What to do · Mont-Saint-Michel
Guided Walk on the Sand at the Foot of the Mount
Information
- From
- €15 adult
- Duration
- 2 h
- Distance
- 3 km
- Season
- All year, with times that depend on the tide
- Who it's for
- Families; children from when they can walk for a couple of hours
- With a dog
- On a lead, according to the guide's rules
If you do not have a whole day to cross the bay, this is the way to set foot in it. They are short guided walks that leave from the foot of the ramparts and take a loop over the sand around the mount, with the islet above you all the time. You tread the mud, cross a stream or two, and the guide explains the tide, the quicksand and the history of the mount. It is the activity that works best with children.
The walks
Découverte de la Baie, the guides from Genêts, runs several short outings from the mount. The walk around Mont-Saint-Michel lasts about two hours and covers about 3 km, for €17 for adults and €12 for ages 3 to 14; there is a sunset version, at the time when the mount is reflected in the water on the sand. On days of high tides there is another outing to watch the sea come in and the tidal bore, the long wave that runs up the rivers when the tide returns, also at €17 and €12. The shortest is the quicksand walk: an hour and a half and 2 km to see how it works; after the guide's demonstration, you try it yourself safely, for €15 and €11. Under-3s do not pay, and on all of them you walk in a group with an accredited guide.
Where and when
The guide waits to the right of the main entrance to the mount, outside the ramparts, wearing a Découverte de la Baie jacket and a red and orange bib of an accredited guide, or a yellow one of a guide in training. You must be there fifteen minutes early. To get there, allow between 45 minutes and an hour from the mainland car parks, on foot or on the free shuttle. The times change every day because they depend on the tide; in winter they run mostly in holidays and at weekends, with several outings a day in the weeks around Christmas. Check the calendar on their website and book: the groups are limited.
What to bring
From April to October you go barefoot and in shorts. From November to March, with boots or neoprene booties, which the guide can lend if you ask at least 24 hours ahead, subject to sizes, and with very warm clothes, a hat and gloves. Bring a small towel and an empty bottle to wash your feet at the end.
Tips
- Combine it with the abbey Two hours of sand and two of abbey fit into the same day without rushing.
- Sunset It is the outing with the most beautiful light and the least crowded.
- Say if you need booties In winter the guide lends neoprene booties if you ask a day ahead.
Frequently asked questions
How much is the walk on the sand at the mount?
€17 for adults and €12 for ages 3 to 14 for the two-hour walk; €15 and €11 for the quicksand one.
Where do I meet the guide?
To the right of the main entrance to the mount, at the foot of the ramparts, fifteen minutes beforehand.
Can small children go?
Yes, under-3s do not pay; with small children the hour-and-a-half walk works best.
Does it run in winter?
Yes, on the days in the calendar, with boots or neoprene and warm clothing.
With young childrenAs a familyWith teenagersWith a dog
Who runs it
- Découverte de la Baie du Mont-Saint-MichelWalk around Mont-Saint-Michel Visit their website
- Découverte de la Baie du Mont-Saint-MichelRising tide and tidal bore Visit their website
- Découverte de la Baie du Mont-Saint-MichelDiscovery of the quicksand Visit their website
