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:

A chocolate lovers favourite fruit
9 Aug 2024Bristol International Balloon Fiesta
19 Oct 2023Mekong River Delta, Long An, Vietnam
29 Oct 2024Great horned owl
3 May 2025Happy International Astronomy Day!
14 Apr 2024Bowling Ball Beach, California, USA
25 Sep 2024Sequoia National Park, California, USA
17 Apr 2025Andean cocks-of-the-rock, Ecuador
On the open ocean road
Pick your paradise
11 Feb 2024Folegandros Island, Cyclades, Greece
21 Jun 2024World Giraffe Day
8 Sep 2025International Literacy Day
11 May 2025Yoho National Park, British Columbia, Canada
24 Apr 2024The white trilliums in Ontario, Canada
15 Mar 2025Ides of March
3 Aug 2025Blooming sunflowers
Aug 21, 2023Discovery Day in Yukon, Canada
25 Dec 2025Merry Christmas!
19 Sep 2024International Talk Like a Pirate Day
Sunlight turning silver to gold
The glowing winter
14 Oct 2024Coco Beach, Goa, India
25 Feb 2024Modica, Sicily, Italy
30 Nov 2023Leadenhall Market, London
Queen Elizabeth II (1926–2022)
13 Dec 2023Svolvaer, Lofoten Islands, Norway
So close, yet so far
11 Jan 2026Blue walls of Chefchaouen, Morocco
Happy Boxing Day!