Even if they are only a few fathoms from the French coast, we often tend to forget the Channel Islands, so close and so exotic at the same time. If each one has its own character, there are nevertheless some common components: the tranquility of the Normandy countryside, the irresistible marine charm of Brittany and a very British sociability. The tourist guide of the Channel Islands will first take you to Jersey, the largest of all, with its endless beaches where floats run and surfers are plentiful, but also its capital, Saint-Hélier, its warm pubs and its chic boutiques. Guernsey, although smaller and also more populated, is the beautiful city of Saint-Peter-Port in particular, and is home to the residence in which Victor Hugo spent 15 years of his life in exile. The island ofAlderney (Alderney) is a village where the endless walks along majestic a-pic, between Victorian forts and abandoned German blockhouses, often end with a seafood plaster cast sprinkled with beer with the inhabitants. Sark (Sark), with its splendid panoramas and pretty gardens, seems to have remained frozen in another millennium, just like the very small and serene Herm that man's hand has only barely scratched. A getaway to these islands, so familiar and yet so secret, will sound like a forgotten poem, a sailor's song that is both nostalgic and joyful. Sai l'beinv'nu!

What to see, what to do Channel Islands?

When to go Channel Islands ?

When to go to the Channel Islands? Known as the "French Riviera of England", the islands enjoy an oceanic climate that allows them to have mild temperatures all year round. In summer, temperatures are around 20°C and the weather can be foggy, while in winter temperatures can vary from 8 to 18°C, with a high risk of rain. If the high season extends from May to September, spring remains the best time to visit the Channel Islands. Indeed, from April onwards, the sites are transformed into colorful gardens with a thousand flowers. Victor Hugo described Jersey in May as follows: "The island is ravishing, it is like a big flower. " Hydrangeas, azaleas, rhododendrons, camellias and magnolias bloom in the gardens and fields. In well-sheltered areas, there are Mediterranean plants such as mimosas, yuccas and palm trees. However, the sea is still too cold for swimming. This is the best time to go for a walk and to attend the local festivities. Beware, during the low season, many establishments close their doors. When to go to the Channel Islands? From May to September, with a preference for spring.

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Practical information for travel Channel Islands

Given the geographical proximity of the Channel Islands to the French coast and their rather limited surface area, the islands of the archipelago are the ideal destination for a short stay, or even a delightfully exotic weekend. Some travelers, coming from the Normandy or Brittany coasts, do not hesitate to spend a day there, for a good breath of air or a shopping trip. In high season, nothing could be simpler as it is very easy to travel between the islands. In the low season, ferries are much less numerous and air conditions are, to say the least, changeable. It is therefore advisable to plan trips in advance and above all to adapt to the often capricious weather. To get a good overview of the archipelago, one week is ideal to discover Jersey and Guernsey. The combined program of the two weekends proposed on the islands is therefore very appropriate.

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How to go Channel Islands

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How to go alone

We can go to the Channel Islands by plane. Please note that the price variation depends on the airline used but, above all, on the reservation delay. To get the best rates in high season, buy your tickets six months in advance. For less popular periods, a much shorter delay should not prevent you from getting a good price. The Channel Islands are also easily accessible by boat from France or England.

How to go on a tour

Most of the tourism professionals will propose you short stays on the Channel Islands including the hotel and the crossing, either for a weekend (2 days and 1 night), or for a longer stay including the visit of several islands. This type of service is often economically interesting.

How to get around

Alderney, Guernsey and Jersey each have a well-equipped and modern airport. The inter-island connections between these three airports are mostly provided by local companies. However, the most popular and convenient means of travel is by boat. Jersey and Guernsey have bus lines, and Alderney has a coastal railroad. Cars (and cabs) are only allowed in Jersey, Guernsey and Alderney. Weather permitting, you may prefer to bike or walk!

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Discover Channel Islands

The Channel Islands are a very rich destination that will delight the most demanding visitors. On these pieces of land, which have dropped anchor between the French and English coasts and have welcomed the eternal Victor Hugo during his exile of almost 20 years, we touch a very rich history. A singular history, constantly shared between France and Great Britain, which has known its share of conflicts. We will also discover a unique people, deeply Norman, attached to its islands and its cultural specificities. Islands with a spectacular nature and which, contrary to popular belief, are not constantly under the rain. A perfect spot to enjoy the hiking trails. We also linger on the long sandy beaches, for relaxation and water sports, before sitting down in a warm pub to enjoy the excellent specialties and local products.

Pictures and images Channel Islands

Gravure de Victor Hugo à Guernesey pour The Graphic, 1874 duncan1890 - iStockphoto.com
Le délicieux Cream Tea. gourmetphotography - Shutterstock.com
La circulation sur Sercq ne se fait qu'à pied ou à vélo ! Eva Leonard - Shutterstock.com
Le drapeau de Guernesey. Maxim Studio - Shutterstock.com

The 12 keywords Channel Islands

1. #Anglo-Norman

Until the early 20th century, the islands were French-speaking territories. Two dialects derived from French are spoken: Jèrriais and Guernesiais, derived from the old Norman language and transmitted orally. Despite the predominance of English culture, the inhabitants don't see themselves as English, but as Normans.

2. #Detax

Although the islands are not a free zone, there is no VAT, and each island has its own legislation. As a result, luxury goods are often offered at attractive prices. Some tourists don't hesitate to make a quick return trip during the day to take advantage of the duty-free stores on the boat, especially at Christmas time.

3. #Flowers

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Islanders have a real passion for gardening, and every green corner of the islands is in bloom. The mild climate means that flowers can grow all year round, but it's in spring that the islands are at their most colorful. Horticulture has become one of the driving forces behind the island economy.

4. #Jewelry

The islands of Jersey and Guernsey have established a solid reputation for jewelry-making. Numerous artists and craftsmen based here design superb luxury rings and necklaces, from the most sought-after to the most classic, elegantly presented in stores on the shopping streets of Saint-Peter-Port and Saint-Hélier.

5. #Fortifications

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Throughout their long history, the islands have had to contend with invaders far more dangerous than today's peaceful tourists. Their turbulent history has justified the construction of military edifices to protect the population from enemies. A history that can be read in these fortifications.

6. #New Jersey

The U.S. state of New Jersey takes its name from the island. The name was given in honor of Jersey-born Sir George de Carteret, one of the state's founders, after King Charles II made him a gift of the island. Indeed, during the English Civil War, Charles II took refuge in Jersey, and the island's loyalty was rewarded.

7. #Breakfast

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The traditional English breakfast is an institution in the archipelago. In hotels and guesthouses, you can order eggs, bacon, beans, porridge and grilled tomatoes. If you're not used to it, you can of course have a "continental breakfast", or even combine the two... Bon appétit!

8. #Pirates

Located at the crossroads of Europe's most important sea route, the archipelago has long profited from piracy. Sark was a den of bandits until its conquest in the 16th century. Many of the archipelago's houses were furnished with exotic woods, Dutch earthenware and Compagnie des Indes porcelain.

9. #Pleasure

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Over 200 km of coastline, 60 km of beaches: the Channel Islands are a pleasure for yachtsmen! The islanders are first and foremost a people of the sea, who fished, fought and traded on the water. As soon as the fine weather arrives, many yachtsmen come to anchor in the sheltered bays of the Channel Islands.

10. #Pub

The English culture having taken the upper hand on the Norman origins of the islands, pubs flourish at every corner. Pubs that fill up from evening to morning with a heterogeneous population coming to have a drink or to eat. The best time to meet the locals is during the cup of tea or theafter work beer.

11. #Rivality

The proximity of Jersey and Guernsey makes them true enemies. In 1642, during the English Civil War, Guernsey sided with Cromwell, while Jersey remained loyal to King Charles I. Men banished from Jersey often found refuge in Guernsey, like Victor Hugo or, before him, Saint Patrick, the protector of Ireland.

12. #Cars

The absence of pelicans in Herm and Sark is a real delight. On the other hand, their omnipresence in Jersey, Guernsey and Alderney is a real problem. In the two largest islands there are no less than two cars per inhabitant, which is a record. Not to mention the 4x4s, which clutter up the narrow roads and village lanes!

You are from here, if...

Above all, you're Norman! Although more than half of the island's inhabitants were not born here, there's no mistaking them for English. The inhabitants of the archipelago are very proud of their Norman origins and their special relationship with France.

You're dressed to the nines. Many establishments require their customers to be properly dressed. The same applies to nightclubs. Not to be forgotten by those who want to go out at night.

Say hello to everyone. It's customary to say hello to everyone you pass. If you don't speak English, a smile will suffice.

You respect nature. All plants on the islands are protected and may not be picked. What's more, hiking trails have been laid out for pedestrians and cyclists, so don't ride alongside them! And don't disturb the birds, of which there are many on the islands, especially during the nesting season.

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