St Aubin's Harbour 

Belcroute Bay

The text below, say half of it,  has been copied, by kind permission of Jersey Tourism

From  St. Aubin, climb the hill by way of the Grande Route de St. Brelade until the left hand 

turn to La Route de Noirmont. Follow this road for about a mile until you come to another left 

hand turn to Le Chemin de Belcroute which is a very winding road that takes you down to the 

bay itself. There is parking for a small number of cars close to the slip, but turning room is restricted.  

Belcroute Bay is fine for fishing. 

It is West of St. Aubin’s harbour and it lies in the pretty bay of Belcroute 

where there is a small slipway giving on to clean sand, but to the right of the beach the shoreline becomes 

rocky and extends right around to Noirmont Point. At low water it is possible to fish this area on a 

mobile basis, but great care must be taken to avoid being cut off by the incoming tide as the cliffs 

above are a dangerous climb. Spinning with plugs and artificial lures is very successful here, with 

clear water conditions at first and last light the best times to try. 

Species of fish.
To the left of the slip are some rocks that provide a good fishing platform for flat fish, Bass, 

Pollack, and several other species, particularly at night. These rocks will become cut off by the 

high tide, so a close watch is needed to guarantee a safe exit. 

There are many species of fish. Bass are the main target for those fishing the rocks to the right 

of the beach. From the slip itself and the rocks to the left, a number of species follow 

the tide on its way to St. Aubin’s bay including Sole, Bass, Mullet, and Dogfish. 

Fishing tackle

Standard spinning rods and reels should be used to cast shallow diving lures from the rocks 

where fish will be feeding in the gullies. Surface poppers work well in settled conditions, and 

can often induce vicious takes from hungry Bass, as well as Pollack and Mackerel.

Fly fishing with sand-eel imitations and Clouser Minnows is particularly effective in this area, 

and can produce great sport on light tackle. Worm baits, and frozen sand-eel, work well from 

the rocks to the left of the slip for several species. Good luck fishing!

Noirmont Point 

To go there from St. Aubin take the A13 towards St. Brelade. Look for a left hand turn, the B57, 

at the top of the hill above St. Aubin, which is the Route De Noirmont and will lead right to the 

headland itself. Parking is in the car park on top of the promontory, and this also provides an excellent

 picnic spot for any non- anglers. There is a track that leads down to the lighthouse, which although 

quite steep, is relatively safe. The rocky platform of the light is best for bottom fishing, with the rocks 

and gullies either side of the mark suitable for float fishing and spinning.  

The stunning views ensure it is a favourite for locals, walkers, historians and ‘twitchers’ alike.

This massive headland dominates the western end of St. Aubin’s Bay and is guarded by a 

lighthouse below to warn shipping of the dangers that lurk there. The powerful tidal flow passes 

very close to the outcrop of rock at the foot of the mark and allows the angler to place his bait 

in a prolific feeding area that is frequented by many species. The mark is fished two hours either 

side of low water to allow one to reach the outer platform and return before the tide cuts it off 

from the shore. The rock that provides a base for the light also provides an excellent fishing platform 

for the angler who can either bottom fish, or cast plugs into the turbulent flow. From the headland 

above the climb down to the mark looks quite daunting, but in truth it is easily attainable by anyone 

with a reasonable level of fitness. The area is subject to occasional rogue swells, and the angler 

should remain alert at all times to the prevailing conditions and the sea state.

The rocks that stretch away from the point in either direction are excellent for plugging for Bass, 

but access and egress can be tricky. Fishing from low tide up can be tremendous with very large 

Bass always on the cards, but particular attention should be paid to the incoming tide to avoid being cut off.

Situated as close as it is to the main tidal flow, Noirmont hosts a whole variety of predatory species 

that feed on the bait that gathers there to shelter. Bass, Pollack, Mackerel, Garfish, Bream, and Conger 

canal be targeted with confidence, and Wrasse and Mullet are also on the cards in the gullies.

Fish bait

Fish baits such as Mackerel, Pouting, and Sand-eel will catch most species, with worm and green 

shore Crab best for the Wrasse. Float-fished fish strip will account for Gars and Mackerel, especially 

when combined with minced fish ground bait introduced regularly. Mullet will also be attracted to this 

‘shirvy’, as it is locally known, and can be caught on bread flake or Mackerel strip. Two and three 

hook paternostered squid strip is the best option for Bream that can run to well over three pounds. 

Bass and Pollack will take medium to heavy lures and spinners cast into the flow, with plugs and ‘Yans’

 of around 150 grammes working well.

War Memorial

Located on the headland next to Portelet Bay, Noirmont has been bought by the 

States of Jersey as a permanent war memorial. It is easy to see the strategic importance of 

this headland to the occupying forces, and it is due to the Channel Islands Occupation Society 

which has maintained the bunkers and emplacements since 1977 that this part of the Island’s 

modern history is well preserved and open to the public.

Command Bunkers

Portelet Bay 

There's quite a climb down steps from the cliff top to Portelet beach, which helps prevent this 

very attractive and popular south coast location becoming too crowded. South facing, the beach 

is very sunny and sheltered by the cliff behind. It has soft, golden sand. Well worth the walk 

down the long flight of steps and the walk back up at the end of the day. Very safe bathing. Don't 

get caught on the Ile au Guerdain in the centre as the incoming tide surrounds it, unless you are 

confident of being able to swim ashore. The tower on the islet is known as Janvrin's Tomb.

Janvrins Tomb 

Portelet Common

Portelet Common presents a mix of dramatic sea views and a habitat typical of an area subjected 

to the prevailing southwesterly wind. The common has been managed for nature conservation since 

the 1980s and is a proposed Site of Special Interest.

The habitat is a mixture of thick gorse cover, dwarf shrub heathland and lichen-rich grassland. The 

Common lies 54-61m above sea level and covers an area of some 31 hectares. On the reserve’s 

northern edge there is a panoramic view over-looking  another reserve, L’Ouaisné Common, where 

the habitat is quite different to that of Portelet’s elevated plateau.

 Portelet Common .....The Human History

There is an internationally important archaeological site situated below the slopes on the north 

facing side of the Common. La Cotte de St Brelade is one of the major middle Palaeolithic sites in 

Europe. Finds from the site confirm that man has been present here for many thousands of years. 

The remains of Neanderthal man, Woolly Mammoth and Rhinoceros have been uncovered by 

archeologists over the years. Such is the importance of the site that public access is not permitted.

Portelet Common has been tenanted land for hundred of years. The tenants grazed their sheep, cattle, 

goats and horses here until the 20th century. This traditional form of land management has played a major 

role in forming the habitat we see today.

The tenants no longer exercise their right to graze the Common, subsequently, management

is essential in order to control evasive species such as Bracken, Bramble, Holm Oak and Birch.

Granite quarrying prior to the First World war has contributed to the present shape of the reserve and 

work carried out by German forces during the occupation, when constructing fortifications, also had 

considerable impact on the area.

Portelet Common .... Flora

Portelet Common supports some 125 plant species and at least 30 of these have restricted distribution 

either in the British Isles or on Jersey. The dwarf-shrub heath and heath-litchen grassland areas are 

particularly rich in plant species. There are four species listed in the British Red Data book, three of 

which are found in these habitats - Dwarf Rush, sand Crocus and Early Sand Grass.

Other species of note include Green-winged Orchid, Heath Pearl wort, All-seed, Autumn Squill and 

the Jersey sub-species of spotted Rockrose. Such plants are just part of the wildness of this 

very special place.

Portelet Common ..... Fauna

Around the perimeter of the common the cliffs provide ideal nesting and roosting sites for a number 

of sea birds and waders. Among the most common are the gulls. Three species breed regularly, Greater 

and Lesser Black-backed Gulls and the herring Gull. Amongst the crevices and ledges of the lower cliff 

faces, Shags, Oystercatchers and the Rock Pipits can be seen most times of the year. Ravens will often 

appear on the thermals in early summer.

On the plateau, the thick areas of gorse provide an ideal habitat for Dartford Warbler, Linnets and the 

occasional Stonechat. Up draughts of air from the cliffs also encourage the Kestrel to hunt the steep slopes 

and heath for a variety of small mammals and insects.

Nature Reserve

La Cotte de St Brelade

Ouaisne Bay 

Ouaisne adjoins St Brelade's Bay and is connected at low tide. Access is only from the eastern 

end where the car park is situated or from St Brelade's Bay . The beach faces south-west and is sunny 

and sheltered. Some patches of lovely sand, but much remains rather wet after the tide has receded.

Very safe bathing at all states of the tide. 

Ouaisne Common 

L’Ouaisné Common is one of Jersey’s richest and most diverse nature reserves, the area was 

once a dune system but, since the construction of a defensive sea wall during World War II, 

the dunes have stabilised and are gradually progressing to heathland.

The area contains large blocks of Gorse, dwarf shrub heath, open sand, grassland and 

wetland. The reserve boundary features mature Willow Carr in several areas and there is a 

large pond and reed bed on the eastern edge of the site. To the west the site is bounded by 

a sea-defense wall built in World War II.

Ouaisne Common ....... The Human History

A little south of the Common is La Cotte; a cave formed when the sea level was 

some 18m higher than it is today. Excavations here have produced traces of human occupation 

dating back 80,000 years. Over many centuries the tenants of the Common held the right to graze 

cattle, cut Gorse, for fuel and fodder and Bracken for bedding fuel and thatching. The rights of 

the tenants of L’Ouaisné Common were published as late as 1889. Today the management of the 

Common helps provide a balance between the rich diversity of flora and fauna that exists here 

and the more gentle recreational activities pursued by the community.

Ouaisne Common ...... Flora

A total of 163 plant species have been recorded on the Common and this may be attributed 

to the diversity of habitats. Included are at least 5 species listed in the British Red Data Book. 

Compared to nature reserves of similar size in Jersey, its species is unparalleled. Rarities include; 

Marsh St John’s-wort, Lesser Skullcap, Cross-Leaved Heath and Greater Spearwort.

Ouaisne Common ...... Fauna

Among the Gorse thickets and Willow at the heart of the Common are freshwater slacks 

that provide the Island’s last remaining natural breeding site for the Agile Frog Rana dalmatina. 

Captive breeding takes place at a number of compounds around the Island for later reintroduction 

to other potential sites. The Gorse provides ideal habitat for Dartford Warbler, Meadow Pipit, 

Linnet and Stonechat. Birds of Prey include Kestrel, Sparrow hawk and occasionally, Peregrine 

Falcon. Reptiles include the Slow Worm, Green Lizard and Grass Snake and, although the 

Rabbit is the dominant wild mammal, Lesser White-toothed Shrew, Common Shrew, Bank Vole 

and Wood Mouse are also present.

Martello Tower

St Brelade's Bay

This is Jersey's busiest resort beach. But thankfully it never becomes quite as crowded as 

those other places and it's much more beautiful, with its tiny jetty and seaside parish church at the 

western end. South facing, the beach enjoys a long day when the sun shines, although the western 

end becomes shaded in late afternoon. The bay is very sheltered from everything but onshore breezes. 

There is soft, golden sand along the entire length of the beach. Very safe bathing at all states of the tide. 

It is a fun beach everything from beach volleyball and trampolines to pedalos and other water-borne craft. 

There are many cafes of varying sizes at several locations along the beach, as well as beach kiosks, 

restaurants, bars, shops and other facilities

Sir Winston Churchill Park

You will see why we are proud of our beautifully kept parks, especially 

the public Winston Churchill Memorial Park from where you can view the 

whole of the well known St Brelade's Bay.

St Brelade Parish Church

As it appeared before the restoration in 1903

I did not take the pictures of the church above

Fisherman's Chapel

Bouilly Port

Beauport 

Beauport is one of Jersey's most delightful beaches. A veritable sun trap on the south coast it 

could easily become overcrowded but the long trek down a fairly steep path from the car park at the

top of the bay helps keep it from becoming too busy. South facing and surrounded on three sides by 

the cliff, the beach is sheltered from all but winds from due south. The beach loses the sun in the late 

afternoon. Soft, golden sand after the initial pebbles makes Beauport ideal for families.  

Safe bathing at all states of the tide. At high tide the beach slopes fairly rapidly.

The steep climb down to the beach, followed by the inevitable climb back at the end of the day 

deters sufficient people to keep the beach from becoming overcrowded.

Beauport Battery 1817

Beau Port Cromlech

Les Creux

Les Creux Country Park

Officially opened in December 2000 the park gives visitors the opportunity to experience a special 

part of Jersey’s heritage. A smooth gravel path takes you from the hustle and bustle of the main road 

on La Route Orange to the quiet of Les Creux Country Park.  Stairs lead down to a wooden bridge, 

then the path snakes up to Les Creux bowling green and its imaginative public car park. Visitors to the 

park now have two pathway options to choose from as they cross over the headland in the direction 

of Beauport. One pathway takes you through strawberry fields towards Mont Es Croix. It runs along 

working farmland and at one-point splits a ploughed field, the rich earth starkly contrasting with the 

bright graveled path. Woodland will eventually grow in this corner of the park.

The second path leads towards a wetland area, over which another wooden boardwalk has been built to 

ensure dry feet. The two paths then combine and reach Route Des Champs. Over the road the visitor has 

a network of paths to choose from – head east towards St Brelades Bay, south down to Beauport or 

west along to La Grosse Tête and La Lande Du Ouest.

The coastal paths all connect with existing routes leading out of the park. Many paths have been improved 

in the area and Beauport’s car park has received a healthy face-lift, complete with benches.

The distinctive dry granite walls have been restored and impressive standing stones confidently point 

the way.  A green lizard, the parks’ emblem, has been carved into many of the stones.

Fiquet Bay

La Moye

La Moye Point

La Moye Golf Club

La Rosiere

Cobiere Point

The coast of Jersey’s south-western corner is rather rugged and can be extremely dangerous for 

shipping although it wasn’t until 1874 that La Corbière lighthouse, a quarter of a mile off shore 

from  La Corbière point, was first lit. The lighthouse was the first lighthouse in the British Isles to 

build in concrete and it’s light is visible for eighteen miles in clear weather. The lighthouse is connected 

to the shore by a causeway that is covered at high tide. The rush of the tide around this part 

of the coast can be very dangerous although despite this, it is a beautiful place whether in broad 

daylight or at sunset and from there you can look across at the long expanse of beach at St Ouen's Bay.

The light is no longer manned except for maintenance.  It has been changed over to be fully automatic 

This area is rocky and can be rather treacherous with its strong swell. Not suitable for bathing.  

Probably one of the most photographed spots on the whole of the island, the lighthouse at 

Corbiere stands guard over the western approaches to Jersey and warns shipping of the dangers 

of the Jailers reef that lies in wait for the unwary. Located at the southern end of St. Ouen’s Bay, 

the point is subject to fierce tidal runs and large swells and the rock that forms a platform for the 

light is cut off at high tide. Either side of low water however, the area is fishable with a large 

degree of caution, but can at times produce some wonderful sport and be well worth the effort 

needed to access the mark. Although other species including Conger and Wrasse can be 

caught here, the whole area screams Bass, with most anglers choosing to fish a variety of lures 

in the boils and turbulent gullies that surround the light, and the rocks on either side. There is a 

slipway out to the lighthouse that is very popular with tourists, who are warned of the incoming 

tide by a siren sounded some time before the area gets cut off. The Atlantic swells that sweep 

across the bay can be huge, but the most dangerous are the rogue swells that can appear in calm 

conditions and sweep over the area. Although the actual rock platform itself fishes well, anglers 

are probably safer fishing the ground located either side of the start of the slip, which is more 

easily accessible, and can be vacated quickly if conditions take a turn for the worse.

Conger and Huss are present in numbers over the rough ground, although very strong tackle is 

required to stand any chance of landing them. Bass and Pollack provide the main target species, 

and can be caught on a variety of lures. Specimen sized Wrasse can be taken from the gutters and 

gullies in the area when they become fishable in settled conditions. Standard plugging rods and 

fixed spool reels loaded with ten pound mono, or braid with a mono leader, are best for spinning 

and float fishing. Heavy beach casters required for bottom fishing in the rough ground.

La Cobiere Walk

Petit Port

La Pulente

La Braye

Dunes

The sand dune system at the southern end of St Ouen’s Bay, is known as Les Blanches Banques and is 

recognised as a Site of Special Interest. More than 400 plant species have been identified here.

Millions of crushed seashells helped to form these dunes making this a calcium-rich environment, 

ideal for a number of specialised plants. Marram grass is abundant and helps bind and build the 

dunes. Burnet rose is a familiar sight, providing a surface fabric, which tends to hold the dunes together. 

The dunes also provide an ideal habitat for the green lizard. The leeward side of the dunes provide protection 

for plants. The dwarf pansy can be found here and the lizard orchid presents a stunning contrast to the 

tiny ground-hugging species. The miniature marvels of the dunes, the lichens, mosses and tiny flowering 

plants are often best appreciated on hands and knees with a magnifying glass.

Les Mielles

This area of coastal plain inland from St Ouen’s Bay stretches the full length of Jersey’s western 

seaboard from La Pulente in the south to L’Etacq in the north. The natural history of Les Mielles 

occupies a number of different habitats. Flat, marshy land and thick reed beds surround St Ouen’s 

pond, Jersey’s largest area of natural fresh water. Bird life is plentiful here all year round and just to 

its north, a small wet meadow is a haven for five species of orchid and their hybrids. Bird hides, 

interpretation centres at Frances Le Sueur Centre and Kempt Tower as well as dedicated country rangers 

all ensure that this ‘national park’ is protected and enjoyed to the full.

La Rocco Tower

Les Landes

Coastal heathland is the most distinctive and spectacular aspects of Jersey’s 

wild environment. Developing largely on exposed cliff tops, heathland stretches 

for almost the entire length of Jersey’s northwest and southwest coastline.

Located on the northwest coast, Les Landes is Jersey’s largest single expanse of 

maritime heathland. It covers an area of 160 hectares and is bound to seaward by 3km of 

rugged granite cliffs. The reserve contains a variety of habitats supporting rarities such as 

the Dartford Warbler and the plant life features Cross-leaved Heath, Spotted Cat’s Ear

 and many other rare species. The reserve was designated a Site of Special Interest (SSI) in 1996.

Les Landes .....The Human History

There is evidence that man has used Les Landes for at least 5,500 years. La Cotte de la 

Chevre in the east, is one of the few remaining middle Palaeolithic occupation sites in northwest 

Europe. Le Pinnacle, an impressive geological feature was occupied during the Neolithic period, 

the Bronze Age and by the Romans. Grosnez Castle, constructed in the 14th century, was 

designed as a medieval refuge during sea raids. Gun emplacements, bunkers and observation 

towers were constructed as part of Hitler’s Fortress Europe (1940-1945). Grazing areas 

for sheep and cattle and the collection of Gorse and Bracken by the local community for fuel 

and bedding has helped shape the habitats we see here today.

Les Landes ......Flora

Dominant plants include Common Gorse, low-lying Western Gorse, Heather and Bell Heather. 

In addition, the reserve supports over 200 species of heathland plants, several of which are 

considered rare in Britain. The Gorse is controlled to prevent it dominating the thick carpet of 

heather and gaps between the patches of Gorse provide niches in which other plants can thrive. 

The Heather is in full bloom at Les Landes during July and August. The rich purple hues of 

millions of tiny flowers are in rich contrast to the bright yellow blossoms of western Gorse.

Les Landes ...... Fauna

The wetland area at Le Canné de Squez attracts a variety of dragonfly species and is an 

important breeding site for the Common Toad (please do not disturb this area). Look out for 

Green Hairstreak butterflies in sheltered areas and from the cliff path a variety of seabirds can 

be seen at all time of the year including the occasional Gannet from the Garden Rocks colony 

off Alderney. The Gorse provides cover and nest sites for Dartford Warbler, Linnet and 

Stonechat. Kestrel, Raven and Peregrine Falcons are recorded here regularly too.

La Lande du Ouest

La Lande du Ouest is an integral part of the dry coastal heathland lying above the cliffs 

along the greater part of the southwest coast of Jersey. It was designated a Site of Special Interest 

in 1996 and the rich flora and fauna is considered an important contribution to the island’s landscape 

and biodiversity. The heathland has developed over millennia and man’s interaction with it, by using 

it as a rich source of food, fuel, bedding and cattle grazing, has shaped the landscape we see today.

La Lande du Ouest .... The Human History

There is evidence of early human occupation of La Lande du Ouest. A flint scatter site, where 

stone tools were made, has been here dating back to the Mesolithic period (c.7000 BC). There is 

also what is believed to be an early Bronze Age burial site, the remains of which can still be seen at 

La Tables des Marthes.

In the 19th Century the area was a major source of granite and the remains of the quarry workings 

and its magazines can still be seen. There are also the remains of old quarry cottages, a stone crusher 

and loading piers. The quarry, where the Desalination Plant now stands once supplied high 

quality pink granite for the Thames Embankment in London.

During the 20th Century, a number of German fortifications were constructed on the reserve 

including two large bunkers by La Corbiere lighthouse car park. These are occasionally opened 

to the public. A large signal tower overlooking La Corbiere now houses Jersey's maritime 

radio station.

La Lande du Ouest ....... Flora

116 plant species have been identified showing the rich diversity of flora on the reserve, Many 

of the plants are extremely rare on the British mainland and although less so in Western Europe, 

some species are at the edge of their northernmost range in Jersey.

In early summer the cliffs are dusted with Ox-eye Daisy, Thrift and Sea Campion cling to rocky 

outcrops and the deep yellow flowers of Prostrate Broom contrast sharply with the surrounding 

green-grey foliage.

Among the rarer plants such as Autumn Squill, Dwarf Rush, Sand Crocus and Yellow-horned Poppy, 

Look out for Spotted Rockrose too. This delicate, low-growing flower blooms in the morning and 

casts its petals by noon. The heath also supports a variety of lower plants including mosses, lichens 

and liverworts.

La Lande du Ouest .... Fauna

A number of small mammal species throve on the heathland including Rabbits, Mice, Shrews and 

Voles. Green Lizards can also be found beside the footpath basking in the sun. For the bird watcher; 

Dartford Warbler, Stonechat, Meadow Pipit, Linnet, Raven and Kestrel are recorded regularly 

in the reserve.

There is also constant activity out to sea, Shag, Cormorant, a variety of gull species and occasionally 

Fulmars and Terns can be seen from the footpaths.

St Ouen

Most Jersey residents and many visitors consider St.Ouen’s beach the best of its kind. 

Miles of beautiful sandy beach, washed twice daily by the waves rolling in from the 

Atlantic Ocean stretch for five miles from end to end. This is a paradise for surfers, but 

with room and facilities for everyone. The beach is exposed to the Atlantic along its entire length 

and the surf can be magnificent - which is fine for those who are experienced, but poor swimmers 

should take care. Even the most accomplished can be swept off their feet by the currents, so obey 

the warning signs and flags, take careful note of which sections of beach are restricted.

Surfing to match anything in the world, windsurfing, sand yachting, kite flying and motor racing 

several times during the summer. This is the action beach. 

There is a large cafe at Le Braye, several restaurants and pubs in various locations, ice cream vans 

in season at the most popular spots and other beach kiosks. Often the island's busiest beach, but it 

rarely shows because there is so much room and such extensive car parking.

Popular with surfers and wind-surfers, this five mile long Atlantic facing beach is a genuine enigma 

in that it is fished so rarely by local anglers. The golden sands of the strand lead on to rock 

gullies and reef formations that teem with bait of all sorts and divers report regular sightings of 

large shoals of Sole,  Plaice, Mullet, and Bass close to shore. Low water fishermen enjoy 

tremendous catches of Lobster and Crab, and yet despite the overwhelming evidence in its 

favour, the beach is subject to virtually no angling pressure. Visiting anglers well versed in the 

techniques suitable to this type of mark would surely enjoy consistent catches of many 

species, as well as having an un-tapped area for bait gathering. At the northern end of the bay 

is the L’Etacq  reef and headland that is popular with Bass fishermen who spin and plug from the 

slip and in the gullies close to shore, and at the southern end the Rocco Tower is a Napoleonic 

structure that is accessible at low water and can be fished through the night in safety.

In short, the beach presents a wonderful opportunity to anglers who are prepared to experiment 

with various tactics at different stages of the tide, particularly at night. Wading is generally quite safe, 

but there are areas that are subject to undertow  and cross currents, and fishing alone is therefore 

not to be recommended. Fishing at high tide from the sea wall often produces very large Bass, but 

the wall is subject to swells breaching over its length in very rough weather.

The bay is a nursery area for many species and therefore is subject to the attention of predators such 

as Bass and Pollack which take advantage of the massive levels of natural bait present. Flatfish of 

several types also feed well on the vast beds of Lugworm  found throughout the whole length of the 

beach. Spear-fishermen regularly report sightings of shoals of very large Thin-Lipped Mullet, but as

 yet none have fallen to rod anglers in any numbers.          

St Aubin

St Aubin became the main town in Jersey from around 1680, because it was the principal port in the island. 

Larger ships could now stay here instead of St. Malo.

 

The island of Jersey is the most southerly, sunniest and warmest of the Channel Islands, boasting the  best sunshine record in the British Isles. Once part of the Duchy of Normandy, the islands lie far  closer to France than to England, close to the Cherbourg Peninsula in the Gulf of St Malo. English  is the main language although an earlier Norman-French patois may still be heard in Sark and some  country parishes. Jersey has much to offer the visitor - long, sandy beaches, rocky coves, country  walks and megalithic and medieval ruins. The island is also famous for Gerald Durrell's Zoo, renowned  worldwide for its conservation work, and the Battle of Flowers festival, an annual carnival held each  August featuring a spectacular parade of floats decorated with flowers. Shopping here is excellent too  with lower rates of duty on alcohol and perfume and no VAT to pay. The shops offer a wide choice of  goods including jewellery, clothes, photographic and leather, while local products include Jersey knitwear,  pottery and woodcraft, and of course, the delicious Jersey cream. Eating out on the island is a delight,  with fresh local seafood a speciality together with island-grown vegetables.   Jersey offers high quality sea bathing waters, special sites of interest around the island and 45 miles of  Green Lanes that give walkers and cyclists precedence over motorists. Forty-five miles of stunning  coastline from sweeping bays in the south to dramatic cliffs in the north provide some wonderful walking,  while inland dense wooded valleys and lush leafy lanes lead down to deserted coves. Cultivated flowers  and gardens can be found all over the island in addition to the natural flora and fauna. Visitors will enjoy  the nine-acre Lavender Farm and the award-winning Eric Young Orchid Foundation, while the island's  capital St Helier won two Britain in Bloom awards in 2001. Free guided walks and cycle tours with  local experts, together with a year-round programme of festivals ranging from 'wild weeks' to flower  carnivals offer the visitor the opportunity to discover Jersey's unique natural beauty and wildlife at  any time.   Jersey  Overview   Jersey, a haven of tranquility, immerse in beguiling scenery, lush meadows and wooded valleys; surrounded by a rural landscape, astonishing wildlife, beautiful and unspoilt beaches, has an endless variety of activities and attractions for any taste. There are fortifications and sites of historic interest on each coast of the island. On the north coast, there are the Leicester and L'Etacquerel Forts and the North Coast Visitor Centre, housed in an old British garrison built during the Napoleonic wars. Further east, beside an 18th century guardhouse, in an unusual gallery grave, is the Dolmen du Faldouet (a Neolithic tomb). Dominating the east coast is Mont Orgueil Castle, which was built during the 13th century during the reign of King John. Other attractions are La Hogue Bie, La Pouquelaye de Faldouet. Out from La Rocque is Seymour Tower, one of the towers built after the Battle of Jersey in 1782 and three more towers can be found on the west coast, La Rocco, Kempt and Lewis, a feature of this coastline. Jersey's capital, St Helier has sophisticated shops, a varied nightlife and a mouth-watering selection of restaurants, but the pace of life is definitely leisurely. Amongst St Helier's attractions are the Jersey Museum, the Maritime Museum and the Occupation Tapestry Gallery. Overlooking the capital are two historic fortifications, Elizabeth Castle and Fort Regent. The first is an imposing fortress, which withstood Cromwell's forces for seven weeks in 1651 and housed the occupying Germans during World War II. The latter, is now a leisure complex with sports and conference facilities. Visitor attractions dotted around the coastline include Mont Orgueil Castle, Jersey Zoological Park, Howard Davis Park and the German Military Underground Hospital. Unmissable are the Bays around the island, such as St Aubin's, Portelet, St Ouen's, St Brelade's, St Clement's and Grouville Bay. So get away from it all and discover the beauty of Jersey with its lush countryside, vast expanses of beautiful beaches and good food. Places to visit - Elizabeth Castle, rugged 16th century fortress, is reached by amphibious craft or on foot at low tide. Named after Elizabeth I by Sir Walter Raleigh when he was governor of the island. The exhibitions in the Royal Jersey Militia Museum explain the part played by the castle in the history of Jersey; it also contains relics of the German occupation