Work on the restoration will begin in 2002, giving tourists two more years to visit before the construction tears up part of the site. One aim of the project will be to restore tidal flows in the bay surrounding the abbey. The waters, once known to race in and encircle the Mont at the speed of a galloping horse, rarely ever lap the rock these days as a result of currents redirected by man from nearby rivers to form a dam and canals. A mile-long tourist causeway connecting the mainland to the rock has also interrupted the tide. She estimates that after work is completed in 2004, the tide will again regularly surround Mont St. Michel, turning it again into a proper island in another two years.
Officials plan to redirect the courses of two nearby rivers to help flush out the silt deposits.
The causeway, where tourist buses mar the view of the ramparts and outer walls, will be demolished and replaced by a bridge. Instead of driving right up to the ramparts, tourists will leave their cars on the mainland, and either walk the final stretch or take a shuttle. At the top of the rock is the dramatic monastery, built in the 13th century and called the ''Marvel of the Occident'' because it took only 17 years to complete. It scales the seaward face of the rock, reinforced by buttresses. Visitors can tour the monks' refectory, a guests' chamber, cloisters, a scriptorium, a small garden with stunning views over the bay, and St. Madeleine's Chapel.