CHANNEL ISLANDS

JERSEY

Where are the Channel Islands?

The Channel Islands are off the north-west coast off France and worth a holiday. The climate is warmed by the Gulf Stream and therefore warm. As a matter fact they have the most sunshine.

The Channel Islands are divided into two districts called bailiwicks and each headed by a bailiff. The Bailiwicks of Jersey is the island Jersey itself. Jersey Channel Island is the largest of the islands and measures 117 sq km with a population of 85,000. It is surrounded by the Les Minquiers and the Les Ecrehous reefs.

The Guersey Bailiwick is Guernsey itself which is the second largest island. It measures 62 sqkm. It also includes Alderney, Sark, Herm, Jethou and some smaller isles. Most of the residents of Alderney live in its only town. There are 2000 inhabitants. St Anne is the finest church in the Channel Islands. It was built in 1850 by Sir George Gilbert Scott.

Sark is ruled by a hereditary seigneur and at the moment it is John Michael Beaumont. The only transport is horse- or tractor-drawn carriages or bicycles. Motor cars are forbidden.

Herm is a shorecombers' dream. They can find on the beach 200 different shells.

Since the Island has such a great variety of country sides you will find a wide variety of birds. Cetti's warbles are amongst reed-beds right through the years. There are puffins and razorbills which nest along the rugged coastline in the summer. The wading birds are attracted by the island rich feeding grounds in the winter.

Jersey Channel Islands also allowed Gerald Durrell in 1959 to start his world-famous Wildlife Preservation Trust and he was devoted until his death in 1995. He fought not only to protect their habitats but also to preserve endangered species.

Due to their favourable tax regime, the biggest growths lies in their financial sector.

If you decide to spend a holiday there you would be able to buy goods without VAT which would help to reduce the cost of the holiday. You not only enjoy a beautiful landscape, beautiful weather but goods without VAT. In 1996 - 670,000 people visited Jersey alone and the island earned an unbelievable £260 million. Jersey and Guernsey are very famous for their dairy products, spring flowers, and early fruit and vegetable.

When the Duke of Normandy, William the Conqueror became King of England in 1066; the Channel Islands became part of the British Isle. When King John lost Normandy to the French in 1204, The Channels Islanders decided to stay with Britain but demanded certain rights and privileges. All through history the Isle was subject to the British Monarch and not to the parliament. The Bailiwicks Jersey and Guernsey have their own parliament which is called the States. They were only invaded once, since 1066, during WWII by the Germans.

Another little bit of history is that the islands have been associated with knitting for 400 years. Slowly the word 'Jersey' became known alongside with knitting. At first with all knitted garment such as stockings and right up to the waistcoat. Nowadays, the word is only used for pullovers

JERSEY

Jersey is the most southern of the Channel Islands. It is worth a holiday because is has the best sunshine of all the Channel Islands' weather, beautiful scenery, stunning beaches and coves for explorations. It is also a great place for the Channel Island surfboards. A fascinating history and plenty to do and to see. You can enjoy spas, boutiques with tax free shopping and delicious cuisines.

ST HELIER --  JERSEY

MOUNT ORGUEIL 
 BUILT 13TH CENTURY 
TO PROTECT JERSEY 
FROM FRENCH INVASION

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GUERNSEY

Guernsey another island which is worth a holiday. It is closed to home but far away from the hustle and bustle. Off the Normandy coast it is full of natural beauty. Winding lanes lead to rolling pastures. Valleys full of trees with traditional built farmhouse of solid granite. Dramatic views and glorious sandy beaches with plenty of sunshine. A guarantee of the Channel Islands' weather.

GUERNSEY

GUERNSEY BEACH