Mont St Michel Interactive Virtual Visit CD ROM Click to buy the "Mont St Michel : Interactive Virtual Visit" CD ROM Aubert, Bishop of Avranches, dreamed that Saint Michael commanded him to build a sanctuary to Saint Michael on Mont Tombe, off the coast of Normandy. In 708 Aubert had a replica of the sanctuary at Monte Gargano built there, which soon became a place of pilgrimage known as Mont St Michel. Religious hermits settled on the Mont, and Pilgrims came from far and wide to seek a state of Grace. In the Middle Ages the many pilgrim routes which converged on the bay of Mont Saint-Michel were known as the "Ways to Paradise" and "Voie Montois", and the pilgrims became known as "Miquelots". Access to the Mont St Michel, crossing the vast expanse of sands known as "les grèves" at low tide was so difficult and dangerous that people said "If you are going to the Mont, make your will"! In imitation of the pilgrims to Monte Gargano, the early pilgrims took home as souvenirs pieces of stone taken from the rock of the Mont. After this practice was forbidden shells which they collected instead from the bay became the emblem of a visit to the Mont. In modern times the shell has been superceded by a metal badge or sportelle depicting Saint Michael which is made in the village. Click to buy the "Mont St Michel : Interactive Virtual Visit" CD ROM   The photographs for the "Le Mont St Michel Interactive Virtual Visit" CD ROM were taken at the feast of St Michael. Here is an extract from our pilgrim Journal: Saint Michael's Day dawned clear and golden, the September sun drawing the mist from les Grèves. As the tide receded Jackie, our guide, struck the sand with his bourdon and led us out into La Baie de Mont Saint-Michel. A stiff breeze greeted us as we left the shelter of the dunes, encouraging us to lengthen our stride. At first the sand was firm, drying swiftly. We were a merry band, and we soon we reached the black mud which enveloped us to our ankles, accumulating on our bare feet to slow our progress. The warnings of the local people echoed in our ears: "If you are going to Le Mont Saint-Michel, make your will!" We struggled on, trusting Jackie to guide us well. And so he did, bringing us to the river which we must wade, thigh-deep. We were glad of the river's cleansing waters, freeing our feet of the burden of smooth black mud which they had accumulated. Reaching the far bank we were intrigued by the fantastic sand patterns left by the retreating tide - but we dare not linger for fear of the return of the tide. So, with renewed lightness of tread we hastened to catch up with Jackie as he led us, unerring, across this vast expanse where the elements of Air and Earth, Fire and Water meet. We were glad of the sun's warmth, as the breeze continued to blow away all thoughts of the mundane world - for today we were under the protection of Saint Michael. Skirting Tombelaine, our hearts leapt as Le Mont Saint-Michel returned to view, majestic in it's isolation. Resting awhile, we bathed in the pool which surrounds Tombelaine, before setting forth once more towards our goal. Seagulls soared and swooped, calling a welcome to their world as we tested the quicksands that were the final testing ground before we would reach our destination. Saint Aubert's Chapel beckoned - a tiny sanctuary where we gave thanks for our safe arrival, before joining the pilgrims already thronging the streets and Abbey of Le Mont Saint-Michel. Click to buy the "Mont St Michel : Interactive Virtual Visit" CD ROM   What others have said: This is ideal background preparation for a visit to Rocamadour - so many wonderful things I would have missed if I had not explored with the help of your CD ROM beforehand. Thankyou. PS, France  "C'est magnifique! Ah, les photos!" JR, Perigueux "I didn't realise there was so much to see..." RJ, Perigueux The "Mont St Michel : Interactive Virtual Visit" CD ROM with text in English & French includes 650+ original photographs with interactive links so that you may explore as you like - you can choose to go left or right, ahead, upwards, or behind. The 15 'Guided Visits', with original sound tracks by Magical Sounds offer an overview of the principal routes and sites in and around Mont St Michel. If you plan to visit Mont St Michel the "Mont St Michel: Interactive Virtual Visit" CD ROM will help you to ensure that you won't miss anything! For the armchair traveller - what better way to explore Mont St Michel than with "Mont St Michel: Interactive Virtual Visit" CD ROM! Explore Le Mont Saint-Michel... £18 free delivery worldwide   Subscribe to our Newsletter and receive a free Mont St Michel Virtual Visit demo!   Name: Email: