Mont-Saint-Michel, Normandy, France Nov 29, 2024

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

Nov 29, 2023Schwerin Castle on Lake Schwerin, Germany
Nov 29, 2025Red deer stag in De Hoge Veluwe National Park, Netherlands

More Desktop Wallpapers:

Sep 6, 2025Rufous hummingbird
Nov 19, 2024Tasmans Arch, Tasman National Park, Tasmania, Australia
Jan 30, 2025Rolands Breach, Spain
Jul 11, 2024Gangi, Sicily, Italy
Aug 22, 2023Amphitheatre of El Jem, Tunisia
Aug 30, 2023Whale shark, Ningaloo Reef, Western Australia
Dec 31, 2024Fireworks over Parliament Hill, Ottawa, Canada
Oct 27, 2023Sligachan Old Bridge, Isle of Skye, Scotland
Dec 10, 2025Castle of Rocca Calascio, Italy
Apr 28, 2025Impala in Moremi Game Reserve, Botswana
Oct 21, 2025Cap dAntibes, Provence-Alpes-Côte dAzur, France
Jan 19, 2024Plitvice Lakes National Park, Croatia
Jan 13, 2025Cottage and Tŵr Mawr lighthouse, Ynys Llanddwyn, Wales, United Kingdom
Jun 8, 2024Confluence of Easter Creek and Killik River, Alaska, USA
Mar 9, 2025St Marks Clock Tower, Venice, Italy
Jul 20, 2025Photo of the moons surface through a telescope
May 7, 2024Duckling in a water meadow, Suffolk, England
Jun 19, 2024Water tower in Cuxhaven, Germany
Sep 21, 2024Oktoberfest, Munich, Germany
Sep 8, 2023The Circus, Bath, Somerset, England
Apr 10, 2024Burrowing owl chicks, Wyoming, USA
Aug 2, 2024Saint-François, Guadeloupe, Caribbean
Apr 13, 2024Apple trees in spring, Germany
Dec 20, 2023Val Gardena, South Tyrol, Dolomites, Italy
Sep 4, 2024Dusky eagle-owls, Pakistan
Oct 5, 2025Boreal owl
Jun 3, 2024Bicycles in Copenhagen, Denmark
Jan 22, 2025Ad-Deir, Petra, Jordan
Jul 3, 2025Rainbow River, Rainbow Springs State Park, Florida, United States
Oct 7, 2023Grizzly bears, Katmai National Park, Alaska, USA