When the French marched through the Grand Saint Bernard on their way into Italy their generals were disciplined, and the army passed the monastery unhindered. The return home however, was an altogether different affair. The generals having ridden on ahead into France, left only a few junior officers in tow to maintain order of the motley crew of conscripts who had survived the French incursion into Italy.
Wearied from their hike through the Italian Alps, the French army entered the monastery hungry and in a foul temper. They ransacked the kitchen and took everything edible. Not satisfied with food, they also helped themselves to the mead and communion wine from the monks’ store room.
Numerous pilgrims, taking advantage of the summer months to pass through the Grand Saint Bernard and ente
