Mont-Saint-Michel, Normandy, France Nov. 29, 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
Nov. 29, 2023Rockefeller Centre Christmas tree lighting
Nov. 29, 2025Red deer stag in De Hoge Veluwe National Park, Netherlands

More Desktop Wallpapers:

Mar. 9, 2024Bisti/De-Na-Zin Wilderness, New Mexico, USA
An island made from a vow
A postcard-perfect landscape
Mar. 28, 2024Cherry blossoms in Shanghai, China
Oct. 7, 2023Katmai National Park, Alaska, USA
Apr. 24, 2025Spire Cove in Kenai Fjords National Park, Seward, Alaska, United States
Where are these illuminated walkways?
Jul. 11, 2025World Population Day
Dec. 15, 2023SantaPark, Lapland, Finland
Get ready for the blood moon
May 30, 2025Little Pigeon River, Great Smoky Mountains National Park, United States
Mar. 17, 2024St. Patricks Day
Feb. 21, 2025Champaka Sarasi, Shivamogga, Karnataka, India
How sweet to be a star, floating in the blue.
Aug. 24, 2024Katahdin Woods and Waters National Monument, Maine, USA
Sep. 3, 2024Alpine Lakes Wilderness, Washington, United States
Sep. 23, 2024Sea Otter Awareness Week
Apr. 16, 2024Union Square, Manhattan, New York, USA
Three petals and three leaves
May 31, 2024Gunnerside, Yorkshire Dales National Park, England
Feb. 8, 2025Medieval towers in Mestia, Upper Svaneti, Georgia
A legend sprung from the ground
Amber waves of grain
Nov. 19, 2024Tasmans Arch, Tasman National Park, Tasmania, Australia
Jun. 19, 2025Vila Franca Islet, São Miguel Island, Azores, Portugal
Where history comes alive
Jan. 11, 2024Eurasian lynx
Let’s have a lek, see?
Mar. 24, 2026Cherry blossoms at East Lake Cherry Blossom Park, Wuhan, China
Dec. 25, 2023Christmas Day