Where is Jersey located?
Channel Island of Jersey is located off the coast of Normandy, France. Jersey is a British crown property, but it is not officially part of Great Britain. Due to its location off the French coast and its links with England, Jersey offers a unique blend of French and English culture.
How do you get to Jersey?
Several times a day there is a ferry from Saint Malo in France to St. Helier, the capital of Jersey. After an hour of sailing you arrive at the island. You can choose different departure times, but we found 08.00 a good time: this means you still have the whole day to spend on Jersey. Tip: spend the night in a hotel in Saint Malo: within 10 minutes you are in the departure hall of the ferry, ideal. The ferry is not very cheap by the way. We paid for a return (without car) 70 euros pp. If we had wanted to take the car with us, it would have cost us about 350 euros.
Jersey can also be reached by plane. If you choose that, you should make a transfer in London or in Gatwick.
What to do in Jersey?
It is highly recommended not to stay in a large hotel on the coast, but to choose a cozy family hotel. This way you learn much more about island life than in an impersonal mega complex. In addition, it is useful to rent a car so that you can explore the island on your own. For 2 days we only paid 45 euros. Of course you can also come with your own car, but firstly the ferry is expensive and secondly the steering wheel of your own car is on the ‘wrong’ side, since people drive on the left in Jersey. Driving on the left with the steering wheel on the right is a lot easier than with the steering wheel on the left. Would you rather rent a bicycle? That is also a great option on Jersey.
The nature on this island is beautiful and untouched, so it is wonderful to tour the island at your leisure. In addition, the jagged coastline is also a picture. Stop along the way for a snack and a drink and chat with the very nice locals of Jersey. The people are warm and welcoming and will be happy to tell you more about the island and its history.
Be sure to visit Durrell. Durrell is not just any zoo, but a Wildlife Conservation Trust. This means that Durrell is actively committed to preserving species that are in danger of extinction. Nice to see!
St. Matthews glass church in Millbrook is also worth a visit. The church is small, but thanks to the beautiful glass works of art by René Lalique, it still makes a huge impression.
Off the coast of the capital, St. Helier, lies Elizabeth Castle. Due to the immense difference in ebb and flow, it is one moment in the middle of the sea, while a few hours later you can just drive there with the Puddle Duck (amphibious vehicle). Elizabeth Castle is definitely worth a visit and it’s even more fun if you go there by land with the Puddle Duck and have to cross the same vehicle on the way back because the water has risen so much.
Food and drink
The fact that Jersey is influenced by both England and France is evident in the local cuisine. For example, you are usually treated to a full English breakfast, while in the evening you can be served fresh oysters with a delicious glass of wine. There are many pubs on the island, but you will also find sophisticated restaurants. These contradictions make Jersey a feast for true foodies and it is nice to see how two food cultures come together here.
Jersey is known for its dairy products. The milk on Jersey is said to be the best in the world for its clean air, as there is no industry on this island. So be sure to try a locally produced chocolate bar or a nice bowl of yogurt. In addition, you must also have tasted Black Butter, a black apple jam that is made on the island.
Jersey is a unique and authentic island that you must see. The combination of the warm, friendly people, enchantingly beautiful nature and the delicious food makes this a top destination in Europe in our opinion.
