Devendra Kumar
France’s beloved Abbey of Mont-Saint-Michel has celebrated a major milestone, marking 1,000 years since the first stone was laid. The UNESCO World Heritage site and popular tourist destination has been commemorating this anniversary with a series of events, including exhibits, dance shows, and concerts. To mark this occasion, French President Emmanuel Macron paid a visit, delivering a speech that echoed the Abbey’s enduring legacy. In a carefully scripted address, Macron drew parallels between the Abbey’s resilience and the French national spirit, urging the French to push themselves further in the face of global and existential challenges like climate change.
Macron’s remarks were seen as veiled rhetoric, coming just a day before a planned protest against his contested pension reform law. The President’s advisors had chosen Mont-Saint-Michel as the location for the visit because of its symbolic significance, with the Abbey’s walls and eternity evoking the notions of resistance and resilience that are closely tied to the D-Day landings being commemorated in the same region.
During his visit, Macron also viewed a new exhibit tracing the Abbey’s history, which features 30 objects and pieces, including a restored statue of Saint Michael. The exhibit tells the story of the Abbey’s construction, from its origins in the 8th century to its current status as one of France’s most beloved and iconic landmarks.
Legend has it that the archangel Michael appeared in 708, instructing the bishop of nearby Avranches to build a church on the rocky outcrop. However, the original structure, built in 966, eventually became too small for pilgrims, leading to the construction of the current Abbey in the 11th century. The exhibit explains the complex process of building this architectural jewel, which has withstood the test of time.
France has invested heavily in restoring the Abbey, spending over 32 million euros over 15 years to bring it back to its former glory. The work is nearing completion, and authorities are also taking steps to protect the surrounding environment from the impact of mass tourism. With over 2.8 million visitors last year, including 1.3 million who visited the Abbey itself, Mont-Saint-Michel is one of France’s most popular destinations outside of Paris.
Despite the crowds, the Abbey remained open to visitors during the President’s visit, with local authorities taking measures to ensure a smooth and enjoyable experience for all. The celebration of Mont-Saint-Michel’s 1,000th birthday is a testament to its enduring appeal, and Macron’s visit serves as a reminder of the Abbey’s importance as a symbol of French heritage and culture.