Islands and islets in Normandy: which one will you visit?

Jersey, Guernsey, Chausey, Tatihou: islands you can explore from la Manche
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Photo, © Captain Yvon

Chausey, Tatihou, Jersey, Guernsey, Alderney, Sark and Herm: the Channel Islands are guaranteed to give you a completely different experience only one hour away from the French coast. Hop aboard a speedboat, a yacht or even a traditional sailing ship, and escape to an island paradise. Whether you're an adventurer in search of an authentic experience, a shopping addict or a keen birdwatcher, there's an island for everyone!

The Chausey Islands

Chausey is the largest archipelago in Europe, with 365 islets at low tide and 52 at high tide. It's a unique place – wild and truly natural. There are no cars here, no noise except the sound of the waves and the birds. When you come to Chausey, you’re living in the moment, reconnecting with nature, and really getting back to basics.

One hour by boat from Granville, the main island of Chausey offers visitors the perfect place to laze on the beach, bathe in crystal-clear waters, go for a stroll, go kayaking or visit the other islands – activities that can be done alone or accompanied by a guide. There are various ways of getting there from the mainland: by ferry, yacht or traditional sailing boat. You choose! In the evening you can dine and stay overnight on the island, a unique experience that should definitely be on your bucket list!

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Photo, © Best Jobers

What to do in Chausey: all our suggestions.

Living in the moment, reconnecting with nature and really getting back to basics... Welcome in Chausey !

Discover Chausey
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Photo, © Hello Travelers

How to get to Chausey? Where to stay? To eat?

Ferry, accommodation and restaurant suggestions

Come, eat, sleep in Chausey

Tatihou Island

Just off the harbour of Saint-Vaast-la-Hougue and a stone's throw from Barfleur, Tatihou is a sanctuary for 150 species of seabirds. In spring you can see the baby birds nesting in the grass watched over by their parents. With its bird sanctuary and maritime gardens, Tatihou is a wonderland for nature lovers and environmentalists. Sheltered behind the walls of the old lazaretto lies a journey among the plants of the world, with orchids, palm trees, agaves, heathers, and much more.

The Vauban tower watches over this extraordinary biodiversity and together with its twin, the tower in La Hougue, has been registered as a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2008. Adjoining the tower are other military buildings which nowadays house the maritime museum. You can get to Tatihou on the amphibious vehicle or, at low tide, on foot. Explore this little piece of heaven for a day trip or a longer stay.

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Photo, © Xavier Lachenaud

What to do in Tatihou island?

A Vauban tower, a museum, gardens, bird watching : all our suggestions for exploring Tatihou Island

Tatihou
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Photo, © Captain Yvon

How to get to Tatihou? Where to stay?

Crossing, accommodation, eating, the ideal season : follow the guide!

Come, eat, sleep in Tatihou

The Channel Islands:

Jersey, Guernsey, Alderney, Sark and Herm

Take the boat and one hour later you'll set foot in England, or almost! Despite being so close to la Manche, the Channel Islands are not French, and a trip there will give you a complete change of scenery. By ferry, yacht or pleasure boat from Granville or Barneville-Carteret, an island adventure awaits.

You don't know which of the five Channel Islands to choose?
  • For a hike or a swim off one of the many fine sandy beaches, choose Jersey. You can also do a bit of shopping in St Helier.
  • In Guernsey, the streets of the charming capital meander along the hillside and the houses seem to tumble into the turquoise sea.
  • The wild island of Alderney welcomes visitors under the watchful eye of the many birds that have made their home there.
  • You’ll fall in love with Sark, a small, unspoilt island with an other-worldly charm and exceptionally starry skies.
  • Herm, the smallest of the Channel Islands, with its lovely countryside and its Caribbean beaches, is the perfect place to just relax and unwind.
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Photo, © Andy Le Gresley - Jersey

How to get to the Channel islands?

Jersey, Guernsey, Alderney, Sark, Herm : our suggestions for getting there

Channel islands