Mont Saint Michel is located on a tidal island in the Manche department of Normandy, France. The island was once known as Mont Tombe and due to its location, has been used as a stronghold since the 6th century. History tells an interesting story as to how Mont Saint Michel became a spiritual centre. The stories state that the bishop of Avranches, Saint Aubert, in around 708AD was visited by a vision of the Archangel Michael. Michael told him to construct a church on the Mont Tombe however Aubert ignored his orders.