Located off the coast of Cotentin, GUERNSEY has an area of 78km² including 150km of coastline, the island of Guernsey offers many contrasts between land and sea. By bike or on foot, you can admire the remarkable landscapes of this territory. The capital, Saint-Peter, a port city with lively streets, invites you to enter its typical pubs with English charm. Between contemporary constructions, forts or typical cottages, Guernsey boasts a varied architecture. There we discover castles, manors, maritime fortifications and museums to visit, without forgetting the Maison de Victor Hugo.
Victor Hugo's island of exile, where he lived for 15 years, keeps traces of the famous writer's passage. His home, Hauteville House, is located in St. Peter Port, capital of Guernsey, and is open for tours. The garden of this residence is accessible free of charge. Inland, discover the Little Shell Chapel, the secret gardens of Guernsey but also Port Grat, a transit point for smugglers' loot. Guernsey also gives pride of place to culture through numerous museums. To discover Hauteville House.
Between contemporary savoir-vivre and authenticity, you will not resist the charms of Guernsey!
GOOD TO KNOW
Guernsey retains the historical, physical and cultural aftereffects of the Second World War. The bombing and occupation of the island forced half the population to take refuge in the United Kingdom. Beyond the material damage, the war had an enormous impact on the population, traditions and language. Upon liberation five years later, many of the evacuees decided to stay in the United Kingdom. Those who returned became accustomed to speaking English on the continent and as a result, the local language, D'gernésiais, was no longer used as much. A campaign has also been set up to keep this language alive and children are learning it again at school.
