Around and About Jersey

This page is aimed at visitors from the UK, Europe and the rest of the world who have visited this site and subsequently shown interest in the Channel Islands and Jersey. The information we provide should be particularly interesting for English ex-pats resident in adjacent Brittany and Normandy, who might be tempted to take a day or longer to visit the islands - known in France as Les Isles de la Manche or Les Isles Anglo Normande.

This page is a mix of information which is more tourist related than the Channel Islands' French Culture page.

What does Jersey provide for English (and French) People living in nearby Brittany and Normandy? I would say beauty and a unique mixture of French and English cultures, great shopping with many of the English chain stores represented including a decent sized Marks and Spencer, British Home Stores, Etams, Evans, Top Shop, Dorothy Perkins, Accessorise, Boots, Woolworth, Burtons - to name just a few! Ex Pats resident in France - particularly in Brittany and Normandy can travel quickly and easily to the island for some "retail therapy" should they be a bit "shop sick" or needing items not found easily in France. Scroll down for Ex Pat shopping. At present the island is VAT free but there is to be a minimal goods and service tax raised in 2008. Of course the ferries to the island sell duty free drinks, cigarettes and perfumes so your trip is well worth making!

Hamptonne Farm The island is beautiful with a varied coastline comprising long sandy beaches, tiny coves and heather covered cliffs which slope down to picturesque harbours. The lanes in the countryside run through a mixture of modern and period properties and the older buildings are constructed from the rose coloured granite of the island. The evidence of the island's strong French influence is made apparent by the French road and property names. Property owners have become increasingly conscious of the appearance of their homes and the floral displays in the summer and the quality of gardens is high.

The town is a very sharp contrast to the rest of the island of Jersey with an abundance of very modern new builds and older buildings. This is not one hundred percent popular with the traditionalists among the locals but does generate a feeling of vibrancy and an aura of wealth and sophistication perhaps. The waterfront area is currently being developed and is not far from completion. It has been a source of much controversy as the design is so new however the office buildings that have developed from Jersey's old agricultural depots and warehouses are architecturally pleasing, the Jardins de la Mer well worth a visit, and the area borders on a harbour and marina full of leisure craft. On leaving the harbour visitors travel along a road which is divided by a flower bed full of a variety of seasonal plants including yellow roses and the deep blue agapanthus which grow in abundance on the island.

The beaches of Jersey are fantastic. St Ouen is famous for its surf, St. Brelade's is sandy and glamorous, the Bay of Grouville stretches to Gorey Harbour and the Royal Jersey Golf Club borders this. Ouaisne and Portelet are at the bottom of cliff paths and there are many other beaches, coves and also pretty harbours such as St. Aubin, Rozel, Bonne Nuit and Bouley Bay.

There are many family friendly places to visit such as:

Durrell - which started as a zoo started by Gerald Durrell and specialises in keeping wildlife species threatened with extinction. www.durrellwildlife.org
The castles - Mont Orgueil (Gorey) which dates back to medieval times and towers over Gorey Village and Harbour and Elizabeth Castle, built by Sir Walter Ralegh which is in the bay opposite St. Helier.
Corbiere Lighthouse
The Underground Military Hospital
The Living Legend - a complex with adventure golf, karting, shops etc. www.jerseyslivinglegend.co.je
The Jersey Museum with its restored Merchant's House
The Maritime Museum www.jerseyslivinglegend.co.je
Hamptonne - a restored Jersey farmhouse www.jerseyheritagetrust.org/sites/hamptonne/hamptonne.html

The Parishes

The island is divided into twelve parishes:

Grouville, St Brelade, St Clement, St Helier(capital town), St John, St Lawrence. St Martin.

St Mary, St Ouen, St Peter, St Saviour, Trinity

Focus on Grouville and St Martin

Grouville and St Martin are parishes to the east of St Martin. The village of Gorey in St. Martin sits under the protection of beautiful Mont Orgueil Castle. The famous Jersey Pottery is located in the village and is well worth a visit to see the hand painted pottery or perhaps to dine at the restaurant or cafe.

Gorey Village Street

Mont Orgueil Castle Gorey Jersey

Above a Street in Picturesque Gorey and Mont Orgueil Castle (also known as Gorey Castle which stands above Gorey Harbour

The Jersey Pottery is situated in Gorey. The pottery is unique to the island and it is possible to see it being manufactured. All items are hand painted. Some samples above. The Pottery is set in a beautifully planned mature garden. The company also sell gift items and there are three restaurants ranging from cafeteria style to silver service.

Focus on St Lawrence

coming soon .........