For the first time this century, tourists and residents alike stood on the shore of northwestern France to gaze in awe at an incredible phenomenon.
Known as the supertide, it happens just once every 18 years, according to The Associated Press, bringing water levels up to levels not seen at any other time. It affects the northern coast of France and southern England, providing a show for onlookers and surfers.
Arguably the biggest spectacle from the event, however, happened at France's Mont Saint-Michel. Thousands of people showed up at the coast of Normandy to witness the highest tide in nearly two decades, and the ancient abbey was turned into an island, the AP reported.
"It's been a long time since we've seen Mont Saint-Michel surrounded by the sea," Wilfred James told the AP. "I was born in this region and I never saw it like this."
The island, which contains a monastery, is usually connected to the mainland via a causeway, but that went underwater during the supertide, providing an incredible photo opportunity, according to the BBC.
Surfers rode the 6-foot bore tide – a rush of seawater that travels up a river or narrow bay – brought by the supertide in Gloucestershire, England, along the River Severn, The Independent said. Though the tide peaked slightly lower than forecasted, it provided a rare opportunity for surfers, and some posted footage to YouTube.
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