Mont Saint-Michel (English: Mount Saint Michael) is a rocky tidal island in Normandy, France. It is located approximately one kilometer off the country’s north coast, at the mouth of the Couesnon River near Avranches.It was built with two huge towers designed to defend the entrance. At the time it was built, the castle served as a means of preserving the freedom of the people. Along with the castle are built many monastic buildings that have been around since the 13th century. These structures are very fine samples of Gothic architecture.Today, Mont St Michel attracts over four million visitors a year.