Begun as an abbey in the tenth century, Mont St. Michel grew over the years to become an important defensive position. Sited off the French coast, it posed a formidable obstacle to any invading army. In this view, one can see the defensive wall at the bottom, the surrounding village in the middle, and the abbey above. A flag decorates one of the battlements. Towering above the surrounding town and defenses, the abbey dates from the tenth century.
Shops line the narrow streets leading to the abbey.
Built upon a rock outcropping, Mont St. Michel stands as a tribute to medieval engineering. Cadets pause for a moment to record their visit to the abbey.