Avranches Travel Guide

Another famous story that plays in Avranches, is the one of the penetance of King Henry th second of England, after he murdered Thomas Becket in 1192 (May 11th). The abbot of Mont-Saint-Michel made him walk through the streets of Avranches barefoot and bareheaded, thus to loose the heavy guilt that had come over his shoulders. In this time this happened in front of the former cathedral, of which now-a-days only the ruines can be visited in Avranches.

The cathedral of Avranches was a famous building that originally datedback to the 10th century. Sadly enough, nothing remained after the French Revolution and one also did not rebuilt it again. It was however the bishop of Avranches that ordered Mont-Saint-Michel to b built, after he was visited by Archangel Michael. The legend says that after previous visits of the Archangel, the bishop did not act by starting the construction and Michael had to spur the bishop on by touching him on the head with his finger and pointing a hole in his skull by doing so. The skull with the hole in it, can still be seen in Saint-Gervais church, in the centre of Avranches.

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From the Jardin des Plants (City Park) in the centre of Avranches, one can enjoy a breathtaking view over the Bay of Mont-Saint-Michel, that is a tidal area of unknown proportions. It's entirely put on the UNESCO list of World Heritage and is land at low tide, but sea at high tide. In the distance, one can see Mont-Saint-Michel, the holiest sanctuary and number one pilgrims destination for many centuries of North Western Europe. Avranches played a key role in this, as being the largest town in the neighbourhood of "Le Mont" and the gateway for the thousands that had it as their destination.

On July 31, 1944, General Patton's 4th Armored Division liberated Avranches. This monument remembers this victory...

"between July 31st and August 16th, 1944 the glorious American Army of General Patton passed this crossroad accomplishing the break-through at Avranches with the thunder of his armour on his way to the victory and liberation of France".

If you are in Europe, you have to go to Mont St Michel. There is a hostel in Avranches that was the cheapest hostel I stayed at ($8/night), and appeared I was the only one there. The buses to the castle have strange hours but after dropping your bags off why not run to the castle from the station? I think it's 7-8 miles. If you're in good shape I would recommend this because it gives you an idea for the true enormity of this edifice. Too tired to walk back? Hitch hike!

In Avranches you must visit Le Jardin du Plantes, it is a beautiful garden with statues and water features but the best part is the panoramic view over the bay and of Mont san Michel, of course this was the only time I left my camera in the hotel so I apologise that I cannot show you just how lovely it is