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

Mont-Saint-Michel, Normandy, France

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:

An oasis in the desert
Sep 20, 2026Eiffel Tower at sunset, Paris, France
Launching hopes and prayers
Jul 7, 2026Plate-billed mountain toucan with orchids, Ecuador
Feb. 21, 2024Firefall at Yosemite
Sep 3, 2026Winding road of Julier Pass, Switzerland
Aug. 28, 2025Great white egret, Hungary
Dec. 6, 2025Everglades National Park, Florida, United States
Jul. 19, 2025Jacksons Point Lighthouse on Lake Simcoe, Ontario
This clever bird passes with flying colours
‘The hills have a power to soothe and heal which is their very own.’
The rivers run through us
Feb. 8, 2024Mount Hood, Oregon
Mar. 8, 2026Daylight Saving Time
May 28, 2024The Monastery of Roussanou, Greece
Oct. 9, 2025Space Week isnt over yet!
World Hippo Day, a giant celebration
Jul 25, 2026Praia das Catedrais, Galicia, Spain
May 1, 2024Lei Day
Oct. 22, 2025Belogradchik Rocks, Bulgaria
Jun. 7, 2024World Oceans Day
Oct. 16, 2023Golden larches and Prusik Peak, Enchantments, Washington
God’s Own Country
Our forgotten forests
Sep. 5, 2023Mount Segla, Senja Island, Norway
Sep. 7, 2025Gdańsk on the banks of the Motława river, Poland
Jan. 28, 2026Whanganui National Park, Retaruke, New Zealand
Reflecting its stylish past today
Oct. 7, 2024World Architecture Day
Nov. 16, 2024Wadden Sea coast, Friesland, Netherlands