Mont-Saint-Michel is a unique place in France located between Normandy and Brittany.
Based on a rocky islet and surrounded by a superb bay, it is also witness to the highest tides in continental Europe.
The Mount and its bay attract many visitors each year.
It is one of the most popular monuments in France and is listed as a UNESCO world heritage site.
For all these reasons, this magnificent site is worth the detour!
But, before going there, you must take into account the lunar cycle and choose your times carefully.
Here's why.
Mont Saint-Michel, an ancient history
The exceptional location and maritime environment pushed the monks of the Middle Ages to settle on this island and build one of the most beautiful religious monuments in France.
In the year 708, the bishop of Avranches, Aubert, is said to have designed a sanctuary on Mont-Tombe, inspired by a series of three apparitions of the archangel Saint-Michel.
The abbey erected on this promontory today offers the highest and essential point of the visit to Mont Saint-Michel.
To get to the top, a beautiful walk awaits you with a labyrinth of stairs and medieval streets.
The village, nestled behind the ramparts erected between the 12th and 14th centuries, reveals timber-framed houses of great beauty.
Thanks to its history and its particular architecture, the Mount and its bay were listed as UNESCO world heritage sites in 1979.
A sacred bay that becomes an island
The bay surrounding Mont Saint-Michel becomes a large stage where the most important tides in continental Europe take place.
To witness this spectacle of nature, certain days of the year are more suitable than others.
Indeed, as soon as the tidal coefficient crosses the threshold of 110, the Mount becomes an island for a few hours.
The water submerges the access path and completely isolates the rock.
To avoid being surprised, find out about tide times from the Tourist Office.
Due to its powerful, unpredictable tides and for obvious safety reasons, avoid venturing into the bay alone.
When the tide comes to Mont Saint-Michel
Tides occur because of a perfect alignment of the Earth, Moon and sun.
Their common attraction generates high tides which are also called spring tides.
Conversely, if the planets are not aligned and instead form a right angle, the forces decrease.
We will then talk about low tides or neap tides.
When sea levels are low, the bay of Mont Saint-Michel can be crossed on foot and with vehicles.
This is not possible during high tides, approximately every two weeks.
In just 4.5 hours after the waters began to rise, the sea hit the site, isolating it from the rest.
One thing is certain, it is at Mont-Saint-Michel that we observe the highest tides in continental Europe with a differential which can go up to 15 meters between low and high tide. During these periods of high tides , water can move up to 15 kilometers from the coast.
The most intense spring tides generally occur between 36 and 48 hours after the new or full moons.
These forecasts are never 100% certain, as atmospheric conditions can change the situation.
So, do not hesitate to take the lunar calendar into account and/or contact the Mont Saint-Michel Tourist Office.
What is the “tidal bore” phenomenon?
The exceptional tides of Mont Saint-Michel cause a rise in the water level of its bay and this is called the tidal bore.
This phenomenon is invisible most of the time, except during new and full moons.
The spectacle then becomes impressive.
The rising tidal wave forms a sort of wave that travels upstream against the current, temporarily but significantly changing the water level.
The tidal bore does not only occur at Mont Saint-Michel, but in a multitude of rivers, rivers, mouths, estuaries and other bays all over the world.
What are the best places to watch the show?
To have a chance of witnessing these rising tides, you must find out about the days and times of high tides and arrive on site 2 hours before the start.
During high seas, arrive at Mont Saint-Michel during off-peak hours, generally at the beginning and end of the day.
All seasons are suitable for visiting Mont Saint-Michel.
Even winter promises you beautiful lights.
Once inside Mont Saint-Michel, you have several strategic observation posts.
From the ramparts, the West terrace (abbey square) or the new footbridge.
Other places are good for watching the show.
For example, at Roche Torin in Courtils, Grouin du Sud in Vains-Saint-Léonard or Gué de l'Epine in Val-Saint-Père.
In any case, you will be surprised at the speed of the sea rise.
How to get to Mont Saint-Michel?
Several options are available to you.
By train from Paris and making a change in Rennes, you will arrive in 3h30 at the Pontorson railway station (Manche), located 9 km from Mont Saint-Michel.
Then, bus lines lead to the Mount all year round.
Other bus lines exist from the Normandy and Brittany regions.
By road and from Paris, there are two options.
Either the A13 towards Caen then the A84 towards Avranches Rennes.
That is, the A11 towards Le Mans then A81 towards Fougères, then A84 towards Caen.
From Nantes, follow the A84.
The car park is located just 2.5 kilometers from Mont Saint-Michel intramural.
Then, use the free transport shuttles which take you 400 meters from the rock or take the pedestrian paths via the new footbridge.
You can also board a horse-drawn carriage or cart for the journey.
By air, you can arrive at Dinard Pleurtuit airport (70 km), Rennes (75 km) or Caen (130 km) and take connections.
What is the recommended duration for visiting Mont Saint-Michel?
To have time to fully enjoy Mont Saint-Michel, plan at least half a day.
You will have time to stroll through the streets of the village, on the ramparts and climb to the abbey at the top of Mont.
Positioned on a rock and in the heart of a bay, Mont Saint-Michel is a unique site in France, which offers an exceptional panorama, especially when high tides arrive and transform the Mont into an ephemeral island.
On the other hand, it is crucial to respect the tide times and avoid venturing into the bay alone.
But, with good planning, especially during off-peak times, everything should go smoothly.
Good visit !