Where to see the spring tides in la Manche?

Our top spots to admire the show

In la Manche, the sea comes and goes with the tides, covering and uncovering the different landscapes. Approximately every six hours, the tides set the pace of coastal life, shape the scenery and provide the backdrop for magical moments. This is especially true during the spring tides, when the show is spectacular. From the cliffs to the islands, in the Bay of Mont Saint-Michel, in the tidal inlets or at the foot of the lighthouses, the landscapes of la Manche are transformed, revealing unexpected treasures. Prepare to feast your eyes with our selection of the best spots to see the spring tides!

Admire the spring tides in the Bay of Mont Saint-Michel

At Mont Saint-Michel

Baie du Mont-Saint-Michel

At Mont Saint-Michel, the spring tides are a truly magical time! There are several fabulous spots to observe the rising tide around Mont Saint-Michel:

The Roche Torin in Courtils
The Pointe du Grouin Sud in Vains
The bridge in Pontaubault
The Gué de l’Épine in Val-Saint-Père

With the silhouette of Mont Saint-Michel as a backdrop and a panoramic view across the bay, enjoy the changing landscapes as the sea flows across the sandbanks. You might see the “mascaret”, the famous tidal bore, and if you’re lucky, you could see Mont Saint-Michel become an island again.

To admire the show

To admire the spring tides at Mont Saint-Michel from higher up, head to the belvedere in the Jardin des Plantes in Avranches: expand your horizons! For a different view, why not observe the spring tides from the medieval village? From the West Terrace, inside the Abbey, the Bay of Mont Saint-Michel stretches as far as the eye can see, providing a breathtaking panorama!

Mont Saint-Michel and its bay

The spring tides around Granville: between islands and cliffs

Chausey

and its islets reveal themselves

Archipel de Chausey

Head to the Chausey archipelago for a stunning natural spectacle. Here, the tidal range is exceptionally large, with a difference reaching as much as 14 metres between low and high tide. During the spring tides, a constellation of rocky islets emerges across more than 4 000 hectares. You can admire the landscapes as they’re covered and uncovered by the sea, either from the main island or from the sandbanks during a guided tour.

Chausey

Photo, © Captain Yvon
Photo, © Captain Yvon

The Plat-Gousset promenade in Granville:

spectacular waves

Granville

Head to Granville to see the waves crashing on the seawall at the Plat-Gousset during the spring tides. Take care not to get too close, the powerful swell might surprise you! Tip: go higher up to enjoy the view from the ramparts in the Haute-Ville, or stay on the promenade by the casino.

Visit Granville

The Cabane Vauban:

a panoramic view across the Bay of Mont Saint-Michel

Champeaux

Along the clifftops from Carolles to Champeaux, follow the GR®223 hiking trail to discover the highest tides in Europe as they unfold in the Bay of Mont Saint-Michel. Follow the route known as the “most beautiful kilometre in France”, with the rolling sea as a backdrop. Our favourite spot: take a break at the Cabane Vauban for a picnic with the best seats in the house!

The Cabane Vauban

The Côte des Havres: the spring tides between land and sea

From Granville to Carteret, the Côte des Havres offers lots of spectacular viewpoints during the spring tides. In these eight unspoilt inlets, the rising spring tides partially or totally cover the stretches of saltmarshes, meadows and sandbanks.

La Vanlée inlet and its tidal causeway

Bricqueville-sur-Mer

An unmissable spot during the spring tides, La Vanlée inlet is a spectacular sight when the incoming waters cover its landscapes and the unusual tidal causeway crossing the inlet is completely submerged.

Saint-Germain-sur-Ay inlet and its old guardhouse

Saint-Germain-sur-Ay

Once used as a lookout to keep watch over the coastline, the guardhouse in Saint-Germain-sur-Ay inlet is now a great spot to watch the spring tides. The view is even more impressive during very high tides, when the guardhouse is completely surrounded by water.

Portbail inlet and its stone bridge

Portbail

At the heart of Portbail inlet, admire the waves crashing right at the edges of the village. During the spring tides, the water reaches the pillars of the Pont aux Treize Arches and completely surrounds the stone bridge. From the old church and Quai Aubert, the view is quite something!

The côte des havres

La Hague: the spring tides at the edge of the world!

Goury and its lighthouse guarding the Alderney Race

La Hague

As the guardian of seas with the strongest currents in Europe, Goury lighthouse is a must-see during the spring tides. Here, the high tidal coefficients make the currents even stronger. From the coast, watch the waves crashing on the lighthouse, creating an impressive natural whirlpool!

The Cap de la Hague, a place of contrast

La Hague

From the craggy cliffs at the Cap de la Hague, the spring tides unfold before your eyes with breathtaking panoramas: a great time to put on your hiking boots and walk the Sentier des Douaniers (customs officers’ path). Between the Nez de Jobourg and the Bay of Écalgrain, you’ll find a succession of magical viewpoints against a backdrop of striking colours.

The Nez de Jobourg

The Val de Saire

From Saint-Vaast-la-Hougue to Tatihou Island: the peninsula reveals itself

Saint-Vaast-la-Hougue

From Saint-Vaast-la-Hougue, watch as the spring tides uncover the crossing to Tatihou. The island then becomes a peninsula, making low tide the perfect time to walk across to this little paradise. At very low tides, the oyster beds seem to spring from the sand under the watchful eye of the Vauban Towers in the background. A unique panorama!

Visit Tatihou

Gatteville lighthouse and Roubary harbour

Gatteville-le-Phare

Admire the tides as they flow in and out between the rocky shoals and churning waves at the foot of Gatteville lighthouse. Standing watch over these turbulent vistas, the lighthouse seems all the more majestic. Carry on your walk to Roubary harbour, just a few metres from the lighthouse. Here, during very high tides, the waves reach the seawall and rock the boats at anchor.

Gatteville lighthouse