Crossings and outings in the Bay of Mont Saint-Michel

A unique way to discover the vast UNESCO-listed bay

Crossing the Bay of Mont Saint-Michel on foot is an incredible experience. With sandy toes and the wind in your hair, head off to explore this exceptional natural site. Outings in the bay are always accompanied by an accredited guide and are available all year round. There are lots of guides offering walks, crossings and thematic outings, including discovering the flora and fauna, the spring tides, and the bay at night. There’s something for everyone and for every level. Here’s a selection of our suggestions and tips to find the right outing for you in the Bay of Mont Saint-Michel.

“Traditional” bay crossings

One-way crossing: 7 km with free time at Mont Saint-Michel

One-way crossings are also available. You’ll walk across the Bay to Mont Saint-Michel, where you’ll have an hour or two to explore the village. You can then take a shuttle bus back to your starting point. This could be a good option for families with children who can walk 7 km but not 14 km, for example.

A 7 km crossing (around 6 hours, transport included) starting at the Pointe du Grouin du Sud in St-Léonard or at the Bec d'Andaine in Genêts.

Round-trip: 14 km to find out all about the bay

The “traditional” crossing involves a 7 km walk across the bay between the coast and the village of Mont Saint-Michel, then back again. Lots of guides offer this outing and you can choose a crossing with or without a commentary, whichever you prefer. On the way, Mont Saint-Michel stands right in front of you, as your target destination. On the way back, you’ll have a great view of the coast from Cancale to Granville.

A 14 km crossing (6 hours) starting at the Pointe du Grouin du Sud in St-Léonard or at the Bec d'Andaine in Genêts.

Foreshore walks from Mont Saint-Michel

This walk around Mont Saint-Michel is ideal if you don’t have a lot of time or you don’t want to walk too far. You could spend a day exploring the village and the Abbey, for example, before heading off on this walk with a guide. It’s the perfect way to see Mont Saint-Michel from a different perspective, and to discover the foreshore, the quicksands and much more.

A 2 km walk (2 hours) starting in Mont Saint-Michel village.

During these crossings and outings in the bay, your certified guide will take you to explore this magical place. You’ll learn about the tides, quicksands, wildlife and plants, giving you a better understanding of the bay, its landscapes and its history. The guide will tailor the excursion to your interests, making it an engaging and memorable experience.

Every guide has their own special connection to the bay and will happily share its secrets with you. There are 67 officially authorised guides, including Benjamin Pontais (known as Ben en Baie), whose thoughtful and caring approach will help you discover a love for the bay, all in complete safety. He’ll introduce you to the wildlife, the sacred significance of the area, its geology, and the effects of climate change... a truly unforgettable experience!

Ben en Baie

Original ways to discover the bay

Crossing the bay at night-time

awaken your senses

At dawn or dusk, the choice is yours! Try an original crossing in a magical atmosphere, where all your senses are awakened, with the sound of the water lapping and the birds calling: an experience you’ll never forget!

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Waterside picnic outing

This nature outing is the opportunity to enjoy the bay as the tide comes in during small coefficients. You can observe the marine wildlife as the water rises (fish and marine mammals). With a picnic on the sandbanks or on Tombelaine islet, river crossings and quicksand, this outing has something for everyone!

An 8-9 km round trip (4.5 to 5 hours) starting at the Pointe du Grouin du Sud in St-Léonard.

Les traversées de Ludo

Crossing the bay in winter

Winter makes the experience even more special. Instead of going barefoot, you’ll need a pair of water shoes. You won’t cross any big rivers, but walking ankle deep in the cold water is really invigorating! At this time of year, there aren’t many other walkers and the bay is almost deserted. Time seems to stand still, giving a unique sense of freedom. If it’s really cold, the bay might be covered in white frost, and can sometimes even turn into a huge ice rink: a completely unforgettable experience!

En baie avec Jeff

Family outings in the bay

Did you know there are lots of ways to enjoy the bay with your children? Several guides offer fun outings that are adapted to suit little legs! Have fun with the family and learn about the bay at the same time.

Discovering the quicksand

Beware of the quicksand in the Bay of Mont Saint-Michel! On this short 2 km walk, you’ll discover this extraordinary phenomenon. When, where, how and why, by the end of the 1.5 hour outing, you’ll know everything there is to know about the shifting sands in the bay.

Highlight: the guide will take you to have fun sinking into the quicksand, in complete safety of course! The whole family will love it!

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Little legs in the bay

If you’re looking for an outing specially designed for little ones, Julien is the guide for you. He organises family walks, suited to children from three years of age, or even smaller in a baby carrier. This outing gives children a first fun, hands-on discovery of the bay: quicksand, shells, animals and storytelling. It’s a great way to find out about this fascinating environment.

Gambettes en baie

Coastal treasures outing

There are hundreds of things just waiting to be discovered on the beach, including ray egg cases, samphire and lots more. This family outing is suited to children from 4 to 10 years of age, who will have a great time looking for, collecting and observing all the treasures left behind by the tide. A great way to learn while having fun.

Chemins de la Baie

A unique place shaped by the tides

The Bay of Mont Saint-Michel is a vast expanse of around 500 km² situated between Granville and Cancale. Twice a day, the sea goes out several kilometres at low tide and the landscape changes completely, leaving nothing but sand as far as the eye can see. At high tide, the sea covers the bay again, and during high coefficients, it completely surrounds Mont-Saint-Michel.

The guides of the bay:

essential for an outing in complete safety

Open to the elements, the bay and the area around Mont Saint-Michel are constantly shifting. The currents can be very strong, and the quicksand can appear and disappear. It’s said that the tide here races in at the speed of a galloping horse! So to avoid any risk, you must never go out alone and must always be accompanied by a guide on any crossing.

The guides of the bay

Walking in the bay to the rhythm of the tides

The Bay of Mont Saint-Michel is washed by the highest tides in Europe. At low tide, you can walk across the bay to Mont Saint-Michel. During spring tides, the difference between high and low tide can be as much as 15 metres, making the bay an ever-changing landscape.

The spring tides

What to wear to cross the bay of Mont Saint-Michel?

For walks across the bay, wear shorts and go barefoot. Pack some warm clothes or a waterproof jacket depending on the season, as the weather can change quickly. Don’t forget to bring water, a towel, sunscreen, and a change of clothes for your children. In winter, wrap up warm and ask your guide for advice on the right gear.

When to cross the bay of Mont Saint-Michel?

Bay walks take place all year round. Summer is the most comfortable season for crossing in shorts, but it’s also the busiest time for visitors. Spring and autumn offer excellent conditions too, with even more dramatic colours and changing light – our personal favourite. For the more adventurous, a winter walk in the bay offers total freedom: you’ll have it almost entirely to yourself!