While many Islanders believe Jersey’s smallest sibling to be Sark, they might be shocked to learn of another miniscule relative – this time with a population of just 30 people on a stretch of land just 0.9 x 0.3 miles.
But arguably they share more in common with Chausey, which is technically, but not constitutionally part of the Channel Islands, and with which Jersey shares it’s Norse ‘–ey’ suffix, meaning ‘island’.
Thanks to a new venture by Granville-based ferry provider Jolie France, however, this summer could see the first family reunion since the islands parted ways in 1499 when Jerseymen abandoned administrating the Chausey archipelago for reasons unknown.
They’re currently constructing a new shuttle-style boat in Turkey to operate the Jersey-Chausey route, which should be completed by July.
According to company owner Pascal Blanchet, who runs Jolie France with his wife, the idea came about because international expansion, “…had been running through my mind.”
Not wanting to enter into competition with Manche Îles Express – the current Granville-Jersey route provider – they decided to set-up a Chausey-Jersey crossing instead.
“This option doesn’t exist. In addition, there’s a demand from customers wishing to visit the two islands during the day: Chausey then Jersey,” he commented*.
With the new scheduled route – the first of its kind – Jersey visitors will soon be able to enjoy the little fishing island’s 19th century sites of interest, as well as its six white sandy beaches.
*Translated from French.