123 km (76 miles)
MacBean and Martyn has both been to Mont St Michel before so going there was all about them being nice to me. Given the distance was not very far, there was no rush to get there so we ran some errands and went to find breakfast. First stop was Aldi to find Martyn a mug as he had not brought one. I learned a long time ago that it is necessary to have one packed if you want to enjoy a good cup of tea. We came up blank at Aldi so I vowed to gift my mug to Martyn if he did not find one as he’d be out for a week longer than me.
After Aldi, we went looking for a cafe or boulangerie to get breakfast. All the places close to the hotel were closed so we ended up in town again. We found a small place that had seating outside, some decent sandwiches, and coffee. However, as soon as we were served, it started to drizzle a little.
We took our time getting down to Mont St Michel taking the coast road down most of the way. As we got closer, the SatNav put on the motorway and we went a long way south before coming back up. When we parked up, we found that we were a long way from the island. It seems that since it has become a world heritage site it has become a lot more organized and restrictive. It was a 30 minute walk or a 20 minute bus ride. I think because I whined about the minimal distance we ended up walking. We found this SpiderCow and other equally colorful cows on the way to the causeway out to the island.
When the lads had been here before, the causeway was tidal and would be underwater twice a day. Since then a raised roadway with a boardwalk had been built from the mainland to the island. It does provide some beautiful views of the island and abbey as you head out there.
The island and abbey are quite impressive. St Michael on the peak of the spire is gilded in gold and when the sun catches him he looks magnificent with his big trumpet. All the building in the lower levels are shops and cafes selling things at inflated prices. Mac and Martyn said they were selling tat.
This is the off season and it felt like there were masses of people visiting. I would hate to have been here a few weeks later when everyone is on vacation. My guess is that then the the bus ride will take as long as the walk with so many people getting on and off the bus.
On the way back to the mainland, MacBean started to limp. He’d mentioned in passing that he has plantar fasciitis. I felt bad because I hadn’t wanted to wait for the bus and with the walk to breakfast, we were already well over 10,000 steps for the day.
When we got back to the mainland, we grabbed a sandwich and drink for lunch from one of the less overpriced cafes, a Brioche Doree. I think I have been to one in the Chicago airport before.
On the way back, we avoided the motorways and took the coastal road the whole way back. Around the midpoint, we stopped in a little beach town for refreshments. Across the street, vigorous games of pétanque were in progress. I don’t think it could be anymore French.
I had a lemon ice cream which was delicious but made me pucker. After refreshments, we walked out to the beach to see if it was possible Mont St Michel. It was there in the distance and still quite impressive.
This being Normandy, it is Calvados country. Even though Granville is not actually in the Calvados department, it is in the next one west, we (I) had to try it. It is amazing how much you can smell the apple in the drink, much more than you can grapes in brandy.
