Hertz to get a car. Glad I had my info along, their computer down. The car is a diesel, manual, named her Antonette. Had pastry, small and round like our donut holes, but these were eclair pantry with no filling. Driving through the Normandie countryside. The GPS in this car lets you know if you are going over speed limit. Many points of interest signs along the way, sometime we would see a chateau or church. I'm in France, in the woman's bathroom was a man. Stopped at a restaurant for lunch. Menu was in courses and we were not allowed to share. Ok, now this is different, same bathroom for men and woman, the man stands behind swinging door and woman has stall...yes at the same time.
One can see the abbey 20 km away. Seven miles away, one must park and ride bus to base of the rock. If staying overnight one needs a code...no code? Ok now it's pouring. Upon entering the main gate of Le Mont Saint Michel we took a big step back to the 15th century. Started our journey through the narrow street filled with restaurants, shops, & visitors. Our hotel L'Auberge Saint Pierre is built in the rampart walls. Check in was in a wooden house former fisherman's cottage, above a restaurant. The clerk lead us to our room, up a 15% grade with many steps to a stone building with exposed timbers. Very updated inside with a great view and our own patio. Settled in then up the stairs(you have to climb many steps)toured the Benedictine abbey. Walking through 1300 years of history. In 708 was an Abbey, 14th c. Was a sea fortress, 15th c. A prison. Today it remains a spiritual site.
Dinner at Le Mere Poulard, famous for omlet. All the food and service was exceptional. Finish our day watching the fog close in on the rock.