Discover the tide times for Le Vivier-sur-Mer in Ille et Vilaine, Brittany. The remarkable tidal range of 9.4m produces some of the most spectacular tidal movements in Europe, completely reshaping the coastline between high and low water.
Our detailed tide predictions for Le Vivier-sur-Mer provide exact high and low tide times, updated coefficients, and weather data. With a 9.4m tidal range, safety awareness is paramount — always consult the tide schedule and never let an incoming tide cut off your route back to shore.
Average tidal range: 9.4 metres
Ephemeris for Wednesday 4 March
Tidal Characteristics at Le Vivier-sur-Mer
The 9.4m tidal range at Le Vivier-sur-Mer creates dramatic coastal transformations. The sea can retreat over a kilometre at low water, exposing vast expanses of sand and rock. The speed of the incoming tide can be surprisingly fast, especially during spring tides — always monitor tide times and plan your return route from the foreshore carefully.
Water Sports & Activities
Swimming
Check the tide times at Le Vivier-sur-Mer to find the best swimming conditions. At high tide, the water is deeper and more accessible from the beach. Always swim in supervised areas and be aware of currents, especially during spring tides.
High tide
Calm sea
Sea Kayaking
Kayaking at Le Vivier-sur-Mer requires careful attention to tide times. Launch at high tide for easier access and deeper water. The 9.4m tidal range creates varying paddling conditions. Watch for tidal currents, especially near headlands and channels.
High tide ± 2h
Light wind
Shore Fishing
Shore fishing at Le Vivier-sur-Mer follows the tide schedule closely. As the tide drops, rock pools and sandbanks are exposed, revealing shellfish and crabs. The 9.4m tidal range at spring tides opens up the richest foraging grounds.
Low tide
Variable
Surfing
Surf conditions at Le Vivier-sur-Mer depend on tide times and swell direction. Mid-tide often provides the best waves as the tidal range of 9.4m shapes the break. Check forecasts for optimal sessions.
Mid-tide
Offshore wind
Sand Yachting
The large foreshore exposed at low tide near Le Vivier-sur-Mer creates vast sandy plains perfect for sand yachting. With a 9.4m tidal range, low tide reveals extensive flat beaches. Always check tide times and allow time to clear the beach before the tide returns.
Low tide
Steady wind
Coastal Walking
Explore the foreshore at Le Vivier-sur-Mer on foot during low tide. The 9.4m tidal range reveals fascinating landscapes of rock pools, sand flats, and marine life. Always monitor the tide schedule — the incoming tide can advance quickly.
Low tide
Clear skies
Shore Fishing
Shore fishing at Le Vivier-sur-Mer is closely tied to the tide schedule. The best opportunities come as the tide drops, exposing rock pools, shellfish beds, and sandy flats. Common species found during low-tide foraging include clams, cockles, mussels, razor clams, and crabs. Always check the tide times and coefficients before heading out — spring tides with high coefficients reveal the richest foraging grounds. A valid fishing permit is required, and minimum size regulations must be respected to protect marine resources.
Frequently Asked Questions About Tides
What time is the next high tide at Le Vivier-sur-Mer?
Check the real-time tide schedule at the top of this page for the next high tide at Le Vivier-sur-Mer. The calendar shows precise times for the coming days. Remember to also check the weather forecast and water temperature to plan your coastal activities safely.
Does the wind affect tide times at Le Vivier-sur-Mer?
High and low tide times at Le Vivier-sur-Mer are calculated astronomically and do not change with the wind. However, weather conditions do influence actual water levels: a strong offshore wind can lower high tide levels by 10-30cm, while an onshore wind can raise them. These variations should be considered during spring tides.
How do I read a tide table?
The tide table for Le Vivier-sur-Mer shows alternating high and low tides throughout the day. Coefficients (shown for each high tide) indicate the amplitude: with a tidal range of 9.4m, a coefficient of 100 will produce much larger water level changes than a coefficient of 40. Use these figures to plan your activities safely.
Why do tide times change every day at Le Vivier-sur-Mer?
Tide times shift by approximately 50 minutes each day because the Moon takes 24 hours and 50 minutes to complete one orbit relative to any point on Earth. Coefficients also vary with the alignment of Earth, Moon, and Sun: when aligned (full or new moon), tides are amplified — these are spring tides.
What is the tidal range at Le Vivier-sur-Mer?
The average tidal range at Le Vivier-sur-Mer in Brittany is 9.4 metres. This represents the typical difference between high and low water levels. During spring tides (coefficient above 90), the range can be considerably greater, while neap tides produce smaller differences.
Understanding Tides
Tides at Le Vivier-sur-Mer are driven by the gravitational pull of the Moon and Sun on the Earth's oceans. Along the Atlantic coast, the tidal pattern is semi-diurnal: two high tides and two low tides occur every 24 hours and 50 minutes. The tidal range varies with the lunar cycle — it is greatest during spring tides (new and full moon) and smallest during neap tides (quarter moons). The shape of the coastline, the seabed profile, and the continental shelf all amplify or reduce the tidal range locally.
Spring Tides
During spring tides at Le Vivier-sur-Mer (coefficients above 90), the tidal range can exceed the average 9.4m significantly. Take these precautions: always check the tide times before walking on the foreshore; never turn your back on the sea; be aware that the incoming tide can advance very rapidly, potentially cutting off your return route; stay well away from sea walls and harbour edges where waves can overtop; keep children under close supervision. In case of difficulty, call emergency services on 196 (sea rescue).
Nearby Ports
Practical Information
Average tidal range
9.4 metres
Coast type
Atlantic coast
Department
Ille et Vilaine (35)
