If you fancy going away but don’t want to deal with the hustle and bustle that comes with going abroad then you’re in luck as the UK is home to an array of beautiful islands that you’d almost be mistaken for being overseas. Perched on a rocky islet in the midst of vast sandbanks, Mont-Saint-Michel is one of France’s most picturesque sights and was even crowned one of ‘France’s most stunning sights’.
Thanks to its increasing popularity the tidal island in Normandy is the third most visited landmark in France and attracts thousands of tourists every year. With its popularity also means it can be overcrowded and expensive. But fear not if you want to escape rubbing shoulders with fellow tourists then there is a gorgeous UK island that is often confused for its French counterpart.
Saint Michael’s Mount in Cornwall is one of Cornwall’s most recognisable landmarks, offering visitors and locals alike a magical setting that you won’t be able to help falling in love with
The island boasts an ancient castle fortress, sloping subtropical gardens, sweeping lawns, and a harbour village.
Before the now iconic churches, monasteries and castles it is thought the island was an ancient trading post and was an important port for trading Cornish tin with the Greeks and other civilisations.
Conde Nast Traveller even voted St Michael’s Mount the best island in Europe for a historic day trip.
Unlike Mont-Saint-Michel, Saint Michael’s Mount offers tourists a more tranquil and relaxing experience allowing you to explore the ancient island in peace.
The two spots are often confused for one another, however Normandy’s Mont-Saint-Michel was built between the 11th and 16th century, whereas the construction of the Cornish wonder began in 1135.
The two mounts share the same tidal island characteristics and the same conical shape, though St Michael’s Mount is much smaller.
Six years ago Archant were left red faced after they printed an image of Mont Saint-Michel in Normandy to publicise Cornwall’s St Michael’s Mount in the 2019 issue of South West Attractions and Accommodation Guide.
The publisher issued a statement saying: “We have rectified this on our records and apologise for this error.
“South West Attractions is an annual edition so we would normally mention this in the next edition, but in this case it will be some time.”