Mont St. Michel. This is a place where your imagination runs wild. We arrived at sunset when the light was truly magical. We had the whole island practically to ourselves and could picture life as it was 1000 years ago (we saw it in the story told in the Bayeux tapestry a few days ago). Before going to bed we clamored all over the ramparts, squeezed down tiny little alleyways, peeked through arrow slits down to the bay, and watched bats flit as if dancing.So glad we did, because the next morning it was pouring rain, and everything was dripping wet. An early morning laudes service set the tone, with the resident monks and nuns chanting in angelic French (only interrupted by thunder and seagulls). A hearty breakfast gave us energy to walk back up those millions of steps to tour the abbey. Put this on your bucket list and treat yourself to staying there, it's unforgettable.