Mont St. Michel is an island commune a kilometre off the coast. It is located in Normandy, France, at the mouth of River Couesnon. The Island was inhabited since the 8th century AD; since then it has been the seat of the monastery.
Why it is special: One of the most recognizable landmarks in France, it was founded by an Irish hermit, but with increase in population on the island, it became a stronghold of Gallo-Roman culture in the 6th and 7th centuries. Built in a feudal style, the seat of power and God is at the very heart of the city, which is then surrounded by great halls, houses and at the outermost ring the fisher folk and farmers. The Island held a unique position that made it accessible in low tide, but completely cut off in high tide.
