What to see, what to do Channel Islands?
The 10 good reasons to go Channel Islands
The proximity
The journey is short and this destination is accessible even for a weekend.
A relaxing destination
The sandy beaches and turquoise sea are perfect for water sports.
Living islands
While summer is a busy time, the rest of the year is a delightfully slow pace of life.
Many activities
Museums, horse-riding, cycling, extreme sports, shopping - there's so much to do!
A spectacular nature
It's a paradise for flower, bird and nature lovers.
A cultural destination
In Victor Hugo's adopted homeland, vestiges and old stones are everywhere.
Invigorating walks
Beaches, cliffs, hiking trails and microclimate, the promise of superb walks.
A duty-free destination
There's no VAT here, which means luxury goods are cheaper than elsewhere.
The British atmosphere
The changing weather, the heat of the pubs or the breakfasts, the change of scenery is total!
A tasty cuisine
Fish, seafood, dairy products or typical specialities, you're in for a treat!
Interview: My Channel Islands
with Baptiste Tharreau, author of the guide
Baptiste Tharreau has been traveling the world for 15 years for the Petit Futé. And the discovery of the Anglo-Norman archipelago a few years ago was an enchantment. Since then, he regularly takes his pens there to find the latest good deals. On these islands so close to France, he loves the British atmosphere, the walks in the middle of nature and the legendary smile of the inhabitants.
See the video of the interviewGood to know to visit Channel Islands
Timetable
In summer, tourist sites and museums are open every day without interruption from 10am to 4 or 5pm. From October to Easter, some monuments - such as Victor Hugo's house in Saint-Peter-Port - are closed or offer shorter opening hours.
To be booked
Generally speaking, all excursions can be booked through local service providers. But it may be better to wait until you're actually there, in order to cope with the often-changing weather.
Budget & Tips
To accumulate visits to Jersey, consider the Jersey Heritage Pass (£44.60 for an adult, £40.25 for a senior citizen and £134.15 for a family of 4), which gives unlimited access to four attractions for the price of three and lasts for seven days (Mont Orgueil Castle, Elizabeth Castle, Jersey Museum & Art Gallery and Victorian House, Maritime Museum & Occupation Tapestry Gallery, Hamptonne Country Life Museum and La Hougue Bie). It is of course possible to buy it in advance, as it is only activated from the first attraction visited.
In Guernsey, the Discovery Pass (£22 per adult, free for children) is valid for 12 months and gives unlimited access to the following sites: Castle Cornet, Guernsey Museum, German Naval Signals Headquarters in Saint-Peter-Port and Fort Grey in Saint-Pierre-du-Bois.
Main events
As well as the end-of-year festivities, there's also the National Holiday on May 9 (celebrating the departure of the German occupiers in 1945), the ever-popular Battle of the Flowers Carnival (every August) and the incredible aerial ballet that takes to the skies over Jersey and Guernsey in September.
Guided tours
Guided tours are very common on the islands, whether in the countryside and along the coast (ask for guide contacts at tourist offices) or in the archipelago's museums and cultural sites. If you want to see the whole of Jersey or Guernsey, why not take a guided bus tour for a first impression?
Smokers
As in France, smoking is prohibited in public places. When you're out and about, take care of the environment and don't leave your cigarette butts lying around.
