Crossing the bay of Mont-Saint-Michel

A hike to discover the bay of Mont-Saint-Michel.

The Mont-Saint-Michel is a jewel which is really worth the detour, its visit takes half a day but if you have time you can join the Mont by crossing the bay which allows to see it under all its facets. The classic crossing starts at Bec d'Andaine, the place includes a car park where you can leave your car. Be careful with the tide times, it is difficult to go there and back during low tide and it is impossible to come back at high tide. The walk must be done in shorts and barefoot because you can put your feet in the water. You can choose to do the round trip (6 hours walk) but it can also be interesting to use a company that takes you by bus from Mont-Saint-Michel to the Bec d'Andaine. Anyway, if you don't know the area, it is interesting to go through a guide, he will tell you the tide times to respect and will explain you the fauna and flora.

Interest: ratingvery good (1 user)
Difficulty: difficulty
Duration: 4 h.
Departure point (Google Maps)

In the distance the Mont-Saint-Michel

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In the distance the Mont-Saint-Michel
In the foreground you can see the islet of Tombelaine and in the distance the goal of the walk: the Mont-Saint-Michel

Transhumance

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Transhumance
In the high season hundreds of tourists cross the bay at the same time.

The immensity of the bay

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The immensity of the bay
If you're with a guide, he'll ask the famous question: "Does the tide rise as fast as a galloping horse? According to him, the relief of the bay, with its rises and falls, can speed up the rise of the water, but in general the rise of the water is slower than the speed of a galloping horse.

The bay at low tide

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The bay at low tide
The other classic question is about quicksand. If you are with a guide, he or she will show you quicksand along the route. Quicksand is an area of very fine, unstable sediment that can trap anyone who wanders onto it.

The rock of Tombelaine

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The rock of Tombelaine
We pass by this islet, it was occupied for a time by the English who had built a fort in the 15th century. It must have been a long time.

Crossing a river

Crossing a river
The crossing is fun, don't hesitate to get wet to cross small streams.

The arrival

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The arrival
After walking across the bay of Mont Saint-Michel, arriving at the foot of the rock is truly impressive. You can see the abbey at the top of the hill, overlooking the vast expanses of sand and water all around. It's a spectacular sight that stays with you forever.

The mountain seen from below

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The mountain seen from below
At the end of the crossing you can see the mountain from this unusual angle.

The mountain surrounded by water

The mountain surrounded by water
The crossing is not possible at high tide. Here you can see the mountain surrounded by water. The work around the Mount is now finished, there will always be an island during high tides.

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