The island of Mont Saint-Michel is located in Normandy, Manche department, on an island-rock rising 78.8 meters above mean sea level. The city on the island has existed since 709. Currently there are several dozen residents. Mont Saint-Michel is famous for its Benedictine abbey, built in the 11th-16th centuries. The abbey covers an area of approximately 55,000 m² and is an example of a medieval French fortified monastery.