The largest of the Channel Islands, Jersey is known as the ‘flower island’ for its colorful landscapes and numerous gardens that benefit from the island’s microclimate. Embark for Great Britain just a few steps from your campsite in Normandy!
How to get to Jersey Island from Utah Beach?
Ferry crossings to Jersey Island are available from several ports on the English Channel: from Saint-Malo all year round, and from Granville and Barneville-Carteret from April to October. If you’re staying at Utah Beach campsite, the closest departure point is Barneville-Carteret, located 45 minutes away. The crossing from Carteret port is also the shortest: 1 hour 5 minutes by boat, compared to 1 hour 20 minutes from Granville and 1 hour 25 minutes from Saint-Malo.
The ferry company that provides the connection between Carteret and Saint Helier port in Jersey is Manche Îles Express, which also offers shuttles to Guernsey, Alderney, and Sark, departing from Barneville-Carteret, Granville, and Diélette. In high season, the return fare from Carteret to Saint Helier for an adult is a maximum of 64 euros. The child fare is 30 euros for a return ticket for passengers between 4 and 14 years old. To bring your bike, you will need to add an additional 30 euros for the return trip. Several services can be booked at the same time as your ferry tickets: boat trips around the Channel Islands, guided tours of Jersey by coach or vintage bus, lunches, or electric bike rentals.
If you wish to bring your car, van, or motorhome to easily get around the island, you will need to take the ferry from Saint-Malo, 2 hours from Utah Beach, with Condor Ferries. The indicative price for a return trip for two adults is 70 to 100 euros depending on the period. For a vehicle, expect around 100 euros per crossing for a standard-sized car, which means approximately 200 euros extra for the return trip.
What documents are required to disembark in Jersey?
A valid identity card or passport is essential to travel to Jersey as well as Guernsey. Children not accompanied by their parents must have a parental authorization to leave the territory, an identity document, and a copy of the identity document of the legal representative who signed the authorization. If you are visiting Jersey for several days with a leisure vehicle such as a converted van or a motorhome, you must also have a reservation at an island campsite upon boarding. Finally, if you are traveling with an animal, you must be able to show its veterinary passport with proof of rabies vaccination. The animal must also be microchipped and have received parasite treatment a few days before departure.
What to visit on Jersey Island?
Jersey Island is a small territory, 8 km by 14 km. But with the diversity of its heritage, it seems to concentrate all of British culture! During your stopover of one day or more, here are the sites not to be missed:
- Elizabeth Castle: the castle is located on the heights of Saint Helier and offers a breathtaking view of the island’s capital.
- St Aubin’s Bay and its fort, accessible at low tide.
- La Corbière Lighthouse, also accessible on foot at low tide: a sound signal warns walkers that it’s time to return to the coast!
- St Ouen’s Bay, a renowned surf spot: it also houses an interesting military museum.
- Mont Orgueil Castle overlooking Gorey Harbour.
Top Restaurants in Jersey
The island is full of establishments that highlight local products. Here are some essential dining spots in Jersey:
- Faulkner Fisheries: a seafood specialist, welcoming you in the unusual setting of an old bunker.
- Kismet Cabana Kiosk: a beach restaurant inspired by cuisines from around the world, offering vegetarian or vegan versions for every dish.
- Le Sumas: a restaurant located in Gorey, which prepares seafood in an original and refined way.
- Rozel Pub and Dining: a relaxed pub in Rozel, offering homemade dishes made from seasonal and local produce.
- The Poplars Tea Room: the ideal place to enjoy real cheese scones or simply treat yourself to a sandwich.