Experience the rhythm of the tides from Chausey.
Europe's highest tides at your feet.
Locals say that at high tide there are as many islands as there are weeks in the year, and at low tide as many days in the year.
Located 45 miles from Saint-Quay-Portrieux (9 to 12 hours' sailing), 15 miles from Saint-Malo and 9 miles from Granville. If you're going to sail in this area, the Chausey archipelago is a must.
The main island is inhabited by only a dozen or so people in winter, and lives to the rhythm of the boats and launches. A few hours on the island will give you a good overview, but several days at low tide will not be enough.
Chausey is also a paradise for anglers. "Grands coefficients" becomes synonymous with adventure and unexplored places. Don't forget your fishing gear!
Discover the 365 islands of Chausey.
Special features of the navigation area.
For local sailors, the place is known for :
- its 14-metre tidal range: can you imagine a rocky island as tall as a 5-storey building that ebbs and flows with the rhythm of a 6-hour tide?
- its currents: strong tides automatically mean currents. Be vigilant and generous with your anchoring chain.
- and its 313 pebbles at low tide: assume that there's always a pebble nearby under your hull!
Whether you're a paper cartographer or a GPS user, caution is always the order of the day on Chausey, but your attention will soon be rewarded by the experience you'll enjoy.
For added convenience, Loc Voile Armor can rent you a sailproof navigation tablet equipped with Navionics. Sailproof tablets are hardened, anti-glare and waterproof: perfect for safe sailing.
Where can you enjoy Chausey with peace of mind?
In Chausey, it's essential to choose your anchorage according to the forecast winds.
- The Sound: protected by the main island from onshore winds. It is equipped with lockers for up to 80 boats. If the tide is very high, please ask local sailors or the harbour, as some parts of the Sound are not suitable for large draughts.
- Port Marie: just below the Chausey lighthouse, to the west of the Pointe de la Tour, there's a beautiful anchorage called "Port Marie". Well sheltered from northerly and north-easterly winds, you can easily disembark on the main island and enjoy magnificent sunrises over the lighthouse. Space can fill up quickly in high season, so you may wish to opt for the alternative "Port Homard".
In season, two seafood restaurants are available: one next to the grocery store and the other in the Hotel du Fort et des îles. There's a small grocery store on site, but it's best to stock up before you arrive. A drinking water tank is within walking distance of the main slipway.