We got up early and walked 2 kms to Mont saint Michel which is a monastery in the middle of the sea. It was shrouded in mist this morning and it was threatening to rain.

We walked through the narrow streets until we found a cafe serving coffee and crepes. We ordered our usual espresso followed by crepe du pomme compote which was basically stewed apple on a pancake! It was delicious.

We meandered through winding staircases dating back to 957. That’s really old.

We reached the top and looked out over the mud flats where we saw a group of walkers making their way across the alternate route. They appeared to be stranded. You must do the walk with a guide as a false move could end with you sinking in the sand. Or the tide coming in and sweeping you out to sea.

We continued around the old monastery and Mike pointed out holes where the defenders might have poured hot oil down over attackers, or worse still, pissed on them.

There are a few hotels on the monestary and some people actually live in the village. As we made our way down, we noticed the people trying to walk across were still in the same place, apparently struggling to know which way to go.

We looked in the other direction, to the bridge we had walked across, to see hoards of people coming towards the monastery. We were glad we’d started early and avoided the masses.

As we walked back towards camp, we noticed the people who had been stranded were wading through the incoming tide, thankfully making it to safety.

It was threatening to rain all day but it never came. I spent the rest of the day sorting out some photos while Mike worked on a route plan.

We had dinner at the restaurant again as we have no decent food to cook and there is no shop.

Probably back on the bikes tomorrow, hope the rain stays away.