Visit the Abbey of Mont Saint Michel on a Brittany villa holiday

France's Centre Des Monuments Nationaux describes the Abbey of Mont Saint Michel and the island on which is sits as "man's defiance of the elements and of time".

Situated on the border between Normandy and Brittany, the monument was originally built in 708 by Saint Aubert, the bishop of Avranches, as a place of pilgrimage.

It was destroyed by King Philip II of France in 1203 but rebuilt in the 13th century.

Today, the Abbey of Mont Saint Michel is a popular tourist attraction, often frequented by those enjoying a stay in nearby Brittany villa.

The tranquil resort of Le Gouray in the Breton countryside is a perfect place from which to reach the monument on a day trip.

Here, families can enjoy the relaxed pace of life, sample local croissants and other delicacies and take in views of the spectacular north coast beaches and their striking cliffs.

10 Aug 09

St Malo 'the crepe capital of the world'

10 Aug 09

Mont St Michel 'like a fairytale castle'

6 Aug 09

Brittany's Mont St Michel to become an island once again

4 Aug 09

Get away from it all on a Brittany villa holiday

31 Jul 09

Brittany 'the birthplace of thalassotherapy'

Other suggestions

© 2007 Adfero Ltd
Views and opinions in this article are solely of the author and do not necessarily represent those of James Villa Holidays(JVH). JVH provides no assurances regarding the accuracy of the information and cannot accept liability for complaints, loss or damage resulting from the article. It does not form part of the contract made when a holiday is booked with JVH and the information provided is not intended to be a rider or replacement to the booking conditions. Reference to the service or product of a third party, is not an endorsement or recommendation and JVH accepts no liability as a result of complaints, loss or damage arising from their use.