Jersey: A beauty of an island by Rachel Webb 
| A dramatic coastline is another of Jersey's many charms. This is Beauport Bay on the southwest coast-and yes, the photo in the introduction was also taken on the southwest coast of Jersey. Photos © Jersey Tourism |
At one time linked with mainland Europe, Jersey has been an island for around 8,000 years. The most southerly and largest of the Channel Islands, its position in the warm flow of the Gulf Stream makes the climate mild, and it boasts the best annual sunshine records for the British Isles. With its mild climate and a 45-square-mile landmass that's rich in history, golden beaches, and verdant countryside, Jersey is a popular vacation destination. Small fishing villages and "green lanes"-46 miles of designated country lanes with a speed limit of 15 mph where walkers, cyclists, and horse riders have priority-make for a slower pace of life. This pace is not for everyone however, and is reputedly the reason that the 19th-century society beauty and actress Lillie Langtry married Irish landlord Edward Langtry: He had a yacht and promised to take her away from the quiet island. Things have changed since Lillie's days however, and the capital of St. Helier offers more movement and interest with its vast marina and lively nightlife, as well as a vintage car show in early June; the Maritime Festival in the harbor, July 1-2; The Battle of the Flowers, August 9-10; and a yearly open-air film festival toward the end of August (the dates this year are August 12-18). In fact, the whole island hosts a number of events throughout the summer, including the Early Summer Rose & Flower Festival at Radier Manor, Grouville, June 24-25, and Le Tour des Ports de la Manche, July 11, when more than 100 yachts arrive in St. Helier for the annual yacht race around Normandy and the Channel Islands. Accessible by ferry from France and the UK, as well as by air, there are many daily flights from the UK or Guernsey, and less frequent flights from Paris. To find hotels on the Island, visit the website www.seabird.co.je P.S. Warning: Be careful not to fall in love with Jersey… The regulations on who can buy and even rent property in Jersey are complex and you'll need "housing qualifications" and consent from the States of Jersey Housing Committee. The main stipulation seems to be that only those who were born in Jersey-or have lived there for more than 10 years-can buy or rent property. Some of the lower-value properties are also reserved for local first-time buyers. This small island in the gulf of St. Malo jealously guards its heritage and makes provision to preserve its local community. Only around eight applications of residence are approved per year, and those with a capital worth of more than £10 million are preferred, and expected to purchase a luxury property in excess of hundreds of thousands of pounds. |
