The Bay of Mont Saint-Michel is an exceptional site, both historically and naturally, making it one of the most beautiful in Normandy and France. The best way to discover it is to explore it without a vehicle. That's why we've put together this guide to give you all the information you need to cross the Bay of Mont St Michel on foot.
Why cross the Bay of Mont St Michel on foot?
Crossing the Bay of Mont Saint-Michel on foot will take you to the mudflats, sandflats and riverbanks of this bay , which is entirely unesco World Heritage Site. The aim is to follow the various trails through these natural landscapes, right up to Mont Saint-Michel itself. You can choose the length of your walk from a variety of circuits, accompanied by a guide who will give you all the information you need to cross the Bay of Mont St Michel on foot. During your walk, you'll be able to admire the ecological wealth of this part of the coastline: its seagrass beds, shellfish and migratory birds. Binoculars are recommended for even greater enjoyment of the magic of the Bay of Mont Saint-Michel!
When is the best time to cross the Bay of Mont St Michel?
It's possible to cross the Bay of Mont St Michel on foot all year round. However, spring and autumn are certainly the best periods, as they generally offer clement weather, magnificent light and fewer crowds.
How do you organize your crossing? What practical tips do you need to know?
Here's all the information you need to cross the Bay of Mont St Michel, one of Normandy's most beautiful sites, on foot.
The crossing: with or without a guide?
The Préfecture de la Mancheprohibits crossing the Bay of Mont Saint-Michel on foot without a guide, due to its dangerous nature. The tides, among the highest in Europe, the shifting sands and the sometimes violent currents can be extremely dangerous. To find a guide, simply contact the Mont Saint-Michel tourist office.
Departure points for the crossing
Your guide will usually tell you the starting point when he or she gives you all the information you need to cross the Bay of Mont St Michel on foot. The three most popular departure points are the Pointe du Grouin du Sud, one of the most beautiful natural landscapes in Normandy, the Bec d'Andaine, renowned for its dunes, or mont Saint-Michel itself.
The different tour options
There are a multitude of different circuits, and even walks designed for families, making the Bay of Mont Saint-Michel the perfect destination with children. Among the most popular tours:
- The one-way traverse: cross the bay to Mont Saint-Michel, visit it, then take the shuttle back to the starting point. The walk is 7 km long. Click here to book your hike across the Bay of Mont Saint-Michel to the Rocher de Tombelaine.
- The round-trip crossing: this is the most popular route. You'll make the crossing, visit Mont Saint-Michel, then walk back to the starting point, for a total of 14 km, or around 6 hours. Book your 14 km guided crossingright here.
- The Mont Saint-Michel walk: explore the area around Mont Saint-Michel along a 2 km circuit. Click here to book your guided walk around Mont Saint-Michel and its bay.
- The themed tide tour: this 7.5 km route with bus return is only available during high tides.
- The sunset tour: this is generally a one-way trip, but at sunset, for superb lighting.
- For children aged 3 to 10: this 2 km circuit includes many stops to discover the shellfish and mudflats.
- Storytelling outing: a storyteller will lead you along the bay, telling you the stories and legends that have been passed down since the dawn of time, along a 3 to 4 km route. Discover the history and legends of Mont Saint Michel by booking a guided tour.
Looking for an unusual activity? Fly over the bay of Mont Saint-Michel in a microlight and admire its famous abbey overlooking the landscape from the air by booking this ULM Baptism or Tandem Parachute Jump at Mont-Saint-Michel.
Average crossing time
The various circuits take between 2 and 6 hours on average. A one-way crossing includes 3 hrs 30 min walking, 1 hr on site and 1 hr 30 min shuttle for the return. A round trip takes around 6 h.
Equipment to bring
You'll need to go barefoot and wear shorts to avoid getting your pants wet. But pack a fleece or windbreaker to protect you from the wind, which can be strong. You'll also need sun cream and a water bottle. And in summer, don't forget your swimsuit for a refreshing dip in Normandy.
How do I get to Mont St Michel?
It all depends on where you start your walk across Mont Saint-Michel. If it's located at the Pointe du Grouin du Sud , a parking lot is located just behind the cape, as is the Bec d'Andaine. The latter can also be reached on foot from Genêts via a coastal path.
If you're driving directly to Mont Saint-Michel, there are numerous parking lots, numbered P1 to P13, linked to the mountain by shuttle buses. There is also a bus service from Pontorson operated by the Keolis network, one from Rennes, one from Saint-Malo and one from Avranches. By train, get off at Pontorson station, then take the bus.
