Informations
Pointe du Grouin: A Breathtaking Balcony Over the Emerald Coast
Located at the northern tip of Cancale, the Pointe du Grouin is an iconic natural site along the Emerald Coast. A true balcony over the sea, it offers an exceptional panorama stretching from Mont-Saint-Michel Bay in the west to Cap Fréhel in the east.
Shaped by winds and tides, this rocky promontory unveils a wild landscape where steep cliffs and preserved heathlands blend with the ocean's force. Its rugged terrain makes it a prime location for observing diverse flora and fauna. Many seabirds, such as cormorants and seagulls, nest here, while the surrounding waters are home to rich biodiversity, including dolphins often spotted offshore.
The Pointe du Grouin is also a key stop along the Customs Officers' Path (GR34), offering hikers spectacular views of the islets and beaches of the Emerald Coast. Offshore, Île des Landes, a protected ornithological reserve, adds to the site’s natural beauty.
It is also a strategic navigational point, marked by the presence of a semaphore monitoring the area’s strong currents. Each year, the Pointe du Grouin hosts the starting line of the legendary Route du Rhum, the solo transatlantic sailing race between Saint-Malo and Guadeloupe.
With its unspoiled nature and breathtaking panoramas, the Pointe du Grouin is a must-see stop for anyone looking to experience the splendor of the Breton coastline.
Mont-Saint-Michel Bay: A Natural and Historic Marvel
A UNESCO World Heritage site, the Mont-Saint-Michel Bay is one of the most spectacular natural landscapes in Europe. Situated between Brittany and Normandy, it is renowned for its exceptionally high tidal range, among the largest in the world.
During major tides, the sea can retreat over 15 kilometers before rushing back in at great speed, creating the impressive mascaret, a tidal bore wave that surges up rivers. This unique dynamic shapes a rich ecosystem, with vast expanses of tidal flats, salt meadows, and shifting sands that host a diverse array of wildlife and vegetation.
At the heart of this majestic bay stands the famous Mont-Saint-Michel, a rocky islet crowned by its thousand-year-old abbey, a true masterpiece of medieval architecture. A place of pilgrimage for centuries, it now attracts millions of visitors eager to admire its unique setting between land and sea.
The bay is also a living space for fishermen and salt-meadow sheep farmers, whose meat, known for its distinctive flavor, is highly prized for its quality. It is equally beloved by hiking enthusiasts, who can cross its vast sandy plains on foot, guided by experienced professionals to ensure a safe journey.
Between sea and sky, the Mont-Saint-Michel Bay is a magical place where nature and history converge, offering an ever-changing, awe-inspiring spectacle.