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Your Guide to the Mont Saint Michel Bay

​Mont Saint-Michel is a tidal island in Normandy where the resident nuns and monks live and pray in the Abbey. This island is known for its architectural and cultural heritage while the surrounding bay further adds to its charm. Both the island and its bay are on the UNESCO World Heritage Sites and receive over 3 million visitors every year. Mont Saint-Michel Bay is the site for the highest tides in Europe and is one of the most beautiful bays in the world. The Bay is home to a diverse natural environment and offers a lot of amazing views and attractions for visitors to enjoy.

​Plan Your Visit to Mont Saint Michel

About Mont Saint Michel Bay

mont saint michel bay

Mont Saint-Michel Bay, designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a Special Protection Zone, hosts a diverse ecosystem. During low tide, it serves as a natural sanctuary for various bird species like avocets, ospreys, and over 130 other bird types, including migratory species such as bean geese and wigeons.

The bay is also rich in marine life, offering a habitat for numerous fish species like sea bream, ray, and seabass, and occasional summer sightings of seals and dolphins, following warm Atlantic currents and observed near Normandy's coastline, often accompanying fishing boats.

mont saint michel bay

Despite challenges like sand buildup and agriculture impacting the flora, Mont Saint Michel Bay remains a vital breeding ground. It boasts salicornia plants in its salt marshes, a valuable food source for grazing animals. Additionally, the bay is famous for oyster and shellfish harvesting, with products distributed worldwide.

What sets Mont Saint Michel Bay apart is the fascinating transition between high and low tides. During low tide, visitors can walk to the tidal island, revelling in the stunning landscapes that envelop the bay.

Tides of Mont Saint Michel Bay

mont saint-michel bay

Mont Saint-Michel Bay, one of the most beautiful bays in the world, has a unique design. Due to the significant tidal movements in this area, high tide at Mont St Michel Bay is a stunning phenomenon to witness, while the low tide leaves the majority of the bay uncovered.

There are two reasons for the bay experiencing the highest tides in Europe — how shallow it is and the Cotentin peninsula forming a natural barrier. The water levels can reach up to 15 meters during high tide. Before road-dykes, Mont Saint-Michel was inaccessible to the pilgrims and the tourists during high tides. The rising of tide is quick and the water advances at a speed of up to 6 km/h that can lead to drowning if you aren’t careful. This is why it is advised to not walk through the Mont Saint-Michel bay without an experienced guide.

Plan Your Visit to Mont Saint Michel

The Dykes

The first dyke, Duchess Anne Dyke, was built on the bay in the 11th century to make the island accessible to the pilgrims. In the 19th century, a road-dyke was built and in the 1980s, a new dyke, elevated on pillars, was built to allow the English Channel’s water to flow freely.

What to do in Mont Saint Michel?

Cross the Bay

Cross the Saint Mont Michel Bay during low tide and enjoy the stunning landscapes around you. You might even be able to observe migratory birds that visit here every year.

Mont Saint Michel History

Visit the Abbey

This is the famous architectural marvel at Mont Saint Michel. Take a guided tour to learn its history and enjoy the stunning views of Mont Saint Michel bay from here.

Mont Saint Michel Abbey

Museums

Apart from popular attractions, there are four museums to visit on Mont Saint Michel - Logis Tiphaine, Archéoscope, Historical Museum, and Maritime Museum.

Mont Saint Michel Facts

Restaurant

This island is famous for omelettes and crepes. You can enjoy a delicious omelette at La Mere Poulard or you can try the best crepes at Crêperie La Cloche.

Mont Saint Michel Restaurants

Stay the Night

It is possible to visit Mont St Michel bay from Paris but it can be a long and exhausting trip. You can stay the night at Rennes or Saint-Malo or enjoy camping.

Mont Saint Michel Hotels

All Your Questions About Mont Saint Michel Bay Answered

Mont Saint Michel is one of the most popular attractions in France and receives over 2.5 million tourists every. Due to its rich history, good cultural base, and stunning views, it is definitely a must-visit attraction in Normandy.