Le Mont-Saint-Michel walks

A very short round trip to see Mont Saint-Michel from the Grouin du Sud. It is best to do this walk at high tide, one or two hours before the tide is at its peak, so that you can watch it come in and cover the sand.

In the Bay of Mont Saint-Michel, a hike mainly along the coastal path with an almost permanent view of the bay and the Mont. From the tip of the Grouin du Sud, the spectacle of the rising tide is superb. A loop inland allows you to visit the beautiful and moving Romanesque chapel of the Prieuré Saint-Léonard.

This walk takes you along the Couesnon between the dam and Anse de Moidrey, allowing you to see the polders on the Brittany side and also the fairly abundant wildlife, particularly birds.A bit of history: formerly known as Lerra Fluvius, the Couesnon rises in the commune of Saint-Pierre-des-Landes in Mayenne, at the Fontaine de Couesnette, 200 metres above sea level. The Couesnon was channelled in 1867, allowing boats to sail up the river as far as the port of Pontorson. The first dam, built in 1969, was intended to stop the tide from flowing back into the riverbed, which, during high tidal ranges, caused flooding. It was demolished in 2008 and replaced by the Couesnon Dam as part of the project to restore the maritime character of Mont-Saint-Michel.

A walk mainly through woodland. We leave Roz-sur-Couesnon to walk along the heights of the old hill before heading down into the polders and market gardens. We soon come to the greenway, which links Cancale to Le Mont. The walk then passes close to the Maison des Polders, which is well worth a visit, before reaching the magnificent view from the park at Roz-sur-Couesnon town hall.

Roz-sur-Couesnon consists, as its name suggests, of an upper part (roz = hill in Breton) where the village is located, and a lower part made up of former marshes, polders and salt marshes, where the Couesnon river once flowed. This unique feature gives the town an exceptional view of the bay and Mont Saint-Michel, as well as a wide variety of landscapes, which the route proposed here seeks to highlight.

This route allows you to discover a whole range of small architectural heritage sites: guardhouses, typical houses, a wash house and a church. But of course, as everywhere else in the area, the star attraction is Mont-Saint-Michel, which visitors can see in the background throughout their journey.

A leisurely stroll through the polders, returning via the plateau overlooking the former coastline. A short stretch along the Couesnon river continues towards the Greenway, offering a fine view of Mont-Saint-Michel. In principle, you’ll get a good breath of fresh air. The route presents only one minor challenge: the hill between Chanel and Haut Chanel, with an elevation gain of 15 to 75 metres. The reward in season is cherries or chestnuts!

A circular route offering a variety of views of Mont-Saint-Michel. From the viewing points on the hills overlooking the bay, the paths along the polder dykes or the edges of the salt marshes and canals, this architectural marvel is always in view.

Enjoy a peaceful stroll through the polders and return via the plateau that marks the end of the old coastline. In principle, you can enjoy a breath of fresh air. The route presents only one small difficulty, namely the coast between Chanel and Haut Chanel, with a difference in altitude of 15 m to 75 m. The reward in season is cherries!

A short circular loop to do on foot or by mountain bike.

In the Bay of Mont Saint-Michel, a hike mostly along the coastal path, along the salt marshes. On either side of the Grouin du Sud, you can enjoy a superb view of Mont Saint-Michel and, from the point itself, the spectacle of the rising tide is impressive. Returning inland, you can visit the beautiful and moving Romanesque chapel of the Priory of Saint-Léonard.

Walk from Saint-Jean-le-Thomas to Cabane Vauban, along the coastal path and then back inland.

A short, peaceful walk starting from Sains. The route passes through wooded areas, including a charming section at the start. There are usually many water birds at the Étang du Pas Gérault, especially in autumn.

A short, peaceful walk starting from Sains. The route passes through wooded areas, including a charming section at the start. There are usually many water birds at the Pas Gérault pond, especially in autumn. This walk takes you along the Oak Trail, with its many remarkable trees, including the Oak of Liberty.

Along the way, you will enjoy views of Mont Saint-Michel, the Vauban huts and the Lude Valley, passing through the valley of the painters, before heading back up into the countryside, passing through the marshes and the village of Kairon to arrive in the Beausoleil district of Saint-Pair.

From Étang du Pas Gérault, take the paths and trails on the plateau, then on the Claye plain. The trail takes you through the somewhat wild Guyoult before following a circular route back to the plain and the lake. This area is rich in wildlife, with numerous egrets and cattle egrets, and sometimes grey herons. Game is often seen here, but it is very shy.