The first updated list of the marine invertebrate fauna of the Chausey archipelago (Normand-Breton Gulf, France) is presented. All publications regarding the natural history of the area, as well as the existing collections of marine invertebrates from 1828 to 2008 were examined. A total of 769 species (including 245 Arthropoda, 197 Mollusca, 146 Polychaeta), have been recorded in this area covering 5000 ha. This species richness is largely the result of the complexity of benthic habitatsof the archipelago and its long history of field work, dating back to the 19(th) Century. The historical data set of this region presents an opportunity to assess long-term changes in nearshore communities and to design conservation sites based on their scientific value.