The Couesnon canalised at the start of Saint-Georges-de-Gréhaigne

This walk takes you along the Couesnon between the dam and Anse de Moidrey, where you can see the polders on the Brittany side and the abundant wildlife, especially birds.
A little history: formerly known as Lerra Fluvius, the Couesnon river rises in the commune of Saint-Pierre-des-Landes in Mayenne, at the Fontaine de Couesnette, 200 metres above sea level. The Couesnon was canalised in 1867, allowing boats to travel up the river to the port of Pontorson. The first dam, built in 1969, was designed to stop the tide from rising in the riverbed, which caused flooding when the tidal coefficients were high. It was demolished in 2008 and replaced by the Couesnon Dam as part of the operation to restore the maritime character of Mont-Saint-Michel.

Please note that the footbridge at the car park is closed until 31/06/2026 due to construction work (see alternative in practical information).

Details

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  • Walking
    Activity: Walking
  • ↔
    Distance: 13.25 km
  • ◔
    Average duration: 3h 50 
  • ▲
    Difficulty: Moderate

  • ⚐
    Back to start: Yes
  • ↗
    Ascent: + 3 m
  • ↘
    Descent: - 3 m

  • ▲
    Highest point: 10 m
  • ▼
    Lowest point: 5 m
  • ⚐ Country: France
  • ⚐ District: Pontorson (50170)
  • ⚑
    Start/End: N 48.576217° / W 1.520121°
  • ❏
    IGN map(s): Ref. 1215ET, 1215OT, 1216E
  • Hour-by-hour weather

Photos

Description of the walk

Parking on the right bank of the Couesnon is accessible via the D776 at La Grève.
Red and white GR® markings and greenway

(S/E) From the car park, facing the Couesnon, take the track on the left towards the footbridge 100 m away. Cross the footbridge and continue along the road for 500 m via the GR®37-39.

(1) Follow the GR® which leaves the road on the right. Make a wide circular loop to the right to reach the edge of the canalised Couesnon. Continue to the left, along the canal to the first bridge.

(2) Pass underneath and continue on the GR® to the regulating dam.

(3) Do not cross it, but continue left along the Couesnon, staying on the GR® for about 1.2 km.

(4)Beautiful view of Mont Saint-Michel. Retrace your steps back to the dam.

(3) Turn left to cross the Couesnon on the dam and take the greenway immediately on the right, heading south along the opposite bank of the Couesnon to the bridge.

(5) Continue straight ahead on the greenway that connects Beauvoir to Cherrueix and Cancale, heading south along the Couesnon. After 1,200 metres, you will come to a fork.

(6) Take the path on the right, along the Couesnon, and walk past the racecourse on your left, then the holiday centre. After 1700 m, you will return to the car park where you started (S/E).

Waypoints

  1. S/E : km 0 - alt. 7 m - Parking - Couesnon (fleuve)
  2. 1 : km 0.69 - alt. 8 m - Le Pas au Boeuf
  3. 2 : km 3.73 - alt. 7 m - Bridge
  4. 3 : km 5.93 - alt. 10 m - Dam
  5. 4 : km 7.15 - alt. 10 m - Viewpoint - Le Mont Saint-Michel
  6. 5 : km 10.69 - alt. 10 m - Bridge
  7. 6 : km 11.71 - alt. 8 m - Hippodrome crossroads
  8. S/E : km 13.25 - alt. 7 m - Parking

Notes

Please note that the footbridge at the car park is closed until 31/06/2026 due to construction work.
Until then, you can take a detour between markers 5 and 1 (which are of no particular interest) and start the route from the Moidrey farm (you can park nearby, see comment below).

Public toilets are available at the bridge (5).

The car park is not very large, with only 6 to 7 spaces. Another option, if necessary, is to park along the D90 just before the Moidrey farm.

Remember to close the gates at Anse du Moidrey.

Worth a visit

Mont Saint-Michel.

Le Moulin de Moidey, Rue des Moulins.

Alligator Bay. Zoo with indoor and outdoor enclosures for alligators, crocodiles, snakes, lizards and giant tortoises.

Always be cautious and plan ahead when you're outdoors. Visorando and the author of this route cannot be held responsible for any accidents occurring on this route.

The GR® and PR® markings are the intellectual property of the Fédération Française de Randonnée Pédestre.

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The GPS track and description are the property of this route's author. Please do not copy them without permission.