Nestled within expansive sandbanks or surrounded by the ocean at high tide, the distinctive shape of Mont-Saint-Michel rests atop a secluded mountain on the coast of Normandy. Designated as a renowned landmark, a site for spiritual journeys, and a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1979, it is a captivating subject for photos and a popular tourist destination in France. From its initial construction of a Benedictine abbey in 966 to its gradual expansion over the years, the complex has endured numerous transformations, including partial destruction by fire in 1203 during a failed siege by King Philip II. To make amends, the king funded the construction of the crowning jewel of the monument – the magnificent monastery known as La Merveille (the Wonder).