Hidden island in the English Channel with an exotic climate and some of the best sunsets in Europe
Sitting in the English Channel just off the western coast of France, Tatihou island is largely unknown to most Brits.
A stone’s throw from the Normandy village of Saint-Vaast-la-Hougue on the French mainland, Tatihou stays comparatively warm even when the weather starts to turn in autumn thanks to the Gulf Stream.
The island is an uninhabited nature reserve that’s home to over 150 species of birds, three botanical island and just one hotel.
The Gulf Stream creates a unique micro-climate that allows unusually exotic plants to thrive.
Despite having no residents, the island is open to the public from April 1 until November 13, 2024, with visitors able to explore its shores and garden from 10am until 6pm.
While holidaymakers can visit the island on foot at low tide, a journey using an amphibious vehicle (a sort of boat/bus hybrid) is more fun.
Stretching for just 28 hectares, the small island has been dubbed “a garden on sea,” thanks to its three themed gardens.
Protected by stone walls, visitors can learn more about a huge variety of plant species that thrive on the island all while strolling through the gardens.
Entry tickets to the gardens cost €14 (£11.79) for a full-paying adult and €6.50 (£5.48) for a child.
Holidaymakers who want to learn more about the island’s history should head to the Tatihou Maritime Museum.
The museum is said to house a unique collection of archaeological artefacts, each telling visitors more about the lives of the miners that used to live on the island.
Visitors will also discover more about the construction of ships and the strategic role the island played in naval battles.
The island is also home to Vauban Tower, a UNESCO World Heritage site that sits right at the end of the island.
Open daily, entry costs €14 (£11.79) for a full-paying adult and €6.50 (£5.48)for a child, with family rates also available.
Maisons de Tatihou Hostel is the only accommodation option on the French island.
Rooms are spread across two buildings, with enough space to accommodate 46 people, with rates starting from €32 (£26.96) per person per night.
Restaurant Le Carré, which is situated inside the hostel, serves a range of fresh cuisine from local producers.
Everything you need to know about visiting France
- Brits need to have a passport with at least three months left on it.
- No visas are needed for anyone staying up to 90 days within an 180-day period but you need to make sure your passport is stamped on entry and exit.
- You may also need to show proof of accommodation and funds, around €120 a day.
- The country uses the euro with with around €10 working out to £8.55.
- France is one hour ahead of the UK
- Direct flights to France from the UK take between 1-4 hours depending on the destination
- Or you can travel by train with Eurostar, with destinations including Paris or Lille.
Any holidaymakers who take a packed lunch will need to bring a rubbish bag to take their litter home because there aren’t any bins on the island.
The island is also famed for its dazzling sunsets, with the best views actually from Saint-Vaast-la-Hougue on the French mainland.
From Saint-Vaast-la-Hougue holidaymakers will be able to watch the sun slowly set behind Vauban Tower.
While the Gulf Stream creates a microclimate that helps to keep temperatures warm throughout the year, with highs of 20C in October, summer still remains the best time to visit.
This is because the Traversées Tatihou festival music festival takes place on the island every August.
According to Discover Ferries, one of the easiest ways to reach both Saint-Vaast-la-Hougue and Tatihou Island is via Cherbourg.
Direct ferry services operate from Dover, Portsmouth, Newhaven and Poole to Cherbourg, France.
From Cherbourg, it’s a 40-minute drive to Saint-Vaast-la-Hougue, where Brits will be able to join connecting services to Tatihou Island.
Three Great islands to visit in Europe
EUROPE is home to hundreds of islands. We've rounded up three little-known destinations that Brit holidaymakers can explore.
Kalymnos
A lesser-known Greek island near Kos has some of the cheapest package holidays in Europe.
Part of the Dodecanese Island group, the tiny island is home to secluded beaches and crystal-clear waters.
Even though the island remains relatively untouched by hordes of holidaymakers, there are plenty of things to do on the island, including 15 beaches to choose from.
Formentera
Formentera is the smallest island in the Balearics but by no means the least impressive.
Despite sitting just five miles south of holiday hotspot Ibiza, it is worlds away in terms of atmosphere.
Away from the parties and the huge nightclubs, Formentera is instead a place to relax and soak up the sun by the sea, with beaches so stunning, the island has been nicknamed “little Caribbean“.
In fact, the comparison is so similar that chocolate company Mars has even used the island to double up as the Caribbean for its Bounty bar adverts, in which they promised a “taste of paradise”.
Ponza
Ponza is part of the Pontine archipelago in the Tyrrhenian Sea, and it is home to beaches that rival Capri — but for a fraction of the price.
Ponza is a more rustic and smaller-scale version of other famous Italian islands – which is also great if you don’t like massively touristy places.
It’s known for its untouched natural landscape, hidden coves and sea caves.
Compared to other islands like Capri and Ischia, Ponza offers excellent value for money with lower accommodation, dining options and activities.
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And this French holiday spot has been described as “unfairly overlooked”.