Anyone visiting the western part of Normandy and looking for an off-beat and colorful place to visit should consider a day trip to one of the Channel Islands (Jersey, Guernsey, Alderney and Sark) off the coast. These islands, though closer to France than to England, are British territory and are rich in history (they were the only British territory to be occupied by the Germans in WWII). They also boast a more moderate climate than either France or England. Ferry service is available with the Emeraude Lines (see their website).

Bob! Tell us all you know about those islands: websites? places to stay? I'm going to do a search for that boatline right now. Do you have a favorite? Thanks. J.

Personal opinion, for what it's worth: I did LOTS of research on the Channel Islands before our 2000 trip to London, Normandy and Paris. We had thought about stopping over on our way from London to Normandy. Unfortunately, transportation and accommodations were prohibitively expensive relative to the attractions available there, so we decided not to go. We took a ferry from Dover to Calais instead.

We've been to both Guernsey and Alderney visiting friends. Although the islands can be difficult and expensive to get to, they are worth the effort for anyone interested in history and a quasi-English country village experience. <BR><BR>Of the two we've explored, Guernsey is larger with more to see and do. Hiking, boating, shopping and general and historical sightseeing with several hotels and restaurants to choose from throughout the island. There is a recreation of a WWII German field hospital, and there are local artisans from whom you can buy unique and beautiful souvenirs (pottery, silver, knitted clothing). <BR><BR>Alderney is very small, compact and full of history (Napoleanic, WWII), and all commercial activity is located in the main town. We enjoyed several picturesque walks collecting seashells and looking at wildflowers and spectacular views of coastal cliffs. It's possible to walk nearly the entire island on foot. Limited hotel (we stayed at the Belle Vue) and restaurant selection. <BR><BR>We visited Guernsey in early May (cold) and Alderney in mid-October (warmer but windy). Guernsey was a moderately busy place, but we felt like the only off-islanders on Alderney. Everyone knew who we were and whom we were visiting.<BR><BR>If you go, be aware that your transportation to and from the islands is very susceptible to the vagaries of weather. It is not uncommon at any time of year for it to be impossible to travel for periods of time from a few hours to a few days.<BR><BR>

Ferry travel to the Channel Islands can be badly affected by rough weather; I wouldn't recommend this method of getting there to anyone without good "sea legs". There is another (much faster and comfortable) option which strangly nobody has mentioned - by air. British Airways and British European (and a few others) offer direct flights from various UK airports including LGW, East Midlands, Luton and Southampton. Flight time is under 1 hour.<BR><BR>It's not that expensive either - if you book early and shop around you can easily pick up a return ticket from under &pound;70.<BR><BR>