This morning we left our little timeshare on the banks of the Seine River for a three hour drive to Le Mont Saint Michel. It was a toll road most of the way -- that's the upside. The downside is that you are expected to pay for building a new road out of your pocket! Expensive!! But we arrived shortly after noon, leaving plenty of time in the day to see the "Mont". The French government is trying to clean up a couple hundred years of abuse to the ecosystem when roads and a railroad were built out to the "island." A new parking area and visitors center have been built about two miles from the Mont. Now, shuttle buses run on a soon-to-be-elevated bridge that will allow for natural water flow in and out of the bay with the tides. By next year it will all be done and in a few decades they will see some results, they hope . . . if the scientists are right. If you don't want too bus it to the site, you can hoof it. We elected to walk the two miles and enjoy the beautiful day. Walking to Mont Saint Michel really is impressive and allows time to soak it all in.

In the three weeks we have been in Europe, this is the only Disney-like site we have visited . But, all in all, it was a nice experience. The lower portion of the Mont is actually a village. However, the village consists of 50% curio shops, 25% restaurants, 20% fast food stalls, and about 5% entrances to very expensive hotels located on the floors above. Crowded and very unappealing. Finally, after walking through very crowded "streets" (read: alleyways) you get to the reason tourists come -- the Abbey and cathedral on the top of the rock. It is a bit of a hike, but not bad because you have to stop every few million steps to take in the view. Once to your destination you are greeted by the toll booth. But, since we had spent about €100 just to get there (gas, tolls, etc.), what the hell! And, we still have no idea what parking will cost. You don't find out parking fees until you leave! Cleaver scheme! 

Once we had paid the fare and an extra fare for listening wands to explain the self-guided tour, it was well worth it. The tour was lengthy and very interesting and upon exiting the tour we were in the right place to see the tide come back in .

We watched the tide for about 45 minutes and it was fascinating. First, there is sand everywhere and then, in just a few minutes, the tide surges back in to the bay. Like a rushing river or a mini tidal wave! I sensed some Japanese tourists getting edgy watching it come in . . . but maybe that was just me.

We walked back out to the car park about 4 p.m. and were on our way to Bayeux where we would stay the night for my tour tomorrow. A late dinner (for us) in a little French restaurant, but aren't they all? Most better restaurants don't even open for dinner until 7 p.m. here so hardly early for the locals. End of another fantastic day.