Activities near Mont‑Saint‑Michel
Explore the history of Mont‑Saint‑Michel
A wonder of the Western world, Mont-Saint-Michel stands in the centre of a vast bay which has the highest tides in Europe. Recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1979, it is a tourist hotspot which welcomes more than three million visitors every year, making it the third most popular tourist site in France, after the Eiffel Tower and Versailles.
Mont-Saint-Michel has more than 1,300 years of history. After Saint Michael appeared to him, Bishop Aubert ordered the abbey to be built in 708. From the very beginning, Mont-Saint-Michel was a destination for pilgrims and today, tourists, walkers and pilgrims come together as they climb the 350 steps up to the abbey and its breathtaking views.
Architecture enthusiasts can admire the incredible medieval architecture of this site, dating back to between the 11th and 16th centuries.
Admire the natural world of the bay
Do you know what a tidal bore is? When the tide comes in, a fifty-centimetre wave enters the Bay of Mont-Saint-Michel, creating a uniquely spectacular sight you won’t want to miss.
Nature lovers can also admire the diverse flora and fauna in the Bay of Mont-Saint-Michel. With 130 bird species, including majestic gulls and wigeons, and around a hundred species of fish, including eels and salmon, this area is a real paradise for wildlife enthusiasts. You might even spot dolphins and seals in the water here.
Cap de Roche Torin also merits a mention as a spectacular botanical destination: land and aquatic plants coexist here, including pedunculate sea-purslane, a rare species. At the Manoir de la Roche Torin, we can organise day-trips to the Bay of Mont-Saint-Michel, led by a passionate wildlife expert who will share his knowledge of this amazing ecosystem with you.
A wide range of activities to suit all tastes
Every year, the Bay of Mont-Saint-Michel welcomes a marathon which is particularly popular with keen runners. It’s the only marathon in the world in which participants can see the finish line before even starting the race!
If running isn’t your thing, you can also explore the bay on foot, by bike or in a canoe, while riders of all abilities can admire the views on horseback, alongside their family or friends. And why not sign up for Rando Baie? Held every 2 years, this popular sporting event gives participants the opportunity to make the most of the bay on foot, on a mountain bike, in a canoe or on horseback. It’s an unmissable experience.
Explore Courtils and the surrounding area
In addition to visiting Mont-Saint-Michel, you can also explore the picturesque towns of Saint-Malo, Dinard, Dinan, Granville and the Cotentin region. Visit these beautiful destinations and enjoy a wonderful stay in Normandy.
