Chausey Islands from Granville: Boats, Beaches, Bliss
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First published: October 2025
Last updated: November 2025
Looking for a unique day trip in Normandy from our gîte in Nicorps near Coutances? Set sail from Granville and discover the untamed beauty of the Chausey Islands — a protected archipelago made up of more than 360 islets revealed at low tide. This hidden gem of the Normandy coast is perfect for nature lovers, photographers, families, and anyone who dreams of peaceful beaches and crystal-clear blue water.
🛥️ Getting to the Chausey Islands
Ferries to the Chausey Islands depart from the port of Granville, just 40 minutes from the gîte. The crossing takes about an hour and offers breathtaking views over the Bay of Mont-Saint-Michel. Boats are operated by Vedettes Jolie France, with several departures daily from April to October. Be sure to book ahead in summer and on weekends — demand is high!
Arrive early in Granville to enjoy a coffee on the quay and watch the fishermen preparing their boats. Parking is easy near the ferry terminal, and ticket offices open about an hour before departure. Timetables depend on the tides — always double-check your return time!
🏝️ What to See and Do on the Chausey Islands
The Grande Île of Chausey is car-free, peaceful, and utterly charming. You’ll find a tiny year-round fishing village, a historic fort built by Vauban, a picturesque chapel, and miles of coastal paths leading to hidden coves and wide sandy beaches. The tides here are among the most extreme in Europe — from 365 islets at low tide to barely 50 at high tide!
Bring a picnic and your swimsuit: swimming is possible at high tide, while at low tide natural rock pools and shells appear. Birdwatchers will love spotting herons, oystercatchers, gulls, and even grey seals basking on the rocks.
🍽️ Where to Eat and Relax
Near the small port, a few cafés and one restaurant serve local favourites — fresh seafood, crêpes, and cold cider. Many visitors prefer to bring their own lunch and enjoy it overlooking the sea in postcard-perfect scenery. Don’t forget water, sunscreen, and a blanket — there’s little shade on the island!
Foodie Tip: The Hôtel du Fort et des Îles restaurant offers panoramic sea views and freshly caught lobster — perfect for a memorable lunch before your ferry back to Granville.
📸 Tips for Visiting the Chausey Islands
- No cars or supermarkets — bring your own food, water, and sunscreen.
- Wear sturdy shoes for the rocky trails and tide-shaped paths.
- Check your return ferry time carefully — tides change fast!
- Bring binoculars to spot seabirds and seals.
- Perfect for a family outing in Normandy or a romantic island escape.
🌅 When to Visit the Chausey Islands
From May to September, the Chausey Islands enjoy long sunny days and calm seas. In July and August, the atmosphere is lively but never crowded. Spring and early autumn are ideal for quiet walks and photography, with spectacular tidal contrasts and golden light over the granite rocks. In every season, this archipelago remains one of the most beautiful natural sites in Normandy.
🌊 Extend Your Day: Explore Granville
Before or after your trip to the Chausey Islands from Granville, take time to stroll around Granville’s old town, often called the “Monaco of the North.” Wander along the ramparts, visit the Christian Dior Museum, or enjoy an ice cream by the harbour. Granville is full of boutiques and seafood restaurants — a perfect end to your Normandy ferry adventure.
Whether you’re here for a week or a long weekend, an excursion to the Chausey Islands will be one of the highlights of your stay — peaceful, breathtaking, and unmistakably Normandy.
It’s an ideal day out for families, couples, and nature lovers alike — a unique island adventure in Normandy!