Mont Saint-Michel, the "Merveille de l'Occident" (Wonder of the West) owes to its original setting and its fine architecture its ranking as one of the major monuments for visitors in France. Around a kilometre in circumference, this rocky islet rises to a height of 80 metres and is linked to the Bay by an unfloodable causeway built in 1870. In the 21st century, Mont Saint-Michel has perpetuated its thousand year tradition of accommodating visitors. Twice a month, during the spring tides, the flood tide is a wonderful sight, registering the biggest tides in Europe.