Tourist Attractions & Monuments Channel Islands

Some present the site of La Hougue Bie as one of the "most beautiful prehistoric monuments in Europe" and "one of the oldest". It is in fact a very beautiful Neolithic funerary monument, a dolmen with a gallery (about 20 meters) under a tumulus, which dates from 3,800 BC. The mound itself is 13 meters high. It has more than 60 vertically erected stones that support sixteen slabs. Unlike many other dolmens, here you can stand inside and fully experience the atmosphere. In the tomb to which the corridor leads, the remains of six skeletons have been found. On the long mound there are two medieval chapels: on the west side, Notre-Dame-de-la-Clarté, built at the beginning of the 12th century, and on the east side, the chapel of Jerusalem, built around 1520. La Hougue Bie is thus a pagan sanctuary on which, as is often the case, a Christian sanctuary was built. During the Second World War, the Germans built an underground bunker under the mound in which many workers died. Today it is a museum of archaeology and geology as well as a memorial for the victims of the occupation ("The slave worker memorial"). In this museum, the geological formation of the island is explained, and an overview of the history of agriculture in Jersey is presented. An amazing place, witnessing six millennia of the island's history and a must-see during a Channel Islands getaway!

At the extreme southwest of Jersey, the Corbière lighthouse is the first cement lighthouse built in the British Isles. It was first lit on April 24, 1874 and is 30 meters high. You can also see the German blockhouses, some of them repainted in the original style. The panorama is grandiose and it is one of the most touristic and photographed spots on the island of Jersey. You can access the lighthouse by a causeway. Be careful, do not enter the lighthouse at high tide, you might get stuck.

Protected by the imposing fortress of Mont Orgueil Castle, it was, in the Middle Ages, the most important port on the island of Jersey. It then declined from the 16th century. Even if, until the 19th century, many shipyards were still installed there. Today, it is lined with very pretty and colorful houses. Most of them are home to restaurants that unfold their pleasant terraces in the shadow of the castle or small souvenir stores. A very nice stroll awaits you here, especially at sunset.

La Rocque Point is located in the extreme southeast of Jersey. It was here that Baron de Rullecourt (1744-1781) landed on January 6, 1781, before heading west towards Saint-Hélier. Guided by two Jersiais, the Frenchman had managed to find his way through this maze of rocks on the water's edge, which were nonetheless battered by strong currents. He died of wounds sustained during his battle against the English forces. Since this episode, no less than two small forts and six Martello towers defend the access today.

Elizabeth Castle is built on an islet in the middle of Saint-Aubin Bay and has defended the island of Jersey for no less than 400 years. It is accessible on foot at low tide, from the Jardins de la Mer, by a 1 km long paved road. When the tide is high, a shuttle service is provided by World War II amphibious vehicles, the famous DUKWs, or ducks(departing daily from Victoria Avenue from mid-March to mid-October). Intended to replace Mont Orgueil Castle, which could not withstand cannon fire, construction began in 1590 and lasted nearly ten years. It was named in honor of Queen Elizabeth^I by Sir Walter Raleigh, then governor of the island (the castle was then used as the governor's residence). A Royalist stronghold during the Civil War, the fortress had to capitulate to Cromwell in 1651 after a 50-day siege. It was also used to repel French troops during the Battle of Jersey in 1781. The troops then moved to Fort Regent. Elizabeth Castle opened to the public in 1923. You can visit the barracks, which have been converted into a museum. They are particularly interesting: the exhibits illustrate the role of the castle in the history of the island and present many surprising details about the life of the soldiers and officers. From the upper courtyard, you can access the dungeon, the top of which offers a superb view. Visit and photos are mandatory!

These two points moving towards the sea surround a small little beach. As a result, a career in amphitheatre and a gravel and cement factory are built here between cliffs and sea. It's almost impressive. However, this is not the most quiet and charming point of the coast, because of the presence of a go trail.

In Gorey, it would be a mistake to limit oneself to a visit to the port and the castle which, due to the magic of the parish cuttings, are both located in Saint-Martin. The village itself, which stretches back from the beach, is made up of lovely little streets lined with stone walls and low, colourful houses behind which you can guess flower gardens. Around some shops (deliciously vintage), in the alleys, you feel a real village life. This quiet village is a bit of a summary of rural Jersey.

This is an opportunity to get off the beaten track on the island. Because this curious museum proposes to make you discover a private collection of steam locomotives, military and civil vehicles of the time, organs, tractors, agricultural machines and various objects functioning... with air under pressure. A very original set. But you will go there especially for the reconstitution of a station of the Victorian time. For the amateurs essentially.

Built in the 13th century to protect the island of Jersey against the French enemy, the spectacular castle of Mont Orgeuil, built on the side of a granite rock, overlooking the small port of Gorey, was notably besieged by Bertrand du Guesclin in 1373, during the Hundred Years War. As the art of war continued to progress, the castle became more and more vulnerable to the new power of cannons. In spite of important fortification works, it lost all strategic value after the construction of the Elizabeth Castle in Saint-Hélier. It was thus transformed into barracks and prison. During the Civil War, parliamentarians and royalists were imprisoned there. During the French Revolution, many emigrant French nobles resided there. The castle was first restored in 1907, before it was opened to the public, then in 1945, after the Germans left, and finally in 2003. At the entrance of the castle, you can access 3 exterior courtyards.

To the left of the Outer Ward is the Harliston Tower, built in 1470 to protect the entrance. It was the first part of the castle to be reinforced to resist cannon attacks. A long open corridor leads to the old castle gate. To the right is the Barbican Postern.

The Lower Ward. On the left side is the great rampart built by George de Carteret in 1640, during the English Civil War, when the castle was held by the Royalists. The carved coat of arms of Charles II can be seen here. At the end is Queen's Gate, behind which a grand staircase leads to St. George's Tower. The Middle Ward. It appears very small today because of the buildings dating from the 16th century, when the walls were thickened and the imposing Somerset Towe keep built. In the middle of the courtyard are the ruined walls of St. George's Chapel and the Burgros Tower. On the left you can see Castle Hall, the old medieval keep, and on the right the new keep built in the^second half of the 16th century. From here one can reach the terrace above Sumerset Tower to observe the view of the entire east coast of Jersey and the French coast.

Within the castle walls, an exhibition recounts the great episodes of Jersey's history, its many heroes being represented by wax figures. The comments are also in French. In another room, various objects that belonged to the guests of Mont Orgueil are on display. A visit is mandatory!

The perfume industry in Jersey has been famous since the 18th century. At that time, lavender was grown on a large scale, but the activity gradually disappeared. David and Elizabeth Christie took over the tradition in 1983 and grow some 70 varieties of lavender on a 2.8 hectare property. Here, visitors can walk through the fields from May to August, when the lavender is picked. They can also visit the distillery and the bottling room. Afterwards, visitors are welcomed in a tea room, and then in a store.

The longest beach on the island of Jersey, which stretches along the entire west coast of the island, is in fact shared by three communes: Saint-Ouen, Saint-Peter and Saint-Brelade. It is huge, almost straight and particularly popular with surfers, who park their vans in the many car parks, and walkers who can't get enough of it. Numerous blockhouses protect it, as it was, by its shape and size, an ideal landing place and therefore duly fortified by the German occupiers.

On the top of the cliffs, this castle was probably built in the 14th century. Only a few ruins remain: an ogival door, remains of ramparts and machicolations. The view is superb and you will have the possibility of sumptuous walks. The name of Grosnez would be of Viking origin. In old Norwegian nes is roughly equivalent to "promontory". The Vikings gave a name to each of the promontories they had to pass: Gris Nez, Blanc Nez, Nez de Jobourg. Gros would come from grjot which would mean "rock".

Built in 1840, Saint Matthew's Church houses some superb glass art. It was renovated in 1934, with the collaboration of the French artist René Lalique (1860-1945) for the interior decoration. The Art Nouveau style is dominant: the altarpiece, the choir screen, the altar, the crucifix, the baptismal font, the stained glass windows, the chandeliers... The translucent columns contrast with the blue carpet and white walls. The beautiful front door is adorned with crystal women. In short, Glass Church is a marvel!

This beautiful little church marks the centre of the village. Here, the whole village seems to be caught in the giron of the church, so it is no coincidence that the life of the church is entirely centered around parish activities. 

Founder of the center, Gerald Durrell, who died in 1995, is the author of several books and documentaries for the BBC. His "zoo" (he wouldn't have liked the term...) is a showcase for the activities of his association, whose aim has been to save endangered species for six decades now. So, no elephants, giraffes, polar bears or other spectacular species on display for profit. No. We present endangered species that are rarely seen in zoos, and that's the whole point of the visit. The zoo surrounds the 31-hectare Manoir des Augrès, an undulating site planted with trees and flowers. But it's much more than just a zoo (as we used to say). It's also the association's headquarters. In large, varied, landscaped enclosures, in very pleasant, well-marked, well-signposted and very didactic reconstituted sites, you'll discover rare bats, lemurs, wolves, exotic birds, colorful frogs, meerkats, unusual rodents or birds and many more, including local species of birds that have come to settle in this welcoming environment. The area is also particularly renowned for its monkeys. Jumbo, one of the silverback gorillas, now deceased, was the subject of much publicity. When a child fell into his enclosure, he defended it from the jealous females who began attacking the intruder. Since then, a statue has been dedicated to him. Although the gorillas are still the stars of the show, they share the limelight with the orangutans. Each species is presented on a comprehensive English panel, complete with map, degree of threat of extinction... Under a glass dome, an exhibition explains the techniques and role of the foundation. Question-and-answer sessions with employees allow you to learn more about the different animals.

There's also an organic farm (which produces 75% of the zoo's animal feed) and, of course, a well-stocked boutique. You can also "adopt" an animal, thereby subsidizing its preservation or becoming a member of the association. A useful, entertaining and instructive visit. For young and old alike!

To prolong the pleasure, the Durell Widlife Camp offers the possibility of spending the night nearby in luxury tents in the heart of nature, glamping-style. A unique experience for the whole family. Worth a try!

The covered market was moved here in 1800, after having been held in Royal Square. The first building dates from 1803. But it was largely rebuilt in 1882. It is a typical Victorian building. Its architecture (metal columns, glass windows, central fountain) and its layout make it a pleasant place. This market does not only offer fruits and vegetables. You can also find books, jewellery, Belgian chocolates, flowers and pastries or sandwiches.

Located inside the main bus station in St Helier, the Visit Jersey office has a wide range of brochures about the islands and Jersey in particular. It's hard not to find the information you need! What's more, you should find someone there who speaks the language of Molière. And, not to spoil anything, the welcome is always warm. You can also contact them by mail to prepare your stay before your departure.

After 18 months of extensive renovations, Hauteville House reopened in April 2019. To get your bearings, a French flag marks the large white house located on the heights of the city. The Paris City Council is responsible for the conservation of the site, attached to the mansion on the Place des Vosges in Paris.

After his departure from Paris following the coup d'état of Louis Napoleon Bonaparte (future Napoleon III), the writer chose to go to the islands to remain close to France. After a stay in Jersey, he was forced to leave the island. His presence was indeed considered undesirable after he had defended a journalist who had strongly criticized the visit of Queen Victoria to Napoleon III. When he arrived in Guernsey, he bought this house in 1856 and stayed there until 1870. It was here that Victor Hugo wrote Les Travailleurs de la mer, dedicated to the inhabitants of Guernsey, La Légende des siècles and L'Homme qui rit. He also completed Les Misérables here. The decoration of the house is the work of the writer. It is based on contrast and organized abundance. Fascinated by second-hand goods and driven by an overflowing imagination, he decorated Hauteville House with Delft earthenware, chinoiseries, antique chests, mirrors, tapestries, oriental embroideries..

The first floor - the vestibule. It is very dark and the atmosphere is heavy. The hallway is divided into two parts and has many carved oak panels. Some of the scenes depicted are taken from his novel Notre-Dame de Paris.

The billiard room. At the time of the departure of his sons, Charles and François-Victor, he used it as a storeroom. On the walls hang copies of family paintings, the originals of which are in Paris, as well as drawings by the poet.

The tapestry room. Walls and ceilings are decorated with tapestries from Gobelins and Aubusson. A huge sideboard is fixed on the fireplace in Delft earthenware with blue and white decoration. The adjoining smoking room is decorated in the same way. The decoration is conceived from elements found by the poet, who designed the projects and entrusted the realization to the cabinetmaker Mauger.

The dining room. A large fireplace covered with earthenware bears the initials of Victor Hugo and HH. Between the two windows is the ancestor's chair, intended for the spirits. It bears the Latin inscription Absentus Advent (the absent are present).

Second floor. The red salon faces the blue salon. Victor Hugo liked to believe that every object in this room had belonged to royal personages, although there is no proof of this. In a play of contrasts and a theatrical atmosphere, the two monumental fireplaces face each other. A winter garden overlooking the blue salon allowed Hugo to observe the French coast when the weather was clear.

Second floor. The oak gallery. The chandeliers and woodwork were designed by Hugo. In the center of the room stands the fire tree. Hugo stored his manuscripts and papers here. The room is called "Garibaldi's room". Victor Hugo had invited his Italian colleague to join him, but he never came.

Third floor. Victor Hugo had installed his apartments in the attic. The look-out, from which he dominated the city, served as his study. The decoration is much more sober and on a human scale.

The garden is finally very pleasant, with its fountain and its camellias in particular.

Opened in 1992, this museum is located in a former warehouse from the 18th century. It has won many awards and traces the island's past, its traditions and its industries. All presented in an interactive and lively way. A family visit and above all a must when you come to Jersey.

On the first floor, you can learn more about the history and geography of Jersey and you can regularly enjoy temporary exhibitions on various themes but often related to the culture of the island.

On the second floor, the political organization of Jersey, its history and its geological formation are explained. Then the showcases present, through a series of objects (from vacuum cleaners to tennis rackets) and wax mannequins, the daily life of Jersey. Also on display are Redcoat and police costumes.

On the second floor, the art gallery gives a glimpse of Jersey's landscapes through the centuries and presents, with the help of some portraits, the island's personalities.

On the third and fourth floors, we are immersed in 9, Pier Road. We then enter the interior of a merchant's house, The Merchant's House Lobby, dating from the Victorian era, around 1860. We discover the difficulties of a family of the time. It's beautiful and very playful and is definitely the highlight of the exhibit. When the evening falls, the lighting is not electric, but gas! Not to be missed.

This garden, one of the finest public gardens in Jersey, was donated to the island by T.B. Davis. In season, nearly 80 varieties of roses grow here. The statue in the park represents King George V. A small memorial was built by Davis in memory of his son who died in the First World War. This garden also houses a cemetery of Anglo-American soldiers who fell during the Second World War. In summer, small concerts are held in the park, in the open air. The promise of pleasant moments in the setting sun.