Channel Islands : Why go there?
Channel Islands : The good reasons to go
A spectacular nature
It's a paradise for flower, bird and nature lovers.
Invigorating walks
Beaches, cliffs, hiking trails and microclimate, the promise of superb walks.
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 duty-free destination
There's no VAT here, which means luxury goods are cheaper than elsewhere.
A cultural destination
In Victor Hugo's adopted homeland, vestiges and old stones are everywhere.
The proximity
The journey is short and this destination is accessible even for a weekend.
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!
Channel Islands : Good to know to visit
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.
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Channel Islands : Discover
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.
