Jersey, Channel Isles travel information
Jersey Channel Isles England
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At 45 square miles, Jersey is the largest and most southerly of the Channel Islands. Located just a few miles off the west coast of France they are in fact self-governed despite being considered British. However, it is unsurprising that these Islands were described by writer Victor Hugo as ‘little bits of France dropped into the sea and picked up by Britain’, as it is France that is clearly visible from the island rather than the south English coast. Certainly due to the action of the Gulf Stream Jersey enjoys a much warmer and drier climate than that of the UK.
Jersey is also well known as both a popular holiday destination due to its fair climate and fabulous beaches as well as being a home for those looking for a tax haven, as income tax is very low here and there’s no VAT. St Helier is the capital of the island, located on the south west coast of the island and is where most of the financial based businesses are concentrated.
The island has endured a very chequered history having been invaded at various times. The Vikings in around the 9th century regularly raided the island on their journeys between Britain and France. Then from the 13th to the 15th century the island was fought over as the French tried to regain control. During the time of the 2nd World War Jersey was invaded for five years by the Germans who built The German Underground Military Hospital that can still be viewed by visitors today.
