The tides of Mont-Saint-Michel are famous throughout the world and fascinate for generations. Find out more about this impressive phenomenon, where the sea engulfs land as a hungry ogre.
Beyond being an architectural, historical and cultural gem, he fascinates for the tides around him and who have participated in his world fame. A general but false idea even states that the Mascaret – the name given to the wave of rising tide – advances to a speed of a horse at the galop. If it’s true that the flood – the name given to the rising tide – is moving forward, it’s certainly not as fast as a galop. This idea comes from the fact that the waves approach. When they are seen from a distance, they give the impression that an infinity of horses galopent to the one who observes them... Find out in detail the phenomenon of the tides of Mont-Saint-Michel and the natural magic that operates every day, between the Norman lands and Brittany.
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How many tides a day at Mont-Saint-Michel?
Photo credit: Shutterstock – Junk Culture
The tides, on the Atlantic Coast specifically, intervene twice a day , while everywhere else, they only take place once. On the coasts of the closed seas, they are little or not visible. Each day, the Mont-Saint-Michel sees himself as a witness of two high tides and two low tides .
WHAT HE DOES SEE
It is essential to check the tide schedules before any visit to Mont-Saint-Michel.
Be sure not to put yourself in danger when the water goes up! Every year, many unwarranted tourists take unheard of risks. As a result, a fire brigade is mobilized at each rising tide to monitor and mitigate all hazards.
How is this natural phenomenon explained?
Photo credit: Shutterstock – Nyokki
The phenomenon of the tides of Mont-Saint-Michel is quite natural and is explained in a very simple way. This is actually about the action of the Moon and the Sun on planet Earth . How is it possible? Thanks to the force of attraction. Indeed, the influence of the two cosmic stars on Earth is such that the planet is deformed. This deformation makes the large expanses of water that are the oceans, generating the passage of tide waves.
Depending on the alignment of the Moon, Earth and Sun, tides are not the same. Thus, if the three stars so perfectly aligned on a straight line, we will live what is called the bright tides (important) However, if the alignment is perpendicular, it will be tides dead water (low)
In summary, the forces of attraction exerted on Earth for millions of years generate our tides. If there was no Moon or Sun, we would not exist, but above all, the phenomenon of tides would not take place.
Big tides
Photo credit: Shutterstock – Ilya Shimanskiy
The large tides are special because, beyond being more important than others, they literally the drastic landscapes. If the phenomenon of the tides of Mont-Saint-Michel is the most important in Europe in normal times, say that the occasion of the large tides is then of additional interest.
Indeed, the large tides of Mont-Saint-Michel are quite magistral to make the mountain a cut island of the world, lovingly throwing the rock. Entirely surrounded by water, it is no longer accessible by land. The 2.5-kilometre passage linking it to French territory is no longer. The landscape then becomes peaceful, the mountain floats on the caline water, until the latter withdraws for the low tide...
How and where do you observe the great tides?
There are two places where you can observe the great tides of Mont-Saint-Michel: from the land, or from the mountain . But first, be present at least two hours before high tide time. Thus, you make sure that you can watch the Mascaret travel the kilometres of estran that separate it from Mont-Saint-Michel.
Then you choose if you want to see the tide:
- From Western terrace or the Remparts of Mont-Saint-Michelfor an authentic experience.
- Or if you prefer to be a witness from the bayfor a natural experience.
- The most appreciated place of observation is La Roche Torin in Courtils.
- Otherwise, Val de l’Épine is also a good observation spot.
- Finally the mouth of the surrounding rivers is a good place to realize the power of the great tide.
THE TRUCLEAR
The advantage of having several tides a day is that depending on the time you visit Mont-Saint-Michel, you can observe the large tide twice. Of course, for that, it is also necessary that the stars align themselves in your favor. It will have to happen in the summer, when the days last longer. You might have to get up early, but after all, it's worth it. In addition, you may have the opportunity to observe the phenomenon of the tides of Mont-Saint-Michel at sunset!
The dates of the big tides
The coefficients of the tides evolve from one year to another. However, they always intervene at the same time that the alignment of the planet is the most suitable for them: with lively tides . Indeed, it is the attraction, more important at that time, of the Sun and the Moon that is responsible for these gigantic tides. In any case, the large tides take place around the Full Moon.
For 3 to 6 days, then the coefficients are very important, and sometimes even beat some records. For example, in 2020, in October, the tidal coefficient will be 115, which is impressive!
Hours of tides
Photo credit: Shutterstock – Stefano Termanini
As we indicated above, there is in all 4 tides per day Mont-Saint-Michel.
- Two highs and two bass, acting in turn.
- They are spaced approximately 6 hours, which leaves the time of observation and adventure.
- They draw the landscape throughout the day, for the greatest pleasure of visitors.
- It's important. check the tides schedule before you venture to Mont-Saint-Michel.
Thus, knowingly, you can come to visit Mont-Saint-Michel and observe carefully the phenomena before your Baha' eyes. A rising tide or descending tide, it is always very impressive, especially when the estran is spread over 250 square kilometers...
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