Where is Mont Saint Michel?
It is a tidal island approximately one kilometer off the coast of Normandy and Brittany. It is completely cut off from the mainland during very high tides. And the highest tides in Europe are in Mont Saint Michel and Saint Malo. The tide can rise as much as 46 feet and come in as fast as a “galloping horse” or 200 feet per minute. Pilgrims have died in these waters trying to reach the sanctuary. Hundreds of years ago the island was 5 kilometers farther from the coast than it is today. Not only the tides but also quicksand can suck the unsuspecting traveler into the gray, wet sand when the tide is out.
The tides push rich soil to the mainland and little by little the coast is getting closer to the island. To resist nature’s way, a dam was built to push the soil back out to sea. Mont Saint Michel would not be the tourist attraction it is if it were not an island.
Today, visitors can gain entry by first crossing a 3,000-foot-long causeway either by bus or by foot but not by car. Cars must be parked in a lot on the mainland. In addition, 10 trails have been created so that you can walk in the footsteps of all the pilgrims who came before you from England, Germany, France, etc.
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