To be depressed, flying on a plane to distant lands is not always necessary. Just a few steps away from Normandy, Jersey, Guernsey, Herm, Sercq and Aurigny, they easily create thirst. Sublime coasts, rare tranquility, preserved fauna and flora, turquoise sea: Each one has its character, it would be very difficult not to find the tempting escape…
The charm of the Breton coast, the calm of the Norman countryside and a very British way of life. A strange equation in which the soul of these «Channel Islands» lies as the British call them. They are not easy to tamper with. Small pieces of land. About twenty kilometers from the French coast and about 150 kilometers from English lands, they are part of Britain but not the United Kingdom or the European Union. The islands have their own parliament, their own governor. And don't ask islanders if they feel more English or French. They will answer that they are above all Norman.
If these islands have much in common, none is really alike. Of five temperaments, Jersey is the broadest and therefore logically the one that offers the widest variety of activities and landscapes. At the choice: surf and sail tank, or tour of pubs and shopping in Saint-Helier. Guernsey is calmer, even more densely populated. It is for the exquisite charm of its capital and its friendly moonland. Aurigny, Sercq and Herm are much smaller. Like a village on a rock, Aurigny gives its meaning to the word hospitality. Lovers of Victorian forts and history will find their happiness. Sercq, forbidden to cars, seems to be out of another time. It is surrounded by flowery gardens and cliffs with exceptional calm. Finally, Herm, the small last, has beaches where hundreds of shellfish come to pass.
Explore the countryside
The ideal way to get around is to get a bike. All the charm of the strolls on the Channel Islands lies in their tranquility: the noise of the wind, the breath and nothing else. Only cycling or walking can preserve this delight. Routes are endless but short distances.
The choice is wide. Only missing structures: both ends of the hotel range. Palace point or youth hostel on the Channel Islands. Hotels and bed-and-breakfast are there. Instead of large hotels, we advise you on houses in old stones and, more broadly, guest rooms. This is often where the atmosphere is the most pleasant, in line with the atmosphere of the «Channel Islands». Another advantage of the Channel Islands, you can choose to stay anywhere. In view of the distance, you're never really eccentric!
Architectural Poetry
If he is a man who symbolizes the «Channel Islands», it is Victor Hugo. His exile on these lands made them famous. Fleeing the regime of Napoleon Bonaparte, Hugo lived almost 20 years on the islands, mainly in Guernsey. This is where the residence is located where he wrote the Legend of Centuries, the Workers of the Sea, the Man Laughing and part of the Miserable. Visiting Guernsey without discovering this house would be a real pity. On Sundays, the hotel is closed. This is the opportunity to turn to the shore of Moulin Huet, a place where a other artist has courted the muses… This is Auguste Renoir. In 1883, the painter stayed a few months in Guernsey. He painted 15 paintings, which are still easily recognizable.
The Castle of Discord
This peace of mind on the Anglo-Norman Islands, this calm so well restored by Renoir, gives the impression of land out of time, as saved by history. Because of their geographical location, the Channel Islands have in fact experienced a turbulent past. Any visitor interested in this facet of the "Channel Islands" will have to make a stop at Castle Cornet. The fortifications of almost eight centuries of this chateau guernesiais tell a myriad of meanings. Built in 1206 to protect itself from the French, Castle Cornet will be fiercely contested during the Hundred Years War. The castle will then pass several times in hand. In the seventeenth century, it symbolizes the shrub that England lives with civil war. The governor of Guernsey withdrew in the castle and challenged the rest of the island, which took part in Cromwell. Castle Cornet is then subjected to a seat of nearly 9 years, with more than 100,000 cannons fired against its walls. In 1940, the Germans invaded Guernsey and painted parts of the castle to integrate it into their defense system, the Atlantic Wall.
Today Castle Cornet lives at a much more peaceful pace. The gardens are maintained with very English care and the many pieces of the fortress house museums: the Royal Militia Museum and the armory, the Naval Museum, the Second World War Museum, but also a painting gallery.
Of Gourmet Islands
Another often forgotten attraction of the Channel Islands is their food. Gastronomic features between France and England, these lands offer traditional cuisine and quality products. The sea and surrounding countryside offer generously fish, crustaceans, tomatoes, potatoes, courgettes, celery, beans and onions. On the dairy side, the islands are not left, the local cheeses, yogurts and fresh creams are delicious. On the other hand, the black butter, the apple brandy, the Jersey Wonder (doughnut) or the cider are absolutely tasty. Jersey, Guernsey and their small sisters also offer simple pleasures such as a fresh crab sandwich to taste at the port or Cream Tea equivalent to the British Tea Time. Hard to resist the call of tea and scones between 3:30 p. m. and 5:30 p. m…. To better return to a thousand activities: shopping, fishing, golf, diving, horse riding and still tireless walks at the heart of this extraordinary nature…
Smart News
When is it? Spring is the best season, the islands transform into colorful gardens and tourists are still discreet.
Go there. The simplest is to go to Saint-Malo by car or train and then embark on a ferry. You can also choose the aircraft, but this choice is often more expensive and less fast.
AURIGNY AIR SERVICE - More information on the site
BRITISH AIRWAYS - More information on the site
FLYBE - More information on the site
CONDOR FERRIES - More information on the site
CHANNEL ÎLES EXPRESS - More information on the site
Useful. To prepare his getaway best.
JERSEY TOURISM OFFICE - More information on the site
