The Chausey archipelago

Chausey, Granville’s island district, lies nine miles to the west, punctuated by Europe’s highest tides. Its fine silhouette, stretched out over the horizon, can be seen from the mainland. Strolling through this protected area is like immersing yourself in nature’s sovereignty, far from the noise and crowds. It’s a precious jewel that we owe it to ourselves to preserve and respect.

The Chausey archipelago, both spectacular and precious

À l'ouest de la presqu'île de la Manche, tout près du Mont Saint-Michel, repose l'archipel de Chausey. Véritable écrin naturel abritant une faune et une flore extrêmement riche, ses îlots apparaissent et disparaissent au rythme des plus grandes marées d'Europe. Il est possible d'y passer quelques heures ou quelques jours pour s'évader. Idéal pour se déconnecter du superflu et se reconnecter à l'essentiel...

Did you know?

365 islets spread over almost 40 km² appear at low tide, while at high tide, some 50 islets make up the 68 hectares that remain above the surface. The archipelago offers visitors not only an exceptional fishing area, but also a spectacle in perpetual motion.

The richness of a natural site

Exceptional diversity

17 km off Granville, the Chausey archipelago is home to Europe’s highest tides, with a tidal range of up to 14 meters (difference between high and low tide). The archipelago is made up of creeks, mudflats, beaches and foreshore, home to many shellfish and other treasures worth preserving. Chausey is a natural site whose richness has earned it inclusion in the Natura 2000 network, which helps preserve its exceptional diversity: marine animals, birdlife, shellfish (Chausey lobster, clams, bouquet…). The archipelago is a sanctuary for birds, with over 200 species (egrets, gulls, great cormorants, crested cormorants, etc.), as well as cetaceans such as bottlenose dolphins and marine mammals (grey seals). On the seabed, Chausey is home to a protected underwater plant: eelgrass. It acts as a hiding place or nursery for numerous shellfish and fish. This entire ecosystem is fragile, and since 1998, the Conservatoire du Littoral (Coastal Protection Agency) has been overseeing its protection (Grande île and maritime domain). To make the most of this natural environment, visit in spring and autumn.

An archipelago to preserve

Chausey welcomes 200,000 visitors a year, who enjoy the peace and quiet of the main island’s beaches, yachting (sailing, kayaking, scuba diving) and fishing, but the archipelago is vulnerable and must be respected. The SCI des Îles Chausey – owner of most of the archipelago (38 hectares) and all the islets – has a policy of protecting and enhancing the site. SCI warns visitors not to stray from the coastal path on its property, marked by a white barrier, which runs from Grande Cale to and that walkers are liable for any accident resulting from carelessness or inattention. The Conservatoire du Littoral, which owns 6 hectares of land on the Grande Île, ensures that the public is well looked after and preserves the archipelago’s natural riches. The town of Granville owns approximately one hectare – the Pointe de la Tour, on which the lighthouse and Vauban fort are built – and ensures the smooth running of public services throughout the island. The large island can be reached by boat via the Vedettes Jolies France company, or aboard traditional rigs.

How to get to Chausey

From the port of Granville

Board one of Compagnie Jolie France ‘s 3 speedboats from Granville ferry terminal, bound for Chausey. Dolphins sometimes guide the Jolie France launches. In less than an hour, you’ll arrive on the big island, in the Sound, where numerous boats are at anchor. The place charmed writer Jean-François Deniau, who called Chausey“the most beautiful anchorage in the world after Bora Bora“. You can also reach the archipelago aboard an old sailing ship: the Granvillaise, the Charles Marie or the Marité. Another option is to rent a number of boats from the port of Granville: sailboats, yachts, RIBs with or without skipper.

Discover the Grande Île on foot

Take the coastal path, which takes less than two hours (5.5 km) to circumnavigate the island.

Walk up the slipway, built in 1862 at the same time as the fort. This cove is often photographed with its colorful annexes, lockers, carts and pavilions. Turn left. Pass the Sound, a recently renovated restaurant run by Pierre. Just behind it, you’ll find the souvenir store, where you can pick up a gift or simply chat about island life with Babeth or Chantal. On your left is the island’s only hotel, the Hôtel du Fort et des îles, with its breathtaking terrace overlooking the islets. Head towards the lighthouse, leaving the fort with its fishermen’s casemates behind. Take the path to the left of the lighthouse entrance, which runs between the houses and along the seafront to the south. Pass the pointe de la Tour and follow the road to Port-Marie beach, where you’ll find the rock known as “le dormeur”. In Chausey, even the smallest pebbles bear a historical name or a name given to them by the locals. The beach is supervised by lifeguards in summer. You can enjoy a swim before resuming your walk.

Then follow the path around the beach to the north, with the imposing Château Renault building in your sights. Continue along the Château Renault, leaving the granite swimming pool on your right and passing the south-west-facing Port Homard beach. Head for the Grand Grève beach, where you can see the famous elephant (rock resembling this animal). La Grand Grève is the largest beach in the archipelago, and the starting point for many fishermen on foot.

Head for the island’s semaphore, built in 1867 and offering a 360° view of the archipelago. Return along the same path. Once you’ve reached the village of Blainvillais, passing by the island’sformer farmhouse, now converted into gîtes, take a well-earned break to pick up some pretty, colorful shells known as “littorines”. With a little patience and an eagle eye, you may even come across the lucky “coffee bean” shell.

Then head for the cove, past the chapel, and venture out behind it for a breathtaking view of the cove, the islets and the village of Blainvillais. It’s said that at high tide there are as many islands visible as there are weeks in the year (52), and at low tide as many days in the year (365). You can see the Eiffel Tower, and yes, that’s the name given to the Crabière beacon because of its metal frame, reminiscent of a well-known Parisian silhouette. Continue on your way and pass by this famous house with its blue shutters, nicknamed the “Marin Marie” house, the official painter of the navy. He was also a storyteller, inventor, adventurer and lover of Chausey. The small beach below is now called l’Anse à Marin, in his honor. Back to the slipway. Our loop is complete, as we’re back where we started. Each hike is unique, depending on the vegetation, the light and the tides. Tickets for the Chausey Islands are available from our Tourist Information Offices.