The Chausey Islands: what to do in this little paradise?

Living in the moment, reconnecting with nature, and really getting back to basics.
Photo
Photo, © Hello Travelers

Chausey is a unique and authentic archipelago. Set sail and escape to this island paradise!

Once you get there, enjoy the gorgeous beaches with crystal-clear waters and white sand. Explore the island on foot and discover its secrets. Head off on a kayaking adventure to deserted islets. Chausey has plenty of things to see and do.

The Chausey Islands: the biggest archipelago in Europe

There are places where time stands still, and Chausey is one of those. In this island paradise, there are no cars, just little cottages connected by rocky paths, and landscapes sculpted by the tides and the Gulf Stream.

Chausey is the biggest archipelago in Europe, with 365 islets at low tide and 52 at high tide. A wonderfully wild and authentic place, Chausey welcomes visitors from the mainland and offers them an escape from their everyday lives.

  • Photo
    Photo, © Captain Yvon
  • Photo
    Photo, © Alice Bertrand
  • Photo
    Photo, © Xavier Lachenaud
  • Photo
    Photo, © Xavier Lachenaud

Enjoy the beaches in Chausey

relaxation, sandcastles and picnics

With transparent waters and fine white sand, even the most reluctant people will want to dive straight in! Chausey has six beaches, including three big ones that are perfect for bathing:

  • Photo
    Photo, © Xavier Lachenaud

    Port-Homard beach:

    A unique setting right next to Château Renault.

  • Photo
    Photo, © OTGTM - Alexandre LAMOUREUX

    Grande-Grève beach:

    This is the biggest one on the main island, with gorgeous views of the islets of the archipelago

  • Photo
    Photo, © OTGTM - Alexandre LAMOUREUX

     Port-Marie beach:

    Close to the landing dock, with a lovely view of the lighthouse, this is the only beach with lifeguards on the main island

Head off to explore the main island of Chausey on foot

The main island of Chausey is 1 500 m long and 500 m wide and has a rich variety of landscapes. In the centre, you’ll find fields and hedgerows, in the south, beaches that look like the Caribbean, and at the tip of the island, maritime pines and succulent plants typical of the Mediterranean.

You’ll discover these landscapes as you walk around the coastal path, a 5 km trail suited to all levels.

On the way, you’ll see:

  • The Sound: the natural channel next to the main island, into which the slipways plunge;
  • The chapel, built in 1850 and illuminated by gorgeous stained glass windows;
  • Les Blainvillais hamlet, with its fishermen’s cottages;
  • The semaphore, built on the highest point, with a 360 degree view of the archipelago;
  • Château Renault, built in 1559, a private property that you can’t visit;
  • The lighthouse, on the southern tip, standing at 39 m high;
  • The fort, built under Napoleon III, which held 300 German and Austrian prisoners during WW1, and a small German garrison during WW2.

During your walk, take a dip at Port-Marie beach, admire the cormorants and red-breasted mergansers, take a photo of Marin Marie’s house, lose yourself on the little paths, and look for the elephant (the most famous rock on the island).

More information about the course

Go on a guided walk in the Chausey Islands

Olivier, a guide and geographer, offers different outings in Chausey, including guided tours of the main island, walks on the islets in complete safety, an introduction to sustainable shellfish gathering, and flora and fauna discovery trails.

Outings are available all year round, and always respect nature.

Outings in Chausey

Photo
Photo, © Xavier Lachenaud

A fragile ecosystem that must be protected

Chausey is protected by Natura 2000 and the French Coastal Protection Agency. More than 200 bird species regularly visit the archipelago. Some, like the red-breasted merganser, have chosen Chausey as their only breeding ground in France. To avoid disturbing the nests, the islets are only accessible from 15 July to 30 September.

As for plants, many rare species grow in Chausey, including blue thistle, sea beet, bloody geranium and Gallic pink, and should under no circumstances be picked.

To protect this classified site, a number of rules must be followed:
  • Gathering (plants, shells) is forbidden
  • Camping and fires are forbidden
  • Dogs must be kept on leads and are not allowed on the islets
  • Fishing and mooring are regulated
  • Always stay on the marked footpaths

Visit the archipelago by boat or kayak

Exploring the archipelago by kayak

The canoeing club in Avranches organises three hour-long kayaking trips in the heart of the archipelago, accompanied by a qualified instructor. An immersive and sporty outing to discover the landscapes of Chausey.

Book with Canoë-Club d’Avranches: 02 33 68 19 15 or ckca50@wanadoo.fr

More information

Photo
Photo, © Xavier Lachenaud

Boat tour around the Chausey Islands

The Jolie France shipping company that takes you to Chausey also offers guided tours on their ferries. The skipper tells the story of Chausey and takes you to see the fisheries, the mussel beds, L’Ile aux Oiseaux (Bird Island) and islands where you might spot seals: a one hour excursion to discover the Chausey archipelago differently.

Tip: the island tour is available from mid-March to mid-November.

 Book

Photo
Photo, © Xavier Lachenaud
Photo
Photo, © Captain Yvon

How do you get to the Chausey Islands? Where to stay and eat ?

Ferry, accommodation, restaurant suggestions : all our ideas

Chausey : our useful tips
  • Photo
    Photo, © Captain Yvon
  • Photo
    Photo, © Captain Yvon

You may be interested in