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The hidden side of one of France's best-known visitor attractions is having a €7million facelift.

Some 50m above ground, the northern face of the Abbey on Mont-Saint-Michel, off the coast of Normandy, is undergoing vital work to remove moss from the roof and facade to prevent damp, and reinforce oak beams.

It is the first time this work has been carried out since the 19th century.

Abbey expert and guide François Saint-James told France 2 scaffolding put up for the restoration work has allowed him to see the abbey in a new light.

"This is the first time that I have seen these walls so close (...) It is a fabulous construction."

The work on the second most-visited tourist monument in France is expected to last until 2023, by which time some 8,500m2 of facades will have been restored.

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