From Mont-Saint-Michel to Cancale: hidden treasures and a journey to the heart of the Bay

From the emblematic Mont Saint-Michel to Cancale, the Bay of Mont Saint-Michel is a region where nature and heritage meet in a grandiose landscape. Between polders, mills, mussel and oyster farms, and charming villages, this region offers a multitude of discoveries for lovers of nature, history and gastronomy. Whether you're cycling along the Vélomaritime, sand yachting on the vast stretches of sand, or strolling through the streets of Dol-de-Bretagne, this area will not fail to amaze.

Mont-Saint-Michel, the jewel of the bay, attracts millions of visitors every year, fascinated by its perched abbey and its thousand-year-old history. But the surrounding region is home to many other treasures. The polders, the land reclaimed from the sea, bear witness to human ingenuity and today form a unique landscape of market gardens and pastures. Mills, once the driving force behind the local economy, still dot the countryside, offering picturesque views across the bay.

The tides at Mont-Saint-Michel, with a tidal range of up to 14 metres, are an impressive natural spectacle. They transform the landscape twice a day, uncovering vast stretches of sand and covering the polders, the land reclaimed from the sea by man. 

The bay is also the heart of oyster and mussel farming. Cancale, renowned for its oysters, is a must for food lovers. Along the quays, oyster beds stretch as far as the eye can see, producing tonnes of this uniquely flavoured seafood every year. Bouchot mussels, bred on wooden stakes driven into the bay, are also famous in the region. A visit to one of the many establishments along the coast will allow you to sample these specialities, straight from the sea.

For thrill-seekers, the bay also offers the chance to go sand yachting. With its vast beaches and spectacular tides, this sport is a unique way to discover the bay at high speed, while enjoying the exceptional scenery.
Inland, Mont-Dol rises like a natural promontory offering a breathtaking view over the bay. This small granite mountain is steeped in history and legend. Nearby, the town of Dol-de-Bretagne boasts the magnificent Cathedral of Saint-Samson, a masterpiece of Breton Gothic architecture. Strolling through its medieval streets is like stepping back in time, between timber-framed houses and historic monuments.

For cycling enthusiasts, the Vélomaritime is the ideal route for exploring this region. From Normandy to Brittany, this cycle route follows the coast through a variety of landscapes, with beaches, cliffs and typical villages. The section that crosses the Bay of Mont-Saint-Michel as far as Cancale is particularly popular for its exceptional panoramas and direct access to major sites.

Why choose Clévacances for your stay in Ille-et-Vilaine?

When it comes to planning your stay in Ille-et-Vilaine, the choice of accommodation is key to ensuring an unforgettable experience. Clévacances, renowned for its commitment to quality and comfort, has many assets that make it the ideal choice for exploring this superb region.

A label of quality

Clévacances stands out for its rigorous grading system, awarding a rating of 1 to 5 keys to holiday rentals. This grading guarantees a consistently high standard of quality and comfort. Each property undergoes a meticulous inspection based on demanding criteria of comfort, equipment and welcome, ensuring that your stay fully meets your expectations.

From the majesty of Mont-Saint-Michel to the marine delights of Cancale, via the polders, windmills and picturesque landscapes of Mont-Dol and Dol-de-Bretagne, the Bay of Mont-Saint-Michel is a rich and fascinating area. Whether you want to discover local traditions such as oyster farming, try your hand at sand yachting, or explore the region by bike, this region offers a multitude of activities to suit all tastes. A trip to this region is an invitation to explore an exceptional heritage, between land and sea, history and nature.