Is Mont-Saint-Michel an island?

Mont-Saint-Michel is called a tidal island. Its setting changes with the rise and fall of the tides. At low water, wide sand flats show up around it. At high water, the sea surges back and wraps the mount in water.

In the past, this change in water acted like a natural defence for armies. Now there is a steady bridge above the tides. It links the mainland to the mount. Because of it, visitors and shuttle buses reach the abbey all year long, even when bay water runs high.