The Mont Saint-Michel Bay is located between west Brittany and east Normandy. The bay spans 500 square kilometers.
There are two mounts on the bay, Mount Tombelaine and Mont Saint Michel.
The wonder of the islet is that it can be accessed both by land and sea, given that the tide flows in at the speed of 6 km/h (3.7 miles/hour).
The tide is also one of the main attractions of the bay of Mont Saint Michel. The tide can reach up to 15 meters, This is also one of the highest rides in Europe.
The Cotentin peninsula and the bay’s closeness to sea level historically made the bay inaccessible to pilgrims during high tide as well.
Of course, this was a natural advantage of the site, allowing it to grow.
Mont Saint Michel’s history is a testament to that.
The Dykes of Mont Saint Michel
The first causeway to be built for access to Mont Saint Michel was the Roman Causeway back in the 8th Century.
However, this was not accessible during the high tide.
The one standing there today is the Tidal Causeway; this bridge was constructed after the site was declared of national importance in 1879.
There were four dykes built between these two, you can still find Chapelle Saint Aubert in the bay area as a remnant of where that bridge must have existed.
There were upgrades to the original project that upgraded the existing causeway, but there were other efforts to improve silting in the bay to keep Mont Saint Michel as an islet.
In 2015, a hydraulic dam project was initiated at Mont Saint Michel due to the limited impacts of previous measures.
It was finally inaugurated in 2023 for the 1000-year anniversary of the site.
A new dyke, elevated on stilts, allows the English Channel to flow unhindered.
To preserve the bay, shuttle buses and horse carriages are the only transportation options to travel across the Bay.
Of course, you can use the Mont Saint Michel Bay crossing causeway to get to the islet.
Another way to Mont Saint Michel is to cross the sands.
During an incoming tide, the mud of the flats becomes slushy, eventually becoming very similar to quicksand.
We recommend taking a guided tour of the Bay of Mont Saint Michel for your safety.
That way, you can explore the bay and know when you would have to return to the mainland.
The Causeway
Key to connecting Mont Saint Michel to the rest of France is the new causeway built in 2014.
The length of this pathway is 1.1 kilometers (0.7 miles)
You will then take a bridge over the water, which runs for 760 meters.
The water has returned around the islet with the new causeway due to reduced silting.
Finally, the earth platform at the bottom of the mount runs for 120 meters, which can be accessed only by foot.
The free shuttle drops visitors to this earth platform.
Experience a hassle-free visit by securing your tickets to Mont Saint Michel in advance!
Flora and Fauna
A Special Protection Zone, Mont Saint Michel Bay is a natural habitat for seals. There are hundreds of birds and dolphins as well.
You can see that the dolphins follow the warm Atlantic Ocean current into the Bay area.
Take the fishing boats out into the waters during summertime and enjoy as the dolphins follow.
Another attraction just five minutes away is the Mont Saint Michel Alligator Bay. Originally opened in 1990 as a temporary exhibit.
Now, the park has three distinct displays:
- Snakes and Lizards – 700 sq m (1996)
- Land and Water Tortoises – 6000 sq m (1998)
- Alligators and Crocodiles – 2500 sq m (2006)
Several environmental causes do not allow diverse flora to grow in the region.
Even so, you will find several maritime plants that grow on the Mont Saint Michel Bay.
Oysters thrive in the area, and 25,000 tons of shellfish are consumed in Europe and exported to other parts of the world.
The salt meadows are perfect for the salicornia plant, giving the region’s animals a distinct flavor.
Try the unique menu of their food at the eateries near Mont Saint Michel.
Beach
The sea may lightly spray you while you are on the ramparts but do not miss the breathtaking views of the Bay.
You can enjoy the distant lights of small coastal villages and the varying landscapes of the Normandy coast.
Enjoy the flat, sandy Breton coast and the corniches of Cancale, leading your eyes to the cliffs and lighthouse of the Pointe du Grouin.
FAQs
Where is Mont Saint-Michel Bay?
The Mont Saint-Michel Bay is located between west Brittany and east Normandy. The bay spans 500 sq km.
There are two mounts on the bay, Mount Tombelaine and Mont Saint Michel.
Does Alligator Bay have alligators?
Yes, one exhibit out of three is dedicated to alligators and crocodiles. There is one for land and water tortoises and another for snakes and lizards.
Featured Image: Wikipedia.org
