2020 : 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 |
|---|---|
| 12th January 13th January |
95 95 |
| 9th February 10th February 11th February 12th February 13th February |
98 103 / 106 108 107 / 105 101 / 95 |
|
9th March |
99 / 105 |
| 7th April 8th April 9th April 10th April 11th April |
101 / 107 112 / 115 117 / 116 114 / 110 104 / 97 |
| 6th May 7th May 8th May 9th May 10th May |
97 / 102 106 / 108 108 / 107 105 / 101 96 |
| 5th June 6th June |
95 95 |
| 20th August 21th August 22th August 23th August |
99 / 101 103 / 104 103 / 100 96 |
| 17th September 18th September 19th September 20th September 21th September |
98 / 104 109 / 112 113 111 / 107 101 / 95 |
| 15th October 16th October 17th October 18th October 19th October 20th October |
96 103 / 108 112 / 115 115 / 114 111 / 107 100 |
| 14th November 15th November 16th November 17th November 18th November |
100 / 104 107 / 109 109 / 108 105 / 101 96 |
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.