Just picture it: lying 17km offshore, a maze of channels, sandy plains and eroded granite formations outlined against a horizon which brings in Europe's strongest tides. The Chausey Islands are one of the most extraordinary sites in Normandy: an archipelago stretching over several square kilometres and incorporating around 50 islands or islets as well as hundreds of reefs. To get the full flavour of this jumble of granite you should stay on the islands for at least one night.