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Mont-Saint-Michel Facts & Worksheets

Mont-Saint-Michel is a tidal island located in Normandy, France, which has been famous for centuries as one of the most awe-inspiring places in the Western World. It’s connected to the mainland when the tide is low but surrounded by water when the tide is high.

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Mont-Saint-Michel is a tidal island located in Normandy, France, which has been famous for centuries as one of the most awe-inspiring places in the Western World. It’s connected to the mainland when the tide is low but surrounded by water when the tide is high. This island itself is about 17 acres big, while the whole area, including the mainland part, is about 990 acres. 29 people were recorded to have lived there as of 2019. This location of the island made it perfect for pilgrims visiting its abbey. 

See the fact file below for more information about Mont-Saint-Michel, or you can download our 24-page Mont-Saint-Michel worksheet pack to utilize within the classroom or home environment.

Key Facts & Information

GEOGRAPHY AND TIDES

  • Mont-Saint-Michel, currently a rocky tidal island, was once situated on dry land in prehistoric times.
  • Back when dinosaurs roamed, the rising sea levels and constant erosion shaped the land, which created big rocks like Mont-Saint-Michel.
  • This place is made of a special kind of rock called leucogranite, formed around 525 million years ago during the Cambrian period.
  • Mont-Saint-Michel is about 960 meters around and stands 92 meters tall above sea level.
  • The tidal variations in the area, spanning roughly 14 meters, have earned the nickname “St. Michael in peril of the sea.”
  • Over time, changes were made in the connection between the mount and the mainland, which used to be linked by a tidal causeway.
  • The fields around Mont-Saint-Michel are perfect for grazing, and the salty grass makes sheep’s meat extra delicious. 
  • Back in 2006, a big project started to make Mont-Saint-Michel into a real island again.
  • A special dam was constructed, and also a new bridge to help the water flow better.
  • Sometimes, when the tides are extremely high, even the new bridge gets covered by the water.

HISTORY

  • Initially known as Mont Tombe, a legend saying that in 708, the archangel Michael told Bishop Aubert to build a church on the island. 
  • That’s how it began to be a sacred place of worship.
  • In the 10th century, the mount became part of Normandy under William I Longsword, as depicted in the Bayeux Tapestry.
  • The monastery backed William the Conqueror, which resulted in him granting land in England, including the founding of St. Michael’s Mount in Cornwall.
  • During wars like the Hundred Years’ War, Mont-Saint-Michel faced sieges but stayed under French control.
  • Later on, it got even more prominent with the founding of the Order of Saint Michael in 1469.
  • But during the Reformation, its importance declined.
  • Then, during the French Revolution, the abbey turned into a prison.
  • Victor Hugo was one of the people who garnered restoration efforts for the abbey.
  • Fast forward to World War II, German soldiers took over the island. 
  • But in 1944, American soldier Freeman Brougher helped liberate it, which was a pivotal point in the island’s history.
  • In 1979, Mont-Saint-Michel got global recognition as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
  • In the past few years, steps have been taken to protect and improve Mont-Saint-Michel.
  • The building of a hydraulic dam and a new bridge has addressed problems with silt buildup and brought back its status as an island.
  • In 2023, President Emmanuel Macron visited to celebrate the abbey’s 1,000th-year milestone.

MONT-SAINT-MICHEL ABBEY

  • At the top of Mont-Saint-Michel were religious buildings like the abbey and monastery, then came important halls and houses, and at the bottom were homes for fishermen and farmers outside the protective walls.
  • This abbey has been officially recognized as a historic monument in France since 1862.
  • At its center is the amazing Mont-Saint-Michel Abbey, which is a masterpiece of medieval architecture.
  • It took many years to build and has a mix of different styles like Romanesque and Gothic.
  • In the 11th century, William of Volpiano, an Italian architect known for Fécamp Abbey in Brittany, was asked by Richard II, Duke of Normandy, to work on Mont-Saint-Michel.
  • He designed the Romanesque church of the abbey.
  • Later, in the 12th century, Robert de Thorigny, a supporter of Henry II of England and Duke of Normandy, strengthened the buildings and added the main church façade.
  • In 1204, during a siege led by Guy of Thouars, the village was set on fire, and many people were killed. 
  • Despite this, the abbey’s sturdy walls prevented a full capture.
  • Philip Augustus offered Abbot Jordan funds to rebuild the abbey in the new Gothic style.
  • Charles VI further fortified Mont-Saint-Michel with towers, courtyards, and ramparts,
  • The abbey has tall spires, fancy carvings, and impressive ceilings.
  • Around the abbey are strong walls and towers that were built to protect the island from enemies.
  • These walls are made of tough stone from nearby quarries.
  • The town below the abbey has old-fashioned streets, houses, and shops that give you a peek into the island’s history.

NATURAL ENVIRONMENT

  • Mont-Saint-Michel is surrounded by breathtaking natural beauty too.
  • The tide changes dramatically throughout the day.
  • Located in the Bay of Mont-Saint-Michel, the water levels of the island rise and fall a lot, which shapes the landscape with sandbanks and channels that keep shifting.
  • This unique environment is home to various plants and animals. 
  • Many birds fly through here, especially during migration seasons.
  • Birds like sandpipers and plovers walk around and seabirds like gulls fly overhead in this area.
  • Underneath the water, there are fish and crabs.

ISLAND RESIDENTS

  • Since June 2001, a group of monks and nuns from the Monastic Fraternities of Jerusalem has resided on Mont-Saint-Michel.
  • They succeeded the Benedictine monks who returned in 1966.
  • This community, comprising seven sisters and four brothers, focuses on prayer, work, and communal living.
  • They convene four times daily for liturgical prayers.
  • Their presence draws numerous visitors and pilgrims who participate in religious ceremonies.
  • In 2012, the community refurbished Logis Saint-Abraham, a house on the Mount that now serves as a retreat guesthouse.

CULTURAL SIGNIFICANCE

  • Mont-Saint-Michel saw over 1.335 million people visiting in 2010, making it one of the most visited cultural sites in all of France.
  • It has been a holy place for centuries, drawing people on pilgrimages for their faith.
  • The big abbey up there has been a huge inspiration for artists and writers throughout history.
  • The impressive design of the abbey, which combines Romanesque and Gothic styles, shows how important it was for religion and history.

Mont-Saint-Michel Worksheets

This fantastic bundle includes everything you need to know about Mont-Saint-Michel across 24 in-depth pages. These ready-to-use worksheets are perfect for teaching kids about Mont-Saint-Michel. This island itself is about 17 acres big, while the whole area, including the mainland part, is about 990 acres. 29 people were recorded to have lived there as of 2019. This location of the island made it perfect for pilgrims visiting its abbey. 

Complete List of Included Worksheets

Below is a list of all the worksheets included in this document.

  1. Mont-Saint-Michel Facts
  2. Vocabulary Time
  3. Blank Basics
  4. Detailed Drawing
  5. Learn from the Past
  6. Famous Visitors
  7. As Told By
  8. Religious Role Reflection
  9. Tidal Islands Around the World
  10. New to Normandy
  11. Amazing Creatures

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Mont-Saint-Michel?

Mont-Saint-Michel is a tidal island and commune located in Normandy, France. It is renowned for its stunning medieval abbey, which sits atop a rocky outcrop and is surrounded by vast tidal flats.

How old is Mont-Saint-Michel?

The history of Mont-Saint-Michel dates back to ancient times, but its prominence as a religious and cultural center began in the 8th century when the first monastic establishment was founded there. The construction of the abbey started around the 10th century and continued over several centuries.

How does the tidal phenomenon affect Mont-Saint-Michel?

The tidal phenomenon is a distinctive feature of Mont-Saint-Michel. The island is surrounded by vast mudflats that are covered and uncovered by the tides of the English Channel. During high tide, the island appears to be completely surrounded by water, while during low tide, the waters recede, exposing the mudflats and creating a causeway to the mainland.

What is the significance of Mont-Saint-Michel?

Mont-Saint-Michel holds significant historical, religious, and architectural importance. It served as a major pilgrimage destination during the Middle Ages and was considered a symbol of spiritual and intellectual life in medieval Europe. The abbey complex itself is a masterpiece of medieval architecture, showcasing Romanesque and Gothic styles.

Is Mont-Saint-Michel still inhabited?

Yes, Mont-Saint-Michel is still inhabited, albeit with a small population. In addition to the historic abbey and other medieval structures, there are also residential buildings, shops, and restaurants on the island. However, the population is small due to the limited space and preservation efforts to maintain the island’s historical character.

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Link will appear as Mont-Saint-Michel Facts & Worksheets: https://kidskonnect.com - KidsKonnect, April 3, 2024

Use With Any Curriculum

These worksheets have been specifically designed for use with any international curriculum. You can use these worksheets as-is, or edit them using Google Slides to make them more specific to your own student ability levels and curriculum standards.

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