
This is the moment a "supertide" cut off access to the medieval town of Mont Saint-Michel, a World Heritage site at the mouth of the Couesnon River in Normandy, northern France, on Saturday, March 21, 2015.

Billed as "the tide of the century," the water rose more than 13 meters, covering a new walkway used to access to the island which is around 600 meters from the mainland.

Spectators had been warned that conditions were "extremely dangerous." They were urged to arrive two hours early to witness the event.

Hundreds watched as the water rose to surround the island and its historic abbey, which was built between the 11th and 16th centuries. Dedicated to the Archangel Michel, the abbey is surrounded by a museum, shops and houses dating back to the 15th and 16th centuries.

Around 3 million people visit each year. Here, some are seen walking to the site before the water rose.