The Bay of Mont Saint Michel, Breton side
Although Mont Saint-Michel is in Normandy, its Bay runs along the coast of Brittany… This spectacular bay with the majestic islet as its focal point is a truly enchanting place !
High tides and gastronomy
Incredible, ever-changing light plays on the jumbled landscape of sands, polders, meadows, sea and sky stretching as far as the eye can see to make every visit a unique, unforgettable experience. The Bay has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1979, emphasising the «unprecedented alliance between the natural site and the architecture». It is also the theatre of the biggest tides of mainland Europe with a tidal reach of up to 14 metres. The phenomenon metamorphoses the panorama : the Mont becomes an island once more when the tidal coefficients are greater than 110 and time stands still for a few hours until the waters recede.
Delicious delights for discerning palates :
This unique maritime environment has become the centre for mussel farming using the ‘bouchot’ technique introduced in 1954 and Vivier-sur-Mer is now the leading mussel port of France. In 2006 ""Moules de Bouchot de la Baie du Mont-Saint-Michel"" were the first seafood to be awarded AOC status which became AOP in 2011 (P.D.O. Protected Designation of Origin). Mussel connoisseurs love the creamy, soft, melt-in-the-mouth flesh which should be consumed without moderation between July and February ! To learn about mussel-farming and all the secrets of the Bay, the Maison de la Baie in Vivier-sur-Mer has a permanent exhibition and also runs discovery walks and trips aboard the Mytili-mobile. Mussels are not the only products of the Bay to have PDO status : in 2009 saltmarsh lamb from the « Prés-Salés du Mont-Saint-Michel » were also awarded this recognition which unites farmers who respect a natural way of farming.
The wind in your sails :
How and when to get to the Bay of Mont-Saint-Michel, Brittany side
The Bay of Mont-Saint-Michel on the Brittany side extends from the Couesnon to the Pointe du Grouin at Cancale.
At the heart of the Bay, the villages of Cherrueix and Vivier-sur-Mer are on the coast and easily accessible along the lovely coastal tourist route from Mont Saint-Michel to Saint-Malo. The Bay is a wonderful place to explore at any time of year and is even more impressive during the spectacular Spring Tides. "
Our selection of accommodations
Lodging
Les Vallées du Guyoult
in DOL-DE-BRETAGNE - Ille-et-Vilaine
Guest house
Manoir de la Crochardière
in DOL DE BRETAGNE - Ille-et-Vilaine