Things to see and do Saint-Helier

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!

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.

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.

This is a great way to visit the Jersey coastline and especially the small archipelagos around Jersey. For half a day or a full day, we set course for the Ecréhous, the Minquiers, the Chausey islands and Sark. These small pieces of land will have no more secrets for you and, at the same time, you will discover the avian fauna (puffins, cormorants, waders, gulls, etc.) and the maritime fauna of the archipelago (seals, dolphins...). With beautiful sunsets as a bonus... Guaranteed sensations and discoveries!

At Jersey Yachting, we will organize discovery trips to Les Minquiers and Ecréhous, but especially charming afternoons (or mornings) or beautiful days on a boat to discover the island of Jersey. Aboard a superb catamaran (and with the help of a skipper), you will discover the superb coasts of the Channel Islands. Relaxed atmosphere, especially since the beautiful sailboat can also be rented for romantic dinners... Jersey Yachting also offers training courses to skipper this type of boat.

These vintage buses will allow you to visit the island or to go to certain attractions such as the Jersey War Tunnels or the Durell Wildlife Park. Whether you come for a day or a longer stay, this is a very interesting activity, as it allows you to visit a large part of the island in a few hours and discover very different landscapes. These green convertible buses are reserved for the visit of the island and you will have the choice between an East or West circuit. Note: audio-visit in French in all the buses.

A pleasant maritime garden where greenery is quite rare, but where you can see a sculpture by the artist Philip Jackson, representing a group of swimmers and dolphins. Children will have fun in summer around the fountain with its jumping jets. You can also eat at the very good café La Frégate in the shape of an overturned boat. You can also enjoy a panoramic view of the Elizabeth Castle. It is a starting point for a walk on the beach or the marina and the favourite meeting place of the young people of the city on Saturday afternoon.

It is easily identifiable, thanks to its large white dome that covers the hill overlooking the city center. It was King Edward VI who decided in 1550 that a fort should be built on this strategic hill. The aim was to provide the island with a defensive fort, a place of retreat for the inhabitants in case of invasion. But in the end, it would be a long time before the fort was built, long after the fortresses of Gorey and Elizabeth Castle. The plans for the Regent were drawn up during the Napoleonic Wars (there was a fear of invasion by Napoleon's troops) by John Hambly Humphrey. The beginning of the work was delayed for financial reasons. The fort was nevertheless built between 1806 and 1814 and named Regent, in honor of the Prince Regent of the time who would later become George IV.

The defensive system included towers, batteries, ramparts, arsenals and barracks. All this... for nothing. Because before its completion, the battle of Waterloo put an end to the reign of "the one for whom" the fort had been built: Napoleon. The British troops nevertheless remained there until 1928.

After the departure of the military, the islanders did not know what to do with this immense building that dominates the city. In the 1970s, it was finally transformed into a temple of sports and leisure. Swimming pool, tennis, gym, games, auditorium, etc., and always a beautiful view on the city and the sea. There are also promenades.

The right wing of this building, which houses the States, was built at the end of the 19th century, as was the left wing, which houses, on the first floor, the very interesting session room of the States. It is a small amphitheatre with three rows of seats, a hemicycle with oak panelling. Framed texts are affixed on both sides of the seats. These are the addresses offered to the King of England during his visits to the island. The Jersey Parliament, the States Assembly, administers its own particular affairs in a completely autonomous manner according to age-old traditions. While foreign policy and defence matters are managed by London, the Island can refuse to comply with any measure if it feels its independence and interests are threatened. Like Guernsey, it had refused to become part of the European Union. There was no question of harmonising with other European countries a tax system that had made and still makes it rich. All members of Parliament are elected by universal suffrage for a term of 3 to 6 years, and none of them is expected to represent a political party. The Parliament is composed of 12 representatives of the parishes, 10 senators and 29 deputies. They each participate in the various committees in charge of the different areas of the island's administration. The Lieutenant-Governor and the Legal Advisers are appointed by the Crown. The Bailiff is appointed for life by the King or Queen.

This small granite church with its rural Norman appearance was founded around the ^11th century. Over the ages, this place of worship has also served as an arsenal and warehouse. As parishioners grew and architectural styles changed, the church was repeatedly enlarged. In the ^14th century, the roof was raised and flamboyant Gothic stained-glass windows were installed. Originally a Catholic church, it was transformed into a Protestant temple after the Reformation. Inside, numerous commemorative plaques cover the walls.

The Royal Court was built later than the State building, in 1856. It sits every two months for criminal trials. The courtroom includes, like ours, a courtroom, boxes for lawyers and clerks, and a gallery for the public. However, there was also a bench for the lords, as a result of the feudal system.

Two sessions are very important for the perpetuation of the feudal system of the island, the Assises d'Héritage (the Thursday following May 4 and the Thursday preceding October 11), because the lords of the manors of each parish must "appear": if the holder of the fiefdom fails to answer the call 4 times, the fiefdom is confiscated for the benefit of the king. On the fateful day, all the lords took their places on the bench. The Court was presided over by the Bailiff, assisted by 12 jurats. The island's lieutenant-governor was also present with his entire staff. Halberdiers stood guard. The attorney general then calls out the names of the fiefs. Each lord rose in turn and replied, "I keep my day," reaffirming his allegiance to the Duke of Normandy. The bishop of Coutances and the abbot of Mont-Saint-Michel were then called. This time, it was the lieutenant-governor who answered. No lord has ever failed to answer the call and it will be so until the end of time. If you are passionate about this institution, read Roger Vercel's excellent book(Les Iles Anglo-Normandes, Albin Michel, 1956). His descriptions of the ceremonies are a delight!

The Jersey Maritime Museum is absolutely brilliant. Don't miss it under any circumstances! For once, the public is allowed to touch the exhibits and you can have a great time. It's very playful, very amusing and there are explanations in French. The museum presents absolutely all the facets of the maritime life of the island, without forgetting any: the phenomena of the tides, the currents and the winds; the tools of the marine carpenter; the flora and the fauna; models of boats and one of the rorqual whale, a miniature replica of the one that ran aground on the coasts in 1910, an illustration of the various marine knots, the inevitable sailors' songs and so on. On certain days, you will also be able to see craftsmen making wooden models. Children will also be able to sail model ships in basins where a small fan inflates the sails as the wind would. On the deck of the Orient Star, where there is a giant earth mobile, you will smell the dried fish, gunpowder and heavy steam of the ships of the time and even listen to the song of the whales... Don't hesitate to press all the buttons and open the doors of the small wall cabinets. Here, it is really possible to touch everything! Also not to be missed, just next door is the Occupation Tapestry Gallery with beautiful, richly decorated panels woven for the 50th anniversary of the Liberation.

The transition from the Maritime Museum to this gallery offers a striking contrast! We leave a playful atmosphere to enter a very solemn one. This tapestry originally had 12 panels, made by the 12 parishes of the island on the occasion of the 50th anniversary of the Liberation, and which told the story of Jersey under the German occupation. A 13th, woven by local artist Wayne Audrain, was added for the 70th anniversary.

For over a century, this very serious agency has been offering standard tours of the island (1/2 day, 1 day...) and à la carte tours. Tours scheduled upon arrival of ferries from France are possible for a glimpse of Jersey before dropping you off in time for the return boat. Walking tours are also available. The many tours are fully described on the website. The agency also offers to handle ferry and air bookings for inter-island transfers or crossings to/from France.

Convenient for families, but also available to individuals, the Jersey Heritage Pass is a passport giving unlimited access to four attractions for the price of three 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 the pass in advance, as it is only activated from the first attraction visited.