Mont Saint Michel Abbey

The Abbey of Mont-Saint-Michel is built in a tidal basin on a solid granite out-cropping off the Region of Lower Normandy.  The abbey dates back to Roman times, and was founded by Aubert, Bishop of Avranches.  It was called Mont Tombe [a sanctuary ] that was dedicated to the Archangel Michael, on October 16, in 708.

Officially the name became Mont-Saint-Michel some two hundred years later, when the church was built on top of this granite out-cropping by Benedictine Monks.  However the old name still remained Mont Tombe until sometime in the 17th century. thus eventually became Mont Saint Michel.

The Romanesque abbey of today was not started until the year 1023.  It was built primarily as in those times for the church to enforce its authority during the crusades.

The structure had added additions to the point, that,  the summit could not hold the structure.  Designs for additional supports [artificial cliffs] were designed and built, however one failed to support the structure and collapsed. This was just one of many  disasters to trouble the abbey over the centuries.

Holding its own through many assaults during numerous battles over the centuries, but not without death and destruction, the popularity of the abbey was untold.  Through the influence of many foundations both English and French, the wealth and influence of the Abbey became powerful, but with the pilgrimage waning along with the reformation, by the time the French Revolution came along there were few monks still in residence and this remarkable and beautiful former abbey eventually became a prison.  Holding some very influential French including Victor Hugo.

The tides are some of the most dangerous in the world, for this seeming tranquil quiet abbey that stands so proud on the summit in rather calm looking tidal pools, yet the tides are fierce and have killed many people over the centuries.  The tides come in swiftly changing between low and high tides up to 60 feet, and with a force of over 3 feet per second.

You can travel and visit the abbey easily now, for they built a causeway in the year 1879.  However, do not try to walk the flats around Mont-Saint-Michel during low tides, it could cost you your life.  There are tour guides that lead these walks, and who are well aware of the tides schedule.  Only venture out of the flats with a guide.  The lower parking lot is submerged during high tide.

Hotel La Defense , Paris

The Renaissance Paris Hotel La Defense is in the heart of La Defense district of Paris, France. Just next to the Grande Arche de La Defense this Paris hotel is just a few minutes from the capital's famous attractions: only 1 train stops from the Champs-Elysees. Guests can walk from the Renaissance Paris Hotel La Defense to the largest shopping center in Europe "les 4 Temps" as well as to the CNIT conference center. Whether you come by train, metro or taxi from Paris airports, access to the hotel is easy For those coming by car there is a private and supervised hotel car park. This upscale hotel provides spacious hotel rooms with Marriott bedding, air conditioning, Internet access, premium TV channels. For successful conferences and events there are 13 meeting rooms with natural daylight and broadband internet. Hotel guests have free access to the fitness gym with sauna and steam room. Guests can enjoy traditional French cuisine in the hotel restaurant and a relaxing atmosphere at the Colonial bar.

chateau-comtal

The only site in the medieval city of Carcassonne you have to pay an entry fee for. Not a great deal to see, the museum part has lots of old grave stones.I had a wonderful time visiting Carcasonne out if season. Although the queue to enter Chateau Comtal in the medieval city was quite long, it was worth the wait. The views from the barbican of Chateau Comtal were breath-taking.


I also took the opportunity visit Rennes- les Bain, which is only one hours drive form Carcasonne. Its a lovely little town with amazing food. The spa is definite must try.Muy recomendable visita en el que te muestran los diferentes cambios y restauraciones que han habido en la Cité de Carcassonne desde la Edad Media hasta la actualidad.


Hay visitas guiadas en español, y además te ofrecen la posibilidad de comprar la entrada (8.50Euros) con un audio-guia en español (6.00Euros) con el que puedes recorrer tranquilamente todos los recintos del castillo y la muralla.

The World in Dubai

The World in Dubai

The world is another of Dubai’s great creations. It is an artificial archipelago of small islands constructed in the shape of the world map, with each island designating a country/continent, using a sand dredging technique. The project proves to be very expensive and is still under construction, and there are concerns that the islands are sinking. The World was created to house luxury villas and tailor-made hotels which attracted much interest from wealthy investors and buyers. Whether The World will officially open is unknown. However, it is one jaw-dropping mega construction project.