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:

10 Oct 2024Ancient town of Sorano, Tuscany, Italy
A high-flying royal tradition
22 Nov 2025Leshan Giant Buddha, Sichuan, China
26 Mar 2026Logan Creek Suspension Bridge, West Coast Trail, Canada
12 Jan 2024Bukhansan National Park, South Korea
12 Nov 2025Colosseum, Rome, Italy
What are these predators doing?
17 Apr 2024Black bear cub emerges into spring
18 Jul 2025Staghorn coral in shallow ocean
25 Sep 2025Chittorgarh Fort, Rajasthan, India
In the foothills of Snowdon
2 Nov 2024American bison in Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming, USA
15 Jul 2025Perseid meteor shower over Nevada, United States
12 Apr 2026International Day of Human Space Flight
26 Nov 2023Fallow deer, Bradgate Park, Leicestershire, England
Bryce Canyon hoodoos in winter
11 Nov 2024Banff National Park, Alberta, Canada
16 Feb 2024Female pyrrhuloxia in Texas, USA
Alpine grandeur
27 Sep 2024Basilica of Santa Maria della Salute, Venice, Italy
1 Feb 2026Colourful house in Olinda, Pernambuco, Brazil
Whats blooming so brightly?
7 Oct 2023Katmai National Park, Alaska, USA
1 Apr 2026Peggys Point Lighthouse, Atlantic Coast, Nova Scotia, Canada
1 Sep 2024Totally Thames Festival, London
15 Mar 2026Mothering Sunday
31 Oct 2023Halloween
13 Sep 2025Last Night of the Proms
A legendary islet
21 May 2024RHS Chelsea Flower Show