Chemins de la Baie
The bay’s oldest guiding company (founded in 1984): discovery walks, the Tombelaine loop and the great 13 km crossing from the Bec d’Andaine, with professional guides trained in tides and sands.
Visit their websiteCrossing the bay
Barefoot, with a certified guide
Experience the bay
The bay of Mont-Saint-Michel is best explored from within: barefoot in the sand, between quicksand and shifting light, always with a certified guide. A defining experience, 15 minutes from your gîte.
The professionals we recommend
Découverte de la Baie
Discovery outings on the Normandy side: crossings, shore fishing and reading the bay with guides holding the prefectoral certificate “guide of the bay of Mont-Saint-Michel”.
Visit their websiteLes Traversées de Ludo
A passionate independent guide for small-group crossings, from sunrise to the great tides, with stories that bring the bay’s legends to life.
Visit their websiteDescriptions written from the providers’ official websites; book directly with them. Your hosts hand you their tips and contacts on arrival.
The other experiences
The bay from the sky The bay on horseback The bay by kayak Sand yachting On rainy days
Guides, dates and preparation
The two formats of the classic crossing
The classic crossing starts from the Bec d’Andaine at Genêts or from Saint-Léonard at Vains: the day’s tide decides which. With Chemins de la Baie, the round trip on foot covers 13 to 15 km in about 6 hours, with a break of three quarters of an hour to an hour on the Mont. Less demanding, the walk out, bus back option means only 7 to 8 km on foot, then a shuttle and coach bring you back.
Prices published by the guides
Prices checked on 21 September 2026 on the providers’ websites. With Chemins de la Baie, the guided round trip on foot costs €22 per adult and €13 per child (aged 3 to 14); with the bus return, €34.50 and €25.50, free under 3. Les Traversées de Ludo list their 14 km Grande Balade from €15 and the Petite Balade (2 hours) from €10. Book directly with the guide.
A calendar set by the tide
There is no fixed timetable: departures follow the tide and change every day. Les Traversées de Ludo announce a high season from 15 March to 15 October; Découverte de la Baie runs its summer season from April to October and also goes out in winter, in neoprene booties. In spring, the equinox spring tides bring special outings: check your guide’s calendar before fixing your dates.
Barefoot, in shorts, a windbreaker in the bag
From April to October you walk barefoot, in shorts or leggings, with a warm layer and a waterproof windbreaker; in winter, neoprene booties, gloves and a hat. Bring water, a snack, sun cream, a towel and a change of clothes waiting in the car. Découverte de la Baie asks for good physical fitness and does not take pregnant women, because of the risk of falling.
Crossing the bay: your questions
Why do you need a guide to cross the bay?
Because the tide can come in fast and the bay mixes sandbanks, sea channels, mudflats and quicksand. A guide certified by the Manche prefecture knows where the rivers can be crossed and sets the time according to the day’s tide.
From what age can children do the crossing?
It depends on the guide and the format. Découverte de la Baie takes children from age 9 on a crossing and recommends the bus return for younger ones. Les Traversées de Ludo open their Petite Balade (2 hours) to all ages, baby carriers welcome.
How long does the classic crossing take?
About 6 hours for the 13 to 15 km round trip on foot, including the break on the Mont. With the bus return, Chemins de la Baie announces six and a half to seven and a half hours depending on the date, free time on the Mont included.
Are dogs allowed?
Yes with Découverte de la Baie and Les Traversées de Ludo, on a lead only. Découverte de la Baie adds that dogs cannot board the shuttle or the bus unless in a carrier bag: with a dog, choose the round trip on foot.
Can you cross the bay in spring?
Yes. Les Traversées de Ludo open their high season on 15 March, and Découverte de la Baie switches to its summer outings in April. The March equinox spring tides bring dedicated outings, to be booked with the guide.
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