This dramatic rocky island lies off the coast of Normandy in France. Mont Saint-Michel is home to an abbey which dates back to the 11th century and was once used as a notorious prison during the French Revolution.

The St. Michael's Mount at Penzance in Cornwall was modelled on this Mount.

This panorama was taken during 2008, the year Mont Saint-Michel celebrated its 1300th anniversary. A narrow causeway currently links the island to the mainland, with plans for a bridge to be completed in 2012.

Mont Saint-Michel - Mont Saint-Michel visitor guide showing a virtual tour of 'Mont Saint-Michel' linked to an interactive map with local and travel information. 360° panoramas from Normandy.

Mont Saint-Michel stands on a rocky granite outcrop, a tidal island, by the mouth of the river Couesnon near Avranches. Formed as the seas eroded the softer land surrounding this granite hill, the seas soon enclosed around Mont Saint-Michel leaving this a perfect location for an isolated and easily defensible fortress.

First built as a 6th century fortress, then an 8th century monastery, this remarkable building has evolved from being a small church to a grand abbey surrounded by a small village. Frequent attempts to capture Mont Saint-Michel failed, so throughout history, it became a renowned stronghold of royalty and nobility. Following the French Revolution, it briefly became a prison for high-profile political prisoners. Yet within a few decades, strong public support influenced the decision to protect Mont Saint-Michel as a 'national treasure'. It is included on UNESCO's list as a World Heritage Site.