The beautiful castle island that looks like something out of a Disney fairytale | Travel News | Travel

Disney castles are meant to be something that’s strictly in fairy tales. But there is one spot in Europe that looks like one of the castles jumped out into real life. The island is located in northern France, and it looks so magical, it’s hard to believe it’s not animated.

Mont Saint-Michel, set on a small rocky island in the bay between Normandy and Brittany, is one of Europe’s most breathtaking sights. Rising out of the sea with its spires, medieval walls and a towering abbey, it looks like something straight from a storybook. According to Normandy Tourism, the island and its bay are both UNESCO World Heritage Sites, attracting millions of visitors every year.

What makes Mont-Saint-Michel even more fascinating is its history. 

The story dates back to 708AD, when the Archangel Michael is said to have appeared to Bishop Aubert, telling him to build a church on the mount. 

Over time, it became a major pilgrimage site and a centre of learning in medieval Europe.

The abbey is perched at the highest point of the island and was built in stages starting from the 10th century. 

As the official website for Abbaye Mont Saint Michel explains, the abbey grew over the centuries with a mix of Romanesque and Gothic styles. One wing was so impressive it was nicknamed “The Marvel.”

Mont-Saint-Michel’s location also meant it  played an important role during the Hundred Years’ War. 

It was fortified with powerful ramparts and famously resisted a long English siege between 1423 and 1434.

Later, during the French Revolution, the abbey was turned into a prison. 

It remained that way until 1863, when it was finally closed and later restored as a historic monument. 

Today, a small community of monks and nuns still live on the island, and the abbey is open to the public.

Visitors can explore winding medieval streets filled with shops, restaurants and museums. 

For the full experience, it’s best to go early in the day or stay overnight, especially outside peak season. 

According to Normandy Tourism, the site is quietest before 10am or after 5pm, particularly in autumn or winter.

One of the most unique features is the tide. Mont-Saint-Michel becomes a true island again during high tides, which are the highest in continental Europe. On days when the tidal range exceeds 110, access is temporarily cut off.