We are blessed to have the most stunning, sandy beaches that are less than an hour away from many of the houses we sell and one of the nearest ones, is the beautiful seaside town of Carolles.
Still in the Manche department of Normandy, it can be accessed by the main road that bypasses Avranches, or you can hug the picturesque coastal route, that has Mont St Michel in your sight at every turn. Along this route (approached from Avranches) you will pass by the pretty villages of Genêts where you can take a guided walk across the bay to Mont St Michel on foot (Bec d’Andaine), Dragey – famous for horse-riding – where you will see riders on the beach and Saint-Jean-Le-Thomas.
At Saint-Jean-Le-Thomas you can stop in one of the restaurants or sit beachside with a magnificent view of Mont St Michel, watching the many people (although never crowded) taking their dogs for a stroll. You can also enjoy a picnic on the many benches provided. Like most towns and villages in France, this town hosts a large brocante and music events in the summer months. There is also a holiday caravan park overlooking the bay. This beach is not ideal for swimming as there is quicksand which your shoes will soon discover and this is why you need a guided tour to walk across the bay! It is not safe to do so on your own due to this fact and the rising tide.
For local schools in the surrounding Normandy area, this is a frequent school trip and you will often see school parties making the crossing and often with exchange students.
The tourism website (link below) tells us that…
“This hike along the shores is inspired by the thousand-year-old tradition of the pilgrims who used to travel to Mont Saint-Michel on foot. Now, this nature outing is accessible to all those who wish to enjoy an unforgettable experience.
There are various options available, from the simple discovery of quicksand (1h30), the tour of the Mount (2h), crossings from Mont Saint-Michel to the islet of Tombelaine (3h) or even a round trip crossing of 13 km (6h): there’s something for everyone!”
If you continue onwards you head out of Saint-Jean-Le-Thomas – you will again come across hill top restaurants and a wonderful viewing point to observe Mont St Michel. Shortly after and before you arrive at Carolles Plage, you cannot miss a visit to the hidden secret gem that is La Cabane.
It is a stone cabine right on the cliff edge where the sea is turquoise and is in a stunning spot. You can also walk along this coastal route.
And finally, you reach the beginning of our wonderful Normandy Sandy Beaches. You have arrived at Carolles where you can avail of free parking (which does get busy in the summer months but is still easily accessible if you park a little further away).
You have everything you need to spend a fun filled day at the beach. Restaurants, toilets, beach huts, that view of Mont St Michel, an area for crab hunting and other foraging in the rock pools and more. The beach does not sharply drop away once you are in the sea, so it is perfect for families and a stones throw away to your next beach of Jullouville.
We hope you enjoyed this little insight as to what you can expect in and around Carolles Plage.
Information on St Jean Le Thomas and other beaches
