Coast and Beaches

Fermain lies at the bottom of a beautiful wooded valley. The Moorings, on the northern side of the entrance to the bay, is a perfect spot for swimming and diving in deep water. Soldier’s Bay gained its name from the neighbouring Fort George garrison. South of St Peter Port is Havelet Bay, protected by Castle Cornet. To the north is Belle Greve Bay sheltered from the prevailing westerly winds. Beyond St Sampson’s lies the natural harbour of Bordeaux. L’Ancresse Common’s northern bay has two beautiful, sandy beaches, split by a line of rocks running to the waves.

Grand Havre is at the westerly end of the Braye du Valle channel, which once split Guernsey in two. The reclaimed land is now a fine, sandy bay. Heading south, several stretches of sand form secluded sun-traps in the run up to the almost circular Port Soif. Two mighty rocks mark the mouth of the bay, with its hot, white sand dunes.

Grand Rocques is a firm favourite, with everything needed for a great day on the beach. Neighbouring Cobo has plenty more of the same. Vazon is a classic beach with acres of sand at low-tide – so much, in fact that it hosts summer sand racing. L’Eree’s sea wall offers shelter from an easterly wind and creates another sand trap. Portelet is a delightful cove and natural harbour, with a small fishing fleet and plenty of sand. The rugged southern coastline has several breathtaking bays.

Petit Bot sits at the bottom of a steep valley, with fine sand on a falling tide. To the east are La Jaonnet and La Bette, their steep narrow cliff paths are well worth the effort. Saints Bay hosts another small fishing fleet. The painter Renoir is closely associated with Moulin Huet. His sketches of the bay are featured in several of his paintings. The beach has a good example of a blow hole, which either spurts or howls at certain states of the tide.

PTGH wish to thank Guernsey Tourism for their help in providing some of the above information.
01/01/2008