Mont-Saint-Michel on the north coast of France is an enchanting place to visit, especially if you stay overnight. A friend of mine had wanted to see this site since he was a kid, so when he and another friend and I were planning excursions from Paris in 2005, we made sure to add this to the itinerary. Mont-Saint-Michel exceeded our expectations. We arrived in the early afternoon, and were impressed by the walled town surmounted by an abbey rising from the sea. After climbing the winding streets we reached the abbey and monastery; the architecture and history were impressive, as were the views of the town and bay below. We stayed overnight at La Mère Poulard, an excellent hotel, and it felt like the island was ours to explore. That evening we had free rein to walk the town's ramparts and stone-paved streets, as well as watch the tide come in. We visited before the bridge and dam construction project had begun, so I'd like to go back some day to see Mont-Saint-Michel as a true island.

Logistics: Mont-Saint-Michel is within a day's drive from Paris, but it can also be reached by train (via Rennes or Pontorson, which is closer), followed by a bus or taxi.