With its dove-grey coat, large ears, and gentle demeanour, the Cotentin donkey (Equus asinus) is part of the Norman traditions. It is naturally docile, although a little shy at first. Brigitte Pieau raises around twenty of them at the Domaine d’Esthine with respect for animal welfare; she also trains them to tag along hikers on foot. The Cotentin donkeys have always served humans, and with their quiet steps, they now accompany hikers on the paths of the Mont-Saint-Michel bay.