What to do · Mont-Saint-Michel
Guided Walk across the Bay, from Genêts to the Mount
Information
- From
- €23 adult
- Duration
- 6 h
- Distance
- 14 km
- Season
- Big crossings from late March to early November; Tombelaine circuits all year
- Who it's for
- Adults and children who can stand several hours walking on sand and mud; not for pregnant women
- With a dog
- On a lead; not on the outings returning by shuttle or bus
It is the old way of reaching the mount: walking over the sand from the Norman shore, like the medieval pilgrims, with a guide who knows the bay. From the Bec d'Andaine, in Genêts, the mount is about 7 km away in a straight line, with the island of Tombelaine halfway. You cross barefoot, in shorts, wading rivers that can reach mid-thigh.
Why with a guide
The bay has some of the largest tides in continental Europe. When it rises, the water advances very quickly across the plain, the rivers Sée, Sélune and Couesnon change course and there is quicksand a few metres from the shore. That is why it is only crossed with guides who hold the prefecture's accreditation as bay guides. The departure is scheduled according to each day's tide, so the times change: check the guide's calendar before planning your day.
The options
Découverte de la Baie, based in Genêts since 1994, runs two big crossings from late March to early November. The round trip on foot is about 14 km and six hours, with about 45 minutes at the mount, for €23 for adults and €15 for ages 3 to 14. The one with the outward walk and return by shuttle and bus is about 7 km and six and a half hours, with an hour and a half free at the mount, for €33 and €25; it is the most comfortable if you want to climb to the abbey. All year round there is also a circuit to the island of Tombelaine, a former hermitage and fortress now a bird reserve, of 7 or 8 km and about three and a half hours, for €20 and €13. Under-3s do not pay.
Getting there and what to bring
The usual starting point is the Bec d'Andaine, in Genêts, on the opposite shore: by road you have to go round the bay via Avranches. There you report to the Découverte de la Baie ticket office, opposite the restaurant, and the car park is paid by card. Some departures start from Saint-Léonard, with free grass parking. Bring sun cream, a cap, a waterproof, a warm layer for your torso, water and something to eat, and a small towel for your feet. From November to March you walk with boots or neoprene booties.
Tips
- Choose the bus return With the outward walk and the return by shuttle and bus you have time left for the abbey.
- Book The groups are limited and fill up in holidays.
- Towel and bottle An empty bottle is useful for washing your feet with river water on arrival.
Frequently asked questions
How much does it cost to cross the bay with a guide?
From €23 for adults and €15 for ages 3 to 14 for the round trip on foot; €33 with a bus return.
How many kilometres is it?
About 7 km each way and 14 km round trip.
Can I do it in winter?
Not the big crossings; the Tombelaine circuit and the short walks, yes, with boots or neoprene.
Can dogs go?
On a lead, but not on the option with a return by shuttle and bus.
As a familyWith teenagersWith a dog
Who runs it
- Découverte de la Baie du Mont-Saint-MichelGreat crossing, return on foot from the Bec d'Andaine or Saint-Léonard Visit their website
- Découverte de la Baie du Mont-Saint-MichelGreat crossing, there on foot and back by shuttle and bus Visit their website
- Découverte de la Baie du Mont-Saint-MichelCircuit to the island of Tombelaine Visit their website
