The Castle We Wanted to be the Scarlet Pimpernel Castle: Mont St. Michel

 My family grew up on 1982 version of The Scarlet Pimpernel with Anthony Andrews and Jane Seymour.

At the end of the film the bad guy, Ian McKellen, thinks he has the good guy trapped,
 on a castle-island surrounded by high-tide. 

Intrigue and sword fighting ensue,

 and Anthony Andrews and Jane Seymour escape on his awaiting private yacht, The Day Dream. 

We had to see it. 

 We woke up early, drove two hours,
 and made it to Mont St Michel before the tourist hoard. 

Breakfasting on waffles and crepes we wound our way, 

Up to the labyrinthine streets to the castle-monastery overlooking the bay. 

 Even thought the British claimed right to the lands of  Normandy for who knows how long, 

 This fortress, never left French control, 

And has become a powerful symbol of French Nationalism and Identity:

Appreciative of History and Beauty, 

Austere, Catholic and Grandiose, 

But also Accommodating and Enterprising,

(This guy is clearing the tidal mud off the parking lot.)  

 Well worth a visit,

Even with a case of the grumpy morning blues.