Planning my first long-distance trek: GR223 (Coutances to Mont Saint-Michel)

Hi everyone, I’m leaving on Monday, August 3rd for my very first long-distance trek: the GR223 from Coutances to Mont Saint-Michel, over 6-7 days (~11-14 miles/day), solo. I’m looking for tips from people who know this section well (Coutances → Regnéville-sur-Mer → Hauteville-sur-Mer → Bréhal → Granville → Genêts → bay crossing):

Budget-friendly accommodations: I’m struggling to find affordable stopover lodgings (a lot of what I find online are expensive vacation rentals, not really suited for a solo hiker). If you have any great spots (hostels, hiker-friendly B&Bs, nice campgrounds), I’d love to hear them! Bay crossing: Any feedback on guides/providers leaving from Genêts for the final crossing? General tips for a first long-distance trek: What you wish you’d known before your first time, pitfalls to avoid, etc.

Hi Hadjer, reply in two parts. 1-crossing the bay: I’ve done it twice and can’t remember the guides’ names... but trust them. My tip is about your hiking pack (sometimes bulky and heavy). The crossing is barefoot. There’s at least one section where the water comes up to mid-thigh, plus stretches on *tangue*—a muddy sediment where balance is pretty precarious. Check with the guides about the recommended max pack weight. (I remember people giving up after falling on a *tangue* patch... they probably weren’t very athletic, but still.)

2-campsites. a- Régneville-sur-Mer municipal campsite (in an old quarry in Régneville) and La Vanlée campsite (in the Vanlée harbour near the tidal road). I went there too long ago to know exactly what they offer now. b- La Guérinière municipal campsite in Carolles (I went recently). If it’s just a pitch, a tent, and one person: between 10 and 12 € (no booking, but call ahead—they’re friendly). They also have pods and small canvas rentals whose exact name I don’t know; expect to pay between 30 and 45 € (I think), and you’ll need to book.

Don’t forget to enjoy the sea—the water’s really pleasant in this part of the Channel.