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

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!

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.

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.

• 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.