Mont-Saint-Michel, Normandy, France 29 Nov 2024

A tidal marvel and a slice of medieval life all rolled into one rocky outcrop—welcome to Mont-Saint-Michel in Normandy, northern France. The story of this "Wonder of the West" goes back to the early 8th century, when Archangel Michael was said to have appeared to the bishop of Avranches in a vision. The divine message was clear: build a sanctuary on this rock. Taking this angelic advice seriously, the bishop laid the foundations of what would eventually become the abbey that dominates the island today. Over the centuries, this UNESCO World Heritage Site grew in size and reputation, attracting monks, pilgrims and invaders alike.

© Captain Skyhigh/Getty Images

palette

Today in History

A day for giving
29 Nov 2023Rockefeller Centre Christmas Tree lighting
29 Nov 2025Red deer stag in De Hoge Veluwe National Park, Netherlands

More Desktop Wallpapers:

A light in the coastal darkness
Keyholes to the kingdom
11 Sep 2025Gdańsk on the banks of the Motława river, Poland
10 Nov 2025Black-tailed prairie dogs, Badlands National Park, South Dakota, USA
A day for giving
Sequoias of the sea
Starry, starry night
24 Aug 2024Notting Hill Carnival
8 Jul 2024Blueberries growing in the wild
17 Feb 2024Jorvik Viking Festival
25 Apr 2024World Penguin Day
9 Aug 2024Bristol International Balloon Fiesta
6 Dec 2024Finnish Independence Day
1 Oct 2025Welcome to Black History Month
31 Jul 2025Kalalau Beach on the Nā Pali Coast, Kauai, Hawaii, United States
13 Feb 2025Lake Tyrrell, Victoria, Australia
The beauty of intricate carvings
10 Nov 2023Badlands National Park, South Dakota, USA
1 May 2024Lei Day
Sep 2, 2023National Hummingbird Day
3 Feb 2026Emerald Bay and Fannette Island, Lake Tahoe, California, United States
14 Jul 2024Burrowing owl chicks
Living in harmony
Nimble and stealthy
Picture perfect
Celebrating our looming lunar neighbour
A triumphant pose
22 Feb 2024Bathing boxes at Brighton Beach, Australia
26 Mar 2025Manatee Appreciation Day
19 Oct 2024International Archaeology Day