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

A day for giving
Nov. 29, 2023Rockefeller Centre Christmas tree lighting
Nov. 29, 2025Red deer stag in De Hoge Veluwe National Park, Netherlands

More Desktop Wallpapers:

Mar. 6, 2026The Wave, Vejle, Denmark
How can we help at-risk animals?
Jun. 20, 2024Summer solstice
Jul. 16, 2025Temple of Philae, Aswan, Egypt
Jan. 9, 2025Sossusvlei sand dunes, Namib desert, Namibia
The worlds most exclusive beach?
Mar. 10, 2024Daylight Savings
Apr. 3, 2024Pacific Rim National Park Reserve, Vancouver Island, British Columbia
A puzzle for giants
Nov. 18, 2023Polar bear season in Manitoba
Blue as far as the eye can see
Jun. 6, 202581st anniversary of D-Day
Clouds dance above Sundance
Celebrating the Scottish bard
Nov. 23, 2024Fibonacci Day
Owl be seeing you ... somewhere!
May 18, 2024International Museum Day
A postcard-perfect landscape
May 23, 2025World Turtle Day
May 17, 2025A delta in the Venetian Lagoon, Italy
Dec. 17, 2025Eurasian red squirrel in Northumberland, England
Sep. 4, 2025The 50th Toronto International Film Festival
Trunks packed for road
Southern tip of a northern isle
Feb. 6, 2024Lake Tahoe
Mar. 16, 2025Happy Panda Day!
Dec. 26, 2025Boxing Day
Turtle-y nice day for a swim
Sep. 16, 2025Nighttime view over the Gulf Coast
Dec. 12, 2023Poinsettia Day