My personal guide

Exploring the Channel Islands

Set off from La Manche, and disembark in England!
The Channel Islands are only a few kilometres from the shores of La Manche. They offer a blend of English traditions and Normandy roots, for a welcome change of scenery in a peaceful setting.

Jersey, the biggest of the Channel Islands!

Jersey is the biggest of the four Channel Islands. You'll love the magnificent scenery with the cliffs, sandy beaches and small, typically English villages.

The island is ideal for watersports and you can go wakeboarding, surfing and water-skiing here, among others. There are walks to do along the beaches and the many footpaths, to admire the beauty that you'll only find here, in the Channel Islands.

Journey back in time and explore Jersey's historic treasures, learn about Victor Hugo's exile here, visit Samarès Manor, Gorey Castle and the Channel Islands Military Museum.

Foodies will be delighted to taste the nièr beurre1, mèrvelles2  oysters and lobster, one of the island's star products, caught along the coastline.

Before leaving, take a leisurely stroll around the streets of Saint-Hélier, take in the Victorian atmosphere and go on a shopping spree around the wide variety of shops here.

1. nièr beurre > black butter, made with cooked apples and cider.
2. mèrvelles > Jersey's version of the 'merveille', a traditional cake on the island.

 

 

The modern and authentic island of Guernsey!

The Channel Island of Guernsey is a blend of modernity and authenticity!

Are you a sporty person? You can go canoeing, kayaking, paddleboarding or surfing in the English Channel along the shores of the Channel Islands. There are also plenty of activities available such as climbing, hiking and bicycle touring, so you can explore the cliffs and trails in the area.

Fans of history will be pleased to know that there is a wide range of tourism and cultural venues to visit in Guernsey. You can pay a visit to Hauteville House, where Victor Hugo lived while he was in exile here. You can visit the maritime museum at Castle Cornet, which was built in the 13th century. The Little Chapel is also worth a visit and its unusual decorative features make this monument a work of art.

Keen on nature?

We recommend stopping by Les Fouaillages and the dolmens, and Candie Gardens to see the wonderful flowers.

To end your visit on a high note, go to Cobo Bay to watch the legendary sunset here, and you'll be leaving all starry eyed.

If there's one thing that really stands out about the Channel Islands, it's the feeling of well-being that comes over you here. The islands of Alderney and Sark are well-known for their wild vegetation, and you'll find the peace-and-quiet you've been looking for right here.

 

 

Take to the heights on the island of Alderney!

Fans of historic monuments will be delighted to discover the church of Saint Anne on the island of Alderney. It is often considered to be one of the most beautiful churches in the Channel Islands.

Step back in time at the Nunnery, a Roman fort, now a museum. From Manez lighthouse, you'll be able to see the whole of the northern section of the island and admire the exceptional view!

After this exploration of the island's highlands, come and take a trip along the Alderney Railway, the only railway in the Channel Islands, which is 3 kilometres long. You can also go surfing here, canoeing/kayaking, hiking and geocaching!

 

 

Relax on the island of Sark!

Sark is probably the quietest of the four Channel Islands. There are no cars or street lamps here! People get around either on foot, by bike or on horse-drawn carriages. Popular activities on this island are massages, yoga, fishing and coasteering.

There's nothing wrong with being a foodie!

Caragh Chocolates is a chocolate kitchen open to visits. After tasting their chocolates, you can then explore the beautiful La Seigneurie gardens.

 

The Chausey Islands, Europe's largest group of islands!

This island boasts unique beauty, beaches and wildlife. It is an iconic place in our region, the ideal place for walking, fishing, swimming or just admiring the views of the islands.

There is an 8 kilometre walk available to explore Chausey. You can visit the village and the various monuments and buildings around the island, and of course the lighthouse.

While you're exploring the island, you might even catch a glimpse of dolphins, seals and so many species of birds! The wildlife of Chausey is used to people and won't be hiding away, much to the delight of visitors.

Watch as the tides comes in and out throughout the day, revealing the biggest group of islands in Europe!

Did you know?

At low tide, there are 365 small islands that make up the islands of Chausey, one for each day of the year!

At high tide, you'll only be able to see 52 of them, one for each week in the year!

Do you think this is a coincidence? We're not sure… 😉