Mont-Saint-Michel, Normandy, France 29 Nov 2024

Mont-Saint-Michel, Normandy, France

A tidal marvel and a slice of medieval life all rolled into one rocky outcrop—welcome to Mont-Saint-Michel in Normandy, northern France. The story of this "Wonder of the West" goes back to the early 8th century, when Archangel Michael was said to have appeared to the bishop of Avranches in a vision. The divine message was clear: build a sanctuary on this rock. Taking this angelic advice seriously, the bishop laid the foundations of what would eventually become the abbey that dominates the island today. Over the centuries, this UNESCO World Heritage Site grew in size and reputation, attracting monks, pilgrims and invaders alike.

© Captain Skyhigh/Getty Images

palette

Today in History

A day for giving
29 Nov 2023Rockefeller Centre Christmas Tree lighting
29 Nov 2025Red deer stag in De Hoge Veluwe National Park, Netherlands

More Desktop Wallpapers:

Living in harmony
7 Feb 2025Blue hour in Trondheim, Norway
7 Dec 2024Stonehenge, Wiltshire, England
King of the jungle? Nope
15 Jan 2026The fishing village of Reine, Norway
29 Jun 2024Pride in London
21 May 2024RHS Chelsea Flower Show
Taking a New Year nap
21 Feb 2024Firefall at Yosemite
23 Jul 2025Vatican City, Rome, Italy
4 Oct 2025World Space Week
29 Apr 2024Fujian Tulou, China
22 Jan 2026Karlovy Vary, Bohemia, Czechia
Living rock
27 Dec 2024Lake Bled, Slovenia
14 Jul 2024Burrowing owl chicks
25 Dec 2025Merry Christmas!
11 Feb 2024Folegandros Island, Cyclades, Greece
16 Dec 2024Salzburg, Austria
World Rivers Day
13 Feb 2025Lake Tyrrell, Victoria, Australia
6 Jun 202581st anniversary of D-Day
Grand slam tournament
8 Jul 2025Seceda, Dolomites, South Tyrol, Italy
13 Dec 2025Merced River, Yosemite National Park, California, United States
27 Dec 2025Lake Superior, Grand Marais, Minnesota, United States
23 Aug 2024Prasat Phanom Rung temple ruins, Thailand
18 Jun 2025Pollinator Week
10 Jan 2024Mylopotamos, Thessaly, Greece
16 Aug 2025The Isle of Wight Garlic Festival