Atlantic wall. Wristed with DOXA SUB300 Professional myself while Diana is wearing the SUB200T Aquamarine, we have bin left speechless by the beauty and history of these places: the breathtaking Mont Saint-Michel and the dramatic but rich history of Saint-Malo.
Breathtaking Mont Saint-Michel
Mont Saint-Michel, the iconic tidal island in Normandy, France, boasts over 1,300 years of layered history, blending legend, faith, and resilience. Originally known as Mont Tombe, its story begins in 708 AD when, according to legend, the archangel Michael appeared in a vision to Aubert, the Bishop of Avranches, commanding him to build a sanctuary atop the rock.
Medieval Pilgrimage and Monastic Center
By 966, Benedictine monks settled on the mount, constructing the first abbey and attracting pilgrims, which led to the growth of a settlement at its base. Over centuries, the abbey expanded, showcasing a blend of Romanesque and later Gothic architecture, especially with the 13th-century addition of “La Merveille,” two grand buildings topped by the cloister and refectory. The site grew in religious, cultural, and political importance, serving as a favorued destination for medieval pilgrims.
Fortress and Sanctuary
Mont Saint-Michel’s unique tidal isolation made it a formidable fortress during the Hundred Years’ War (1337–1453), repelling repeated English sieges and promoting its legendary status as an impregnable stronghold. Militarization blended with monastic life, and the abbey survived wars, fires, and even a collapsed Romanesque choir, later replaced by the flamboyant Gothic structure still visible today.
Decline, Prison, and Restoration
The religious community waned in the 18th century until, during the French Revolution, the abbey was closed and converted into a notorious state prison, holding thousands of prisoners until its closure in 1863. In 1874, Mont Saint-Michel was declared a historic monument and began restoration, a process that continues to this day, solidifying its place as one of France’s most visited cultural sites.
Architectural and Cultural Legacy
Today, Mont Saint-Michel remains a masterpiece of medieval architecture and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, celebrated for its daring construction, spiritual roots, and the harmonious coexistence of austere monasticism and pragmatic military engineering, all rising dramatically from the sea. Known for its historical and “hysterical” tourism, we’ve been counted as two other tourists from the three millions yearly.
In owe at Saint-Malo
Saint-Malo, the famed walled port city on Brittany’s northern coast, has a tumultuous and vibrant history, shaped by its strategic maritime location and fiercely independent spirit. The origins of Saint-Malo date to the 6th century, when the Welsh monk Maclou (or Malo) established a Christian community, lending his name to the site. By the 12th century, the town began to expand on its rocky islet and soon became a fortified episcopal seat, which sheltered residents from Viking raids and helped cement its status as a religious and commercial hub.
Republic and Corsair Era
Between 1590 and 1594, Saint-Malo famously declared itself an independent republic, living by the motto “not French, not Breton, but Malouin,” emphasizing its unique identity. The city blossomed as a haven for corsairs, privateers sanctioned to raid enemy ships, and as a base for legendary explorers such as Jacques Cartier, who discovered Canada. The wealth accumulated through maritime trade and corsair exploits turned Saint-Malo into one of the richest French ports in the 17th and 18th centuries.
Wars, Destruction, and Rebirth
Saint-Malo endured several conflicts, from British raids in 1758 to its near-total destruction during World War II, when 80% of its historic core was flattened by fighting. Post-war reconstruction, begun in 1947, meticulously restored its ramparts and key landmarks like Saint-Vincent Cathedral, allowing the city to reclaim its architectural grandeur by the early 1970s.
Legacy and Modern Saint-Malo
Today, Saint-Malo is celebrated for its intrepid maritime legacy, reflected in its preserved ramparts, museums, and the global influence of its explorers and corsairs. Its name lives on around the world, including in the Falkland Islands (“Islas Malvinas”) and Canada, testament to the enduring reach of this “Corsair City”.
We tried to find some of the places where the “All the Light We Cannot See” was filmed with limited success. Nevertheless, the city is beautiful and we found some exceptional restaurants. Today, we enjoyed again the two DOXA SUB watches. Stay tuned for the next locations.
