Plémont
Not only is this one of the best beaches, if not THE best on Jersey, I think it could be up there as one of the best beaches in the world. That is a very bold statement but I feel very confident saying it. I mean, just look at these photographs.
Set in an idyllic cliff area, this beautiful bay is waiting for you at the bottom, after a short walk down. Captured on a sunny day, the blues and greens of the cliffs, trees, sky and sea are resplendent, and at sunset, the sea glistens and shimmers.
The short cliff walk is like nothing else; so photogenic and revitalising. There are quite a lot of steps so be careful if you are unsteady on your feet or get tired easy, you’ll need some breaks along the way! There is a lovely beach cafe on the way down selling a range of hot and cold foods, ice creams, drinks and other goodies, if that takes your fancy. It is quite pricey but has very friendly staff and a glorious view.
Sometimes it’s worth paying more.
There are caves that you can explore at your own risk. Obviously all rocky, coastal areas have their dangers so just be vigilant on this beach – it is definitely worth asking a local about the times the tide comes in and out too so you know what to expect, it’s so easy to get caught out. This icy mint water was freezing due to it being out of the sun but very mysterious and exciting.
Would you take the plunge?
The rock formations are incredible and almost other planetary! They are really fun to walk around and explore whilst the tide is out and you find yourself feeling adventurous and inspired, wanting to explore every corner and see what is behind. There are so many of these little hidden areas all around the beach interspersed with pools to paddle in, some are warm and some are freezing! Take the gamble, it’s worth it!
In one of the caves there is a little waterfall tumbling down from further up the cliff. If you’re careful, you can go and touch it and even clamber over the rocks to get behind it.
I think the visuals say it all here, waterfalls are pretty epic!
At sunset, this beach is showered with golden light and the tide comes right in allowing you to sit at the water’s edge and watch the waves slop and sparkle.
St Brélade’s Bay
This popular beach should not be missed on your trip to Jersey. It has a wonderfully cool, laid back vibe and is a fabulous place to relax with a book or music. Surrounded by trees and situated next to St Brélade’s Parish Church and graveyard, the bay attracts a variety of dynamics: families, couples, dog walkers, water sports enthusiasts.
Upon exiting the car park, you are greeted with the Churchill Memorial Park which boasts striking palm trees and colourful exotic flowers. Against a blue sky on a sunny day, this display takes your breath away and you just feel like life can’t get any better than this. You want to spend the whole day and more here.
It is a very open beach with reams of smooth sand and not a great deal of opportunity to shelter, but there are some rock formations at each side where you can at least shelter slightly from the sun when it is blazing. As you can see, they do rent out parasols and sun loungers also if you’re willing to spend a little extra for the convenience.
The café , which provides relief from the sun and bustle of the beach, sells moreish gelato ice cream and delicious, fresh food such as the catch of the day. I had Thai spiced fish soup and it was marvellous. The food is worth it, look at my delicious swordfish, it was freshly caught that day and was so fresh and full of zing.
Jewellery lovers and creatives will love the quirky little shop up the hill ‘Fish n’ Beads.’ It sells a vast selection of beads for making jewellery, giving you the opportunity to sit outside and make your own there and then. It is something different – jewellery making by the sea!
There are many sports activities taking place on this beach; surfing, jet skiing, paragliding. If you aren’t into that it is nice to sit and relax and watch them being active and having fun along with the families playing ball games and making sand castles. I for one am not a big swimming or sports fan, but I really love the whole vibe of it and watching others enjoy these activities. I can do my own thing quietly while the beach is vivacious, and that suits me just fine.
The short walk up to the church is so peaceful. We did it bare foot!
The ancient church is situated beside The Fisherman’s Chapel, one of the few remaining medieval chapels in The Channel Islands. The scenery of pastel-purple hydrangeas among the macabre tombstones is beautiful and the perfect resting place for these people that were most likely Jersey natives. The view of the turquoise sea is calming, and you can just take a few minutes to look around and gather your thoughts in the peace and quiet.
To walk around a graveyard by the sea is tranquil and thought-provoking. It is a time for quiet reflection while listening to the waves.
Be sure to visit these two beaches if you find yourself in Jersey, they are the pinnacle of island life and loved by locals and tourists alike. There is something for everyone!
xx
