The second largest of the Channel Islands, Guernsey is the most
cosmopolitan, its worldliness perhaps stemming from the fact that
the internationally acclaimed French novelist Victor Hugo made his
home here after being exiled from his homeland, and wrote 'Les
Misérables' at his beloved Hauteville House. Renoir also painted
here.
Today Guernsey is a magnet for beach and watersports
enthusiasts. The island has 27 fine beaches varying from rocky
coves in the south to long sandy beaches on the west coast (from
here the sunsets over the Atlantic are superb). Portelet, L'Eree,
Port Soif and Pembroke beaches are considered among the best in
Britain.
Away from the sea (but not too far away, because it is difficult
to ignore the ocean on this tiny island) there are several
attractions to explore, particularly in the historic capital, St
Peter Port. This is the oldest settlement in the Channel Islands,
its patchwork of roofs rising from the harbour topping Roman
arches, coloured granite buildings and narrow medieval
alleyways.
If the fact that the ¤1 note is still in circulation in Guernsey
(the Channel Islands use Sterling) does not take you back in time,
then one of the guided 'medieval' walks around St Peter Port
undoubtedly will. Low-duty shopping is also a fun occupation in the
town, and wining and dining in the cafes, bistros and restaurants
is pure gastronomic pleasure.
The most popular event of the year, culled from a full calendar
of fun and frolics ranging from tennis tournaments to dragon boat
races, is the annual week-long St Peter Port Carnival, held in
July, when the town's quayside becomes the backdrop for musicians
and street entertainers and the wharf turns into an alfresco
party.
Just a short boat ride from St Peter Port is the island of Herm,
restricted in accommodation facilities and therefore usually
favoured as a day-trip from Guernsey by visitors wishing to take
time out from the 21st century on the little isle's tranquil
beaches and in the tiny village.
