Chausey Islands

Chausey is an archipelago in the English Channel off the Normandy coast of France, administratively part of Manche. The group consists of a main inhabited island and many smaller islets and rocks that are alternately exposed and submerged by the tides.

The islands are notable for their extreme tidal variation - only a few dozen islands remain at high tide while many more appear at low tide. The main island, Grande Île, hosts the harbour, a small settlement and seasonal holiday cottages.

Historically the islands have been used for fishing, small-scale agriculture and stone extraction, and today they are primarily a destination for day visitors, walkers and boaters from the nearby port of Granville.

Chausey lies off the Cotentin coast near Granville in Normandy and is reached by short ferry crossings from the mainland.

• Tidal archipelago: Composed of dozens of islets and rocks that number around 52 at high tide and rise to several hundred at low tide, due to a very large tidal range.
• Access: Regular ferry services operate from Granville on the Cotentin coast, making day trips to the islands the most common visitor option.

What to See#

• Grande Île: The Grande Île is the archipelago’s main island, containing the harbour, seasonal cottages and the small hamlet used by visitors and residents.

Regular boat services run from Granville during the summer months; private charters can be arranged outside of the main season. The crossing is short (about 40-60 minutes) and operators are tide-aware - always confirm times and weather before departure.

• Check tide times: the island group's access and exposed granite are shaped by dramatic tidal ranges.
• Walk from Granville (Normandy) on a calm day with a guide if necessary - local boats ply the short crossing and operators know safe landing spots.
• Bring a detailed tide chart and waterproof gear; Chausey's flat channels can mislead the unwary as water returns quickly.