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

Nov 29, 2018A Christmas market with a long history
Nov 29, 2019Opt outside today
Nov 29, 2020New Zealand s loneliest mountain
Nov 29, 2021Rainbow Mountain
Nov 29, 2022Giving Tuesday
Nov 29, 2023Rockefeller Center Christmas tree lighting
Nov 29, 2025Red deer stag in De Hoge Veluwe National Park, Netherlands

More Desktop Wallpapers:

Apr 13, 2023Hitsujiyama Park, Saitama Prefecture, Japan
Jul 10, 2020Italy s submerged village
Dec 13, 2025Merced River, Yosemite National Park, California
Sep 2, 2018Row, row, row your gondola
Feb 20, 2021An enduring vision
Jul 18, 2020The moth wonderful time of the year
Oct 18, 2020Sitka shines on Alaska Day
Apr 9, 2023Happy Easter!
Jun 23, 2022Stari Most in Mostar, Bosnia and Herzegovina
Mar 11, 2021Welcome to the drainpipe of the Pacific
Jan 24, 2024Diamond Beach, Iceland
Jan 17, 2018Train crossing the Tadami River in Japan
Apr 23, 2019A legend and a legendary home
Nov 20, 2023World Childrens Day
Jan 1, 2019New Year’s Day in the land of the rising sun
Feb 23, 2021Giants of the avian world
Jun 21, 2025World Giraffe Day
Apr 23, 2020Duck, duck. duck, duck, duck...
Dec 14, 2021American robin
May 28, 2022Bungle Bungle Range in Purnululu National Park, Australia
Jul 30, 2025International Day of Friendship
Nov 6, 2018A truly American monument
Aug 30, 2023International Whale Shark Day
Aug 27, 2021Yabba-Dabba-Doo!
Nov 14, 2020Decorating for Diwali
Sep 23, 2025A keel-billed toucan in Costa Rica
Oct 20, 2021Feeling lazy? Today s your day.
May 22, 2018Happy birthday to Crater Lake National Park
Aug 18, 2022Surströmming Day
Jul 25, 2018Splashes of color for Watercolor Month