Jersey Overview Country Overview Jersey is the largest of the Channel Islands, lying approximately 160km (100 miles) south of the coast of England and 23km (14 miles) from the coast of Normandy in France. The island is roughly 14.5km (9 miles) by 8km (5 miles). Jersey has over 20 bays, many small harbours and magnificent beaches bathed by the warm waters of the Gulf Stream. St Helier is the capital and by far the biggest town on the island. Elizabeth Castle withstood Oliver Cromwell and his army for seven weeks in 1651, and was later used by the occupying German forces during World War II. Fort Regent is built on an outcrop above the town. It has been converted into a leisure complex with sports and conference facilities. King Street-Queen Street is the main luxury shopping area on the island. The best beach in the north is at Plémont, with a sheltered bay, rock pools and caves. The coast of France can be seen on a clear day from this side of the island. The main beach in the south is at St Brelade’s Bay, widely regarded as one of the most beautiful beaches on the island. In St Lawrence, the former German Military Underground Hospital contains exhibits of Jersey’s occupation. The two main beaches in the east cover almost the whole of the eastern coast. Tourists also visit to buy pottery from the village of Gorey and visits to the workshop can be arranged. The west coast consists almost entirely of an 8km (5-mile) beach on St Ouen’s Bay. This area of the island is known for its locally made crafts – decorative candles, leatherwork and pottery. General Information Area: 116.2 sq km (44.9 sq miles). Population: 85,150 (1996). Population Density: 733 per sq km. Capital: St Helier. Population: 27,523 (1996). GEOGRAPHY: Jersey is the largest of the Channel Islands, lying approximately 160km (100 miles) south of the coast of England and 23km (14 miles) from the coast of Normandy in France. The island is roughly 14.5km (9 miles) by 8km (5 miles). It slopes from north to south and often appears to visitors to be largely composed of pink granite. Jersey has over 20 bays, many small harbours and magnificent beaches bathed by the warm waters of the Gulf Stream. Government: Dependency of the British Crown. Head of State: Queen Elizabeth II, represented locally by the Lieutenant-Governor Sir John Cheshire. Head of Government: Bailiff Sir Philip Martin Bailhache since 1995. Language: English is the official language. A dialect of Norman-French is still spoken by some people. Religion: Each of Jersey’s parishes has its own Anglican church, but some parishes, particularly St Helier, have been subdivided to provide more than one centre for Church of England worship. There are 12 Roman Catholic and 18 Methodist churches, as well as a wide range of free churches. Time: GMT (GMT + 1 from last Sunday in March to Saturday before last Sunday in October). Electricity: 240 volts AC, 50Hz. Communications:   Telephone Country code: 44, followed by (0)1534. Outgoing international code: 00. Mobile telephone Roaming agreements in operation. Dual band GSM network (900mhz). Triple band and some single band handsets also function. Handsets can be hired for a minimum of three days (cost: £30-£100). Fax Facilities are available for business guests in a few hotels and at fax bureaux in St Helier. Internet Public access is available at Internet cafes and libraries. Roaming agreements exist. Local ISPs include Jtsurf (website: www.jerseytelecoms.com), PSInet and Localdial. Post There is a standard one-price rate to the UK, which is in general as good as first-class UK service, although the prices are lower than UK first class. There is also one rate for internal mail. UK stamps are not valid in Jersey. The main post office is in Broad Street, St Helier. Post office hours: Mon-Fri 0900-1730, Sat 0900-1230. Press Newspapers published in Jersey are the Jersey Evening Post and Jersey Weekly Post. Passport/Visa Passport and Visa requirements are the same as those for the rest of the UK. See the United Kingdom section for further information. Money Currency: Jersey has its own currency but all UK notes and coins are legal tender, and circulate with the Channel Islands issue. Pound Sterling (£) = 100 pence. Notes are in denominations of £50, 20, 10 and 1. Coins are in denominations of 50, 20, 10, 5, 2 and 1 pence. Note: Channel Islands notes and coins are not accepted in the UK, although they can be reconverted at parity in UK banks. Exchange rates: For exchange rates and currency restrictions, see the United Kingdom section. Currency exchange: Foreign currencies can be exchanged at bureaux de change, in banks and at many hotels. ATMs are available. Credit & debit cards: MasterCard, American Express, Diners Club and Visa are all widely accepted. Check with your credit or debit card company for details of merchant acceptability and other services which may be available. Travellers cheques: Widely accepted. Banking hours: Mon-Fri 0930-1530. Some banks are open later on weekdays and Saturday mornings. Duty Free The Channel Islands are a low-duty zone. The following goods may be imported into Jersey by persons over 17 years of age without incurring customs duty: 200 cigarettes or 50 cigars or 100 cigarillos or 250g of tobacco; 2l of still table wine; 1l of spirits or 2l of alcoholic beverages under 22 per cent or 2l of sparkling or fortified wine; 60g (2 fl oz) perfume and 250ml eau de toilette; other goods to a value of £145. Public Holidays Public holidays are as for the rest of the UK (see United Kingdom section) with the following date also observed: May 9: Liberation Day (commemorating the arrival of the British Forces at the end of World War II). Health   Special Precautions Certificate Required Yellow Fever No No Cholera No No Typhoid and Polio No N/A Malaria No N/A Health care: There is a reciprocal health agreement with the UK. On presenting proof of UK residence (driving licence, NHS card, etc), free in- and out-patient treatment is available at the General Hospital, Gloucester Street, St Helier (tel: (01534) 622 000) and at Morning Medical Centre, Woodville Avenue, St Helier (tel: (01534) 616 833). The agreement does not cover the costs of medical treatment at a doctor’s surgery (but there is a free GP-style surgery most mornings in Newgate Street, St Helier), prescribed medicines, or dental treatment, but travel by ambulance is free. Despite the agreement, private medical insurance is advised for UK residents on long visits in case emergency repatriation is necessary and to cover the cost of prescribed medicines and dental treatment. All visitors should bring the name and address of their family doctor in case of a serious accident or illness. Travel - International AIR: Jersey can be reached by air from London and most other major cities in the UK. There are also direct flights to Jersey from Antwerp and Zurich. Major airlines operating to Jersey include British Airways, British Midland and Flybe. (from London and major UK cities), VLM (from London) and Swiss (from Zurich). Airlines operating to Jersey from the French coast include Aurigny Air Services (from Dinan). Approximate flight times: From Jersey to London is 40 minutes. International airports: St Peters (JER) is 8km (5 miles) from St Helier. Facilities include low-tariff shopping, restaurant and bar, car hire, ATMs, business facilities and provision for the disabled. Taxis are available and the local bus leaves for St Helier centre every 20 minutes. Departure tax: None. SEA: There are several sea routes to Jersey from abroad: From the UK: Crossings are by catamaran (car/passenger) from Poole (travel time – 3 hours 45 minutes) and Weymouth (travel time – 3 hours 30 minutes). Catamarans for foot passengers only operate to St Malo (travel time – 1 hour 10 minutes). A car ferry operates from Portsmouth (travel time – 10 hours 30 minutes). Crossings are more frequent between April and October. For further information, contact Condor Ferries (tel: (01305) 761 551; website: www.condorferries.co.uk). From France: From St Malo: car/passenger and passenger crossings with Emeraude Lines; passenger crossings with Condor Ferries. From Granville: passenger crossings with Emeraude Lines and Granville Island Sea. From Carteret: Emeraude Lines and Alizés Côtes des Iles. From Guernsey: Condor Ferries and Emeraude Lines operate between Jersey and Guernsey. Services are also available from the other Channel Islands. Visitors bringing speedboats, surfboards or sailboards into Jersey must register at the Harbour Office on arrival. Third party insurance is required. Travel - Internal ROAD: Traffic drives on the left. There are over 800km (500 miles) of roads and lanes crisscrossing the island. There is a speed limit of 64kph (40mph) or 48kph (30mph) in built-up areas, which is reduced in some places to 32kmph (20mph). Bus: These operate throughout the island; the network centres on the bus and coach station at Weighbridge, St Helier. Car hire: This is generally very cheap, and so is petrol. There are over 30 car hire firms, mostly in St Helier. Persons wishing to hire a car must: (a) be over 21 years of age; (b) have had a full licence for at least one year; and (c) have a valid full licence with no endorsements or disqualifications for dangerous driving or driving over the alcohol limit within the previous five years. Bicycle hire is available from over ten firms mainly in St Helier, one in St Ouen and one in Millbrook. Mopeds can also be hired from a number of companies in St Helier. Crash helmets must be worn. Addresses and telephone numbers of all these companies can be obtained from Jersey Tourism (see Contact Addresses section). Documentation: Visitors who wish to bring their own car must have a valid certificate of insurance or an international Green Card, and a valid driving licence. Nationality plates must be displayed. Motor caravans and trailers may not be imported. Accommodation The booklet Jersey – Open House, available from Jersey Tourism (see Contact Addresses section), gives comprehensive information on all types of accommodation on the island. Short-break and longer-stay holidays are available throughout the year. The most popular season is from May until September. HOTELS: The official consumer information pack, compiled by the Jersey Hospitality Association, rue Masurier, St Helier, Jersey JE2 4YE (tel: (01534) 721 421; fax: (01534) 722 496; e-mail: hospitality@jerseyhols.com; website: www.jerseyhols.com) is available from Jersey Tourism, (see Contact Addresses section). Disabled visitors should contact the Maison des Landes, route des Landes, St Ouen, Jersey JE3 3AA (tel: (01534) 481 683; fax: (01534) 485 327; e-mail: maisonlandes@localdial.com) for information. This offers accommodation for up to 40 disabled visitors and family/friends. All rooms have ensuite bathrooms and there is a heated swimming pool. It is open between early April and late October. Grading: Jersey has its own hotel and guest-house grading scheme. Hotels are graded from 1 to 5 suns and guest-houses are graded from 1 to 3 diamonds. The greater the number of suns or diamonds, the higher the grade achieved. All hotels are inspected and graded annually. GUEST-HOUSES: There are more than 200 guest-houses on the island, some offering bed, breakfast and evening meals, others just bed and breakfast. Despite the large number of establishments, advance booking is recommended as many guest-houses are not open throughout the whole year. SELF-CATERING: There is limited self-catering accommodation registered with the Tourism Department. Premises taking less than six people do not have to register and are not inspected. This type of accommodation is available through a number of handling agents. Furnished flats, bungalows, chalets and villas are not generally available, owing to the acute shortage of housing for permanent residents. Some units do, however, become available at various times and advertisements can be placed in the local newspaper. Contact the Jersey Evening Post, Advertisement Department, PO Box 582, Five Oaks, St Saviour, Jersey JE4 8XQ (tel: (01534) 611 611; fax: (01534) 611 704; e-mail: advertising@jerseyeveningpost.com; website: www.thisisjersey.com) for details. CAMPING: Camping is only permitted on recognised campsites, of which there are four. Owing to limited capacity, advance booking is essential. There are no caravan sites on Jersey. YOUTH HOSTELS: There are no youth hostels on Jersey. Introduction The largest of the Channel Islands, Jersey is highly developed for tourism. It boasts a formidable array, for its small size, of modern attractions and special events catering for its huge number of visitors. The island does not neglect its natural and historical heritage though – there is plenty of historical interest as well as many beautiful scenic attractions. ST HELIER: Two historic fortifications overlook the capital, and by far the biggest town on the island. Elizabeth Castle stands on an island on the bay, accessible by causeway at low tide. This imposing fortress withstood Cromwell’s forces for seven weeks in 1651, and housed occupying Germans during World War II. On an outcrop above the town, Fort Regent is now a leisure complex with sports and conference facilities. The former castle’s ramparts offer excellent views across the town and the bay. Highlights in the town centre include the award-winning Jersey Museum, the Maritime Museum and the Occupation Tapestry Gallery. THE COAST: Jersey is known for its Points, clifftop headlands overlooking the sea and offering fine views. Most of these are on the northern side of the island, notably those at Grosnez and Plemont on the northwest corner. Further east are Sorel, Ronez, Belle Hougue and Vicard Points, while on the southwest tip, Corbière Point is another popular sightseeing port of call. Visitor attractions dotted around the coastline include mighty Mont Orgeuil castle at Gorey, as well as a number of restored military bunkers in various locations. The Jersey Zoological Park, in Trinity, is the headquarters of the Jersey Wildlife Preservation Trust, founded by the late Gerald Durrell. The Trust is a sanctuary for many endangered species of animals, and is close to Bouley Bay. At La Grève de Lecq, there is the British Army Barracks Museum, while a Flower Centre with tropical gardens and trout pond and the Kempt Tower Interpretation Centre are in St Ouen’s Bay. On the south side of the island, and on either side of St Helier, extensive beaches stretch 5km (3 miles) west around St Aubin’s Bay, and east to La Roque Point. Portelet, a secluded sandy bay, St Brelade’s Bay, regarded as one of the island’s most beautiful beaches and popular for windsurfing and water-skiing, and Beauport, a small bay flanked by towering rocks of pink granite, are situated to the west of St Aubin. Both east and west seaboards are dominated by long, sweeping beaches, the Royal Bay of Grouville and St Catherine’s Bay flanking the town of Gorey to the east, and the 8km (5-mile) beach on St Ouen’s Bay, which forms almost the entirety of the west coast. This area is particularly good for surfers. There are fewer beaches on the north coast, but Plémont, with its rock pools and caves is particularly attractive. Bouley Bay is popular with sub-aqua enthusiasts and anglers; and Rozel, on the northeast coast, is a fishing harbour with an old fort and a small sandy beach. INLAND: Traditional crafts are a feature of the island, and many of the workshops are open to visitors. Leatherwork at L’Etacq (St Ouen) and stoneground flour from locally grown corn at Le Moulin de Quetivel, St Peter’s Valley, are among these, while in Grouville at Jersey Pottery, also renowned for its restaurant and gardens, one is able to visit the workshops and retail area. La Mare Vineyards, close to Devil’s Hole, has vineyards set in the grounds of an 18th-century farmhouse. There are displays from the local cider industry and homemade products are on sale. St Peter is the home of the 24-lane Jersey Bowl bowling centre, and the award-winning Living Legend Village attraction. There is also a museum in St Ouen, displaying floats entered in the Battle of Flowers, a festival held on the second Thursday in August each year. At La Hougue Bie in Grouville, a museum housed in a massive neolithic tomb dating back 5000 years has exhibitions on the agriculture, archaeology, geology and history of the island. Howard Davis Park in St Saviour is an attractive public garden with many subtropical plants flourishing in the mild climate. In the St Lawrence parish, St Peter’s Valley, is the German Military Underground Hospital, which contains displays of photographs and documents, and a collection of firearms, daggers and memorabilia from the World War II occupation. Sport & Activities Outdoor pursuits: The best way of seeing the island is to walk or cycle round it. The north has the highest land and the most rugged scenery, but gentler walks are possible inland and in the south. One suggested route follows the line of the old Jersey Railway – now a traffic-free public path – which runs from St Aubin to the lighthouse at Corbière on the island’s southwestern tip. Jersey’s network of ‘Green Lanes’, which have a 24kph (15mph) speed limit, are ideal for cyclists; free organised cycling and walking tours are available. Swimming: This is a popular leisure activity, and there are many bays and beaches offering excellent bathing (for information on the best beaches, see the Resorts & Excursions section). Bathers should beware, however, as Jersey has some of the largest tidal movements in the world, with as much as 12m (40ft) between low and high tide, causing very strong currents. Some beaches are patrolled by beach guards and have safe areas marked with flags. On the western coast (St Ouen’s Bay), the strong waves can also prove hazardous. There are open-air swimming pools at Havre des Pas and West Park, and two indoor pools, one at Fort Regent and one at Quennevais, St Brelade. Watersports: Waters around the island support a rich and varied marine life and there are good facilities for divers. Boat dives, skindiving and equipment hire are available from specialist operators. The best area for surfing is around St Ouen’s Bay. There are surfing schools and equipment-hire facilities. Windsurfing races are held during the summer and there are several windsurfing schools. Water-skiing facilities and tuition are available. There are two sailing clubs on the island: The Royal Channel Islands Yacht Club, St Aubin, and The St Helier Yacht Club. There is also a canoeing school in St Helier. Angling is very popular, particularly during the summer, and there are a number of sea-fishing clubs which run shore and boat festivals during the summer. Boating and fishing trips operate from St Helier. Warning: Fishing from rocks should not be attempted until the visitor has obtained information about local tides, currents and weather conditions. Fly fishing is available at the Val de la Mar and the St Catherine Reservoirs; temporary membership can be obtained. Other: Jersey has two 18-hole golf courses open to visitors who are members of a recognised golf club. Both courses are well known throughout the golfing world: La Moye in St Brelade and Royal Jersey in Grouville (website: www.royaljersey.com); both courses require proof of handicap or membership. Golfers who do not belong to a club can play at the 18-hole Les Mielles or Les Ormes courses and either of the two 9-hole courses at Wheatlands or Greve D’Azette, where no handicap is needed. For further details, contact Jersey Tourism (see Contact Addresses section). Several schools provide horseriding tuition and escorted hacks. Temporary membership of the island’s two squash clubs is available; contact Jersey Squash Club and the Lido Squash and Social Club. There are also courts at the Fort Regent Leisure Centre. Pottery and other crafts are popular in Jersey and courses (for pottery, candle-making or leatherwork) are available. Social Profile Food & Drink: Jersey has an excellent range of restaurants to cater for every taste. Seafood is very popular and a wide selection of home-grown produce is available; scallops, oysters, spider crabs and lobster are particularly good. Fresh seafood can be bought from the local fish market. Jersey cows are renowned for their rich and creamy milk; cream tea with strawberries is a speciality and available in Jersey’s many tea rooms. The island has an enviable reputation for good cuisine whether in small pubs, wine bars or high-class restaurants. Licensing hours: Daily 0900-2300. Shopping: The island is a low-duty area and there is no VAT. As well as St Helier (where there are two covered markets), there are shopping areas such as Red Houses, St Brelade and Gorey, St Martin. Luxury items such as spirits, cigarettes, jewellery and perfumes are popular buys. Local products such as knitwear, pottery, woodcrafts and even flowers are good value. Shopping hours: Mon-Sat 0900-1730. The markets and some shops are closed on Thursday afternoons. During the summer months, many shops are open in the evenings. Special Events: For a complete list and further dates, contact Jersey Tourism (see Contact Addresses section). The following is a selection of the major festivals and other special events celebrated in Jersey in 2003: Mar 29-30 Spring Flower Show. Apr 13-20 Spring Walking Week. May 3-10 International Arts Festival. May 10-18 Jersey Food Festival. May 23-25 Jersey Air Rally. Jul 5-6 Jersey Rose and Flower Show. Jul 5-11 Jersey Garden Festival. Aug 14 Jersey Battle of Flowers (internationally renowned parade, first held in 1902 to celebrate the coronation of King Edward II). Aug 15 Battle of Flowers Moonlight Parade (follows the same course as the previous day’s parade along Victoria Avenue). Aug 20-21 Summer Flower Show. Sep 11 International Air Display. Oct 9-11 International Choir Festival. Oct 10-12 Autumn Flower Show. Social Conventions: Similar to the rest of the UK, with French influences (see the United Kingdom section). Tipping: In general, this follows UK practice. Business Profile Economy: Although agriculture is still important as a source of employment and prestige – Jersey cows are renowned throughout the world – offshore banking and tourism are the mainstays of the economy: the former because of the island’s exemption from the UK tax system and the latter through continental influence and a benign climate. Finance and banking account for more than half of the GDP and are largely responsible for Jersey’s unemployment rate of less than one per cent. New and very highly regulated legislation designed to tighten up some of the less salubrious aspects of Jersey’s financial environment should serve to strengthen its reputation in an era when offshore finance is coming under growing political pressure through its implication in money-laundering. In 2002, Jersey also agreed to join an EU-wide initiative to improve financial transparency and tackle tax evasion. Business: Businesspeople are generally expected to dress smartly (suits are usual apart from Fridays when office workers generally ‘dress down’). Appointments should be made and the exchange of business cards is customary. A knowledge of English is essential. Office hours: Mon-Fri 0900/0930-1700/1730. Commercial Information: The following organisation can offer advice: Jersey Chamber of Commerce, 19 Royal Square, St Helier, Jersey JE1 4HF (tel: (01534) 724 536; fax: (01534) 734 942; e-mail: admin@jersey-chamber.co.uk). Conferences/Conventions: Jersey plays host each year to a large number of conferences; the main period is from October to May. For further details, contact the Jersey Conference Bureau, PO Box 831, Jersey JE4 0ZU (tel: (01534) 733 449 or 500 779 (Jersey Tourism); fax: (01534) 625 424; e-mail: jcb@jersey.com; website: www.jerseyconferences.co.uk). Climate The most popular holiday season is from May until the end of September, with temperatures averaging 20-21ºC (68-70ºF). Rainfall averages 33 inches a year, most of which falls during the cooler months. Sea temperatures average over 17°C (63ºF) in deep water during the summer. Required clothing: Normal beach and holidaywear for summer, with a jumper or similar as there are often sea breezes. Warm winterwear and rainwear are advised. History and Government History: Jersey has been inhabited for many thousands of years, as can be seen from the neolithic tomb at La Houge Bie. The Normans made the greatest impact on the Channel Islands, annexing them to the Duchy of Normandy during the tenth century. When William of Normandy gained the English crown in 1066, the Channel Islands became part of the Anglo-Norman realm; they were retained after the loss of Normandy in 1204. As a mark of his gratitude for their loyalty, King John granted Jersey its own constitution; this has been ratified by every successive monarch and the connection between the island and the English throne is expressed in the flag, which contains a crest surmounted by the Plantagenet crown. Like its neighbours, Jersey has at various times been a haven for smugglers and pirates, and is also vulnerable to attack due to its proximity to France, so often Britain’s enemy in the past. The islanders fought off French invasions on many occasions, particularly during the 14th and 15th centuries. One of the most serious threats, led by the Baron de Rullecourt, was repelled in 1781. The Channel Islands were occupied by the Germans during World War II. The mixture of languages – English, French and Norman-French – reflects the history of the island. Jersey has jealously guarded its independence since the war, although this has principally been manifested in the promotion of offshore finance and rigid controls on rights of residency. However, under pressure from the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development, the government has instituted controls over its offshore financial sector. Government: Jersey is not part of the United Kingdom, but is a direct dependency of the British crown with its own legislative and taxation systems which are an intriguing blend of Norman and English. The Jersey States Assembly, one of the oldest legislative bodies in the world, is composed of 12 Constables, 12 Senators and 29 Deputies (none of whom receives any remuneration for their services), as well as several non-voting officials, some of whom are appointed by the crown. The island’s laws are subject to ratification by the Privy Council, although this is little more than a formality. Copyright © 2003 Columbus Publishing Ltd.