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

More Desktop Wallpapers:

May 27, 2022Golden Gate Bridge, San Francisco
Dec 25, 2023Merry Christmas!
Sep 2, 2020A rock in a wild place
Jun 14, 2018Celebrating Flag Day: ‘O long may it wave’
Mar 24, 2022Red squirrel
Dec 6, 2019 America s Playground by Derrick Adams
Jun 14, 2025Flag Day
May 13, 2025Torres del Paine National Park in Patagonia, Chile
Nov 17, 2020Take a hike near Lovers Lane
Jul 14, 2021A different view of sharks
Jul 29, 2019A picture-perfect day on Trillium
Jul 13, 2025Iceland for International Rock Day
Jun 17, 2024Pollinator Week
Mar 5, 2021Reflecting on one of the world s strangest rivers
Jul 23, 2019A state-of-the-art lookout on the Rock of Gibraltar
Jan 2, 2024Prayer flags in Phobjikha Valley, Bhutan
Aug 26, 2020Spotted Lake emerges
Mar 2, 2018Satellite image of sand and seaweed in the Bahamas
Mar 18, 2024Elephant Rock, Al-Ula, Saudi Arabia
Jan 22, 2021Cold? What cold?
Oct 15, 2018The story of a rediscovered redwood
Apr 26, 2020Red skies at Ruby Beach
Jul 23, 2025Vatican City with St. Peters Basilica
Dec 26, 2024Boxing Day
Jul 1, 2020Canada s $20 view
Jun 17, 2019World-class art comes to Arkansas
Jan 5, 2021Flying high on National Bird Day
Sep 3, 2024Wilderness Act anniversary
Jul 17, 2023Cloughoughter Castle, County Cavan, Ireland
Apr 8, 2020Santorini through the clouds