2021 : Spring tides dates in la Manche
The spring tides are an exceptional phenomenon to discover all throughout the year in Manche, during full and new moons. The changing tides transform the landscapes and vistas of Manche’s 360 km of coastline. Don't leave without falling under the spell of Mont-Saint-Michel when it becomes an island again for a few hours. The spring tides put on a performance that will delight all ages. They occur when the tidal coefficient is greater than 90.
We've selected a few ideas for activities to enjoy during the spring tides!
Below is the calendar of the next Spring Tides in la Manche.
| Dates | Tidal range |
|---|---|
| 27th February 28th February |
91 / 96 101 / 104 |
| 1st March 2nd March 3rd March 28th March 29th March 30th March 31st March |
106 105 / 102 98 97 / 103 107 / 111 112 111 / 107 |
|
1st April |
102 / 96 |
| 25th May 26th May 27th May 28th May 29th May |
92 / 97 100 / 103 103 101 / 98 94 |
| 25th June 26th June |
95 94 |
| 22nd August 23rd August 24th August 25th August |
91 93 / 94 95 / 94 92 |
| 7th September 8th September 9th September 10th September 22nd September |
94 97 / 100 101 / 100 99 / 96 94 |
| 16th October 17th October 18th October 19th October 20th October |
97 / 101 105 / 107 108 / 107 105 / 101 95 |
| 4th November 5th November 6th November 7th November 8th November |
98 / 102 106 / 108 108 / 107 104 / 100 95 |
| 3rd November 4th November 5th November 6th November 7th November |
96 100 / 102 103 101 / 98 95 |
Data extracted from maree.info
What are spring tides ?
Each day, the sea level varies according to the universal phenomenon of the tides. Depending on the position of the moon and the sun in relation to the earth, the strength of the tide varies. During a full moon or a new moon, the sun and the moon are aligned with the earth. The attraction is so strong that it results in the spring tide phenomenon. The name comes from the idea of the tide "springing forth" and has nothing to do with the season. During spring tides in Manche, the tidal range, defined as the height difference between high tide and low tide, can reach 13 metres, making it Europe’s largest tidal range. The largest in the world is in Bay of Fundy, Canada, with a tidal range of up to 16 metres.
What to do during the spring tides ?
- Before admiring the rising waters, stroll through the medieval streets of Mont-Saint-Michel, an exceptional monument in Normandy and a Unesco World Heritage site since 1979.
- If you're a fan of surfing, catch a ride on the great wave of the tidal bore. This natural and amazing phenomenon coincides with the spring tides.
- For a more relaxed activity, try shore fishing and pick shellfish including cockles and clams. Before embarking on this adventure, take a look at the shore fishing regulations.
- At low tide, go for a stroll on the foreshore, the large expanse of sand uncovered during the spring tides. The foreshore is a whole new landscape to admire.
- To fully take advantage of this unique event, start planning your weekend stay now and book a holiday rental or a hotel in the Bay of Mont-Saint-Michel.
- Find activities to enjoy as a family like crossing the spring tides or a horse and carriage ride through an oyster farm.
Where to watch the tidal bore during your weekend in Manche ?
- Grouin du Sud Point in Saint-Léonard (arrive 90 minutes before high tide)
- Le Rivage in Vains (arrive 45 minutes before high tide)
- The bridge in Marcey-les-Grèves (30 min before)
- Le Gué de l'Epine in Val-Saint-Père (45 min before)
- The bridge in Pontaubault (30 min before)
- Roche-Torin Point in Courtils (1 hr 15 min before)
- Mont Saint-Michel (arrive 2 hours before high tide)
During your stay, do not venture out alone. Let your family or friends know where you are going and carry a tide table with you so as not to be surprised by the rising tide. During your walks as a family and your shore fishing outings, be especially vigilant as the sea can rise back very quickly. When the tidal coefficients are very high, the sea currents get stronger and the sea gets more dangerous. Every year, tragic accidents occur because of inattention, so please be careful! In case of emergency, dial 196 to contact rescue services.