Each year, nearly 2.5 million visitors, whether pilgrims or tourists, climb the steps of Mont-Saint-Michel. They first discover the vast bay uncovered at low tide. The abbey displays medieval architecture from the 11th to the 16th century. From the small church established in the 8th century to honor Archangel Saint Michael, the ensemble rose to encompass a large part of the rock. A community of six sisters and five brothers maintains perpetual religious service. Some 700 to 800 pilgrims have their Miquelot notebook stamped each year.