Watch the high tides in Normandy

Granville is a seaside resort well known to tourists. Its peninsula and casino have earned it the nickname of the "Monaco of the North". The town is situated in the bay of Mont-Saint-Michel, an ideal location for taking full advantage of the high tides. The highest tides in Europe occur in the bay.

This fortified town, built on a rocky promontory, has a major advantage at high tide: the Chausey islands. The archipelago boasts numerous white sandy beaches bathed in translucent water. It's hard to believe that this little piece of paradise, which looks like a tropical island, is actually in Normandy. The largest island can be reached in 45 minutes from Granville. From the archipelago, the spectacle of the high tides is breathtaking. The programme includes fishing at low tide and hiking or board sports at high tide.

Located in Bricqueville-sur-Mer, between Agon-Coutainville and Granville, the Havre de la Vanlée is a magical place to watch the spring tides. The harbour is criss-crossed by a submersible road (the départementale 375), which is submerged under water at high tide. This extraordinary sight is the main attraction of Le Havre de la Vanlée.

Looking like the end of the world, the harbour's sand dunes and marshes offer breathtaking scenery at sunset. Not to be missed during high tide. A paradise for surfers at high tide and hikers at low tide, the harbour changes its appearance with the passing hours. If you're a keen hiker, the "To the end of the world" trail offered by Granville Tourist Office is a great way to explore the harbour and discover the many birds and sheep that live here. During periods of high tide, it is advisable to keep an eye on the tide times to avoid being surprised by the rising water.

The Bay of Mont-Saint-Michel is very popular during the spring tides. Saint-Pair-sur-Mer is a small seaside resort in La Manche with two pretty beaches. The town has built a reservoir to make it easier for visitors and locals to bathe in peace and quiet in a privileged area.

During the spring tides, the Saint-Pair-sur-Mer coastline is covered and discovered in a fascinating way. As the tides change, the landscape changes from a town bordered by endless stretches of sand to a rough sea with waves lapping against the sea wall. At high tide, you can opt for water sports such as kitesurfing to make the most of the waves. As far as swimming is concerned, don't forget to check whether or not it is permitted during high tides. It is sometimes forbidden during the event.

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At high tide, the tidal range (the difference in level between high and low tide) is greater than usual. As a result, low tides are very low and are the ideal time to try your hand at fishing on foot. This practice, well known to Normans, is more fruitful during high tides. So get your boots on, grab your bucket and set off to survey the vast stretches of sand in the Channel.

Some of the most famous places for shore fishing are :

👉 Yport beach

👉 Petites Dalles and Grandes Dalles beaches

👉 the Chausey islands

👉 the valleys of Varengeville-sur-Mer

On the menu: razor clams, scallops, spiders, prawns, crabs, oysters, mussels, whelks and periwinkles. The activity is regulated, however, particularly as regards the size of the seafood. To find out more, visit the official La Manche website.